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HEAR THE WIND BLOW

Name: HEAR THE WIND BLOW
Author: Mary Downing Hahn
ISBN: 0-618-18190-3

A NOVEL OF THE CIVIL WAR

by Mary Downing Hahn ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 19, 2003

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Toward the end of the Civil War, much of northern Virginia is a wasteland, houses and farms destroyed, the smell of smoke lingering in the air. Now the war has reached 13-year-old Haswell Magruder. When a young, wounded Confederate soldier—pursued by Yankees—rides into his family’s life, he sets in motion a chain of events that changes their lives forever. With their house burned to the ground and the farm in ruins, Haswell and his sister must set off on an odyssey across war-torn northern Virginia to find safe haven with relatives. Haswell is an effectively drawn character—too young to fight, but old enough to understand his place in a country at war with itself. Through his eyes, readers see the consequences of war better than any exposition of dates could provide. A memorable journey in the voice of a young boy whom readers will care about, a first-rate story, and an essential addition to Civil War collections. (Historical fiction. 10-14)

Pub Date: May 19, 2003

ISBN: 0-618-18190-3

Page Count: 208

Publisher: Clarion Books

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2003

Categories:

CHILDREN'S HISTORICAL FICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE OLD WILLIS PLACE GRAPHIC NOVEL
by Mary Downing Hahn ; adapted by Scott Peterson ; illustrated by Meredith Laxton ; color by Sienna Haralson

- BOOK REVIEW
ALL THE LOVELY BAD ONES
by Mary Downing Hahn ; adapted by Scott Peterson ; illustrated by Naomi Franquiz ; color by Brittany Peer

- BOOK REVIEW
WAIT TILL HELEN COMES
developed by Mary Downing Hahn ; adapted by Scott Peterson ; illustrated by Meredith Laxton ; color by Russ Badgett

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THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS

by Scott O'Dell & Elizabeth Hall ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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Seen through the eyes of Chief Joseph's daughter, Sound of Running Feet, O'Dell's last novel (coauthored and completed after his death by his wife) recounts the circuitous, tragic journey of the Ne-mee-poo (Nez Perce) from their Oregon home to the Lapwai Reservation in Idaho. Wisely recognizing that there's no way to fight the entrenching whites, Chief Joseph counters calls to war from dissenting tribal leaders and agrees to lead his people on what becomes an epic ordeal. Attacked by settlers en route, they win some battles against the "Blue Coats,"but the decimated tribe makes it into Crow territory only to find that their former allies are in league with the Army. Heading for refuge with Sitting Bull in Canada, they're caught in a surprise attack that leaves no choice but surrender. Bringing this bleak historical episode to life in spare, supple prose that echoes Joseph's own dignified words, the authors offer a fascinating look at the heroism of ordinary people. While the strong-willed narrator, her father, and her brave betrothed at first seem larger than life, it is quickly apparent that they don't consider themselves as such; and though she wishes she could fight, the girl dutifully takes her place caring for the young and the infirm. The authors don't tone down war's violence; they simply present it with unembellished clarity that is certain to leave a lasting impression, ending on a memorable note of reconciliation. A fitting end to a distinguished career. (Fiction. 10-14)