Do you have what it takes to run off and join the army, leaving your family behind? That's what John Lincoln Clem, a nine-year-old boy living in Ohio, does as the American Civil War rages on.In 1861, Johnny sneaks onto a train filled with men from the 3rd Ohio Union Regiment, determined to fight for his country. Johnny becomes a drummer boy, and eventually the youngest soldier to serve in the war. Living a soldier's life, he experiences the brutalities of battle, the hunger and illness in between, and imprisonment before being sent home a hero.Based on a True Story books are exciting historical fiction about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History.
“"Johnny's pluck, erstwhile patriotism, and sheer determination make him a likable and sympathetic hero. . . . the blend of strong story and illustrations brings to life a unique Civil War tale." -- Booklist "In one of four titles launching the Based on a True Story series, Abbott (a pseudonym for author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb) profiles the youngest known soldier in the American Civil War.... Twenty short chapters, interwoven with archival photos and Noble's line drawings, depict the grueling realities of a being a Civil War soldier...while dashes of hope...help keep this war story palatable for younger audiences." -- Publishers Weekly”
"Johnny's pluck, erstwhile patriotism, and sheer determination make him a likable and sympathetic hero. . . . the blend of strong story and illustrations brings to life a unique Civil War tale." --Booklist
"In one of four titles launching the Based on a True Story series, Abbott (a pseudonym for author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb) profiles the youngest known soldier in the American Civil War.... Twenty short chapters, interwoven with archival photos and Noble's line drawings, depict the grueling realities of a being a Civil War soldier...while dashes of hope...help keep this war story palatable for younger audiences." --Publishers Weekly
E.F. Abbott is a pseudonym for Karen Romano Young, author of Doodlebug: A Novel in Doodles. She has written over a dozen books for children. Karen and her family live in Bethel, Connecticut.
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