Although he is underage, Homer P. Figg’s beloved older brother, Harold, is illegally sold into the Union Army by their ruthless guardian. Now Homer must run away from Pine Swamp, Maine, and his wretched home to find his brother and save him from the war, before it’s too late.
In a story filled with adventure, humor, and danger, award-winning novelist Rodman Philbrick tells of the turbulent, passionate times–from rural Maine to the Battle of Gettysburg--in the Civil War. Here is historical fiction at its most engaging, portraying the 1860s through the observant eyes of a backwoods boy who is both courageous and funny–and always willing to stretch the truth to his own advantage. A master of plot twists and vivid characters, Philbrick sweeps readers into the unpredictable events--both colorful and tragic--of this powerful turning point in American history.
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"Really enjoyed this young readers story. Homer Figg narrates this story about searching for his older brother Harold. Harold is sold into the Union Army by their ruthless uncle. Homer sets out on his quest to find and rescue his brother before he is wounded or killed in the Civil War. Story begins in Maine and we t...ravel with Homer as he moves from one adventure to the next - always "stretching" the truth a bit! Homer ends up finding his brother at Gettysburg and up on Little Round Top under the command of Chamberlain. Historical fiction for kids - it was great!"
— Kristina (4 out of 5 stars)
" This book just won a Newbery Honor (2010) and is written by an author with Maine connection. And Homer is a Mainer! So why don't I love this book? I think it's definitely a "style" issue for me -- the book is almost like a tall tale, with a protagonist who's content to lie at every turn. I tend not to care for books and movies like that. That style gave way to better writing (in my opinion) at the end of the book when Homer found himself in the Battle of Gettysburg with one of Maine's heroes, Joshua Chamberlain. "
— Merry, 2/15/2014" I really enjoyed this book - laced with humor and wit, it was a good action driven storyline that kept me engaged. There was lots of information about the Civil War and life in America all those years ago. It truly made me grateful for stuff we take for granted - like transportation and medical care. "
— Kim, 2/4/2014" More like 3 1/2 stars. Listened to this on a family road trip, and we all 4 liked it. My 9 yr old didn't want to pay so much attention at the beginning, but he got in to it as it went on. "
— elissa, 2/2/2014" Great book! I thought Homer was a wonderful character and I enjoyed seeing him mature and grow in such a short time. If you like history, especially the civil war period, you will appreciate this book. "
— Lea, 1/21/2014" Homer's a liar of the same caliber as good old Huckleberry Finn. A very witty book, and I was very pleased that my favorite figure from the Civil War made an appearance at the end, Col. Joshua Chamberlain of the 20th Maine. "
— Catherine, 1/9/2014" Great period piece. Fun characters with an entertaining plot. I liked this book. "
— Cynthia, 1/7/2014" If you like adventure and history this book is for you. Homer is an interesting character that needs help finding his brother in that has been sworn into the Union Army illegally under aged. This is a book I would recommend. It's a little slow in the middle and you may be confused in some parts but it has a very great ending to top off a wonderful book. "
— jackj, 1/7/2014" I felt that this novel started off slow and it took me a few chapters to get into it; however, I'm happy that I stuck with it. This is a fantastic book that presents the reality of the Civil War through a 12 year-old's eyes. "
— Raegan, 12/29/2013" Terrific insight into the Civil War, and the horrors of war in general. It was all done with a huge dose of humor, so nothing seemed overwhelmingly terrible. I think I'll suggest that my kids read this for a book report. "
— Jennifer, 12/24/2013" Reminded me of "The Whipping Boy", but set in the Civil War era. Homer's largest talents are his uncanny ability to survive difficult situations and his overwhelming urge to lie, most of the time these two are related. An amusing read, might be nice paired with SS coverage of the Civil War. "
— Jena, 12/11/2013" I really enjoyed this book about young boy during the Civil War. Very funny. "
— Chris, 12/11/2013Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children’s book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.