Just like the Scarlet Stocking's Spy, this book holds beautiful artwork by Robert Papp and a story revolving around the subject of War. This time it's the Civil War and instead of a young female hero it's a young boy, named Gabriel. I like this book because the main character is young and it is based on real life events. I loved reading Trinka Hakes Noble's books the Scarlet Stocking's Spy and The Last Brother because everything in these books comes from a unique mixture of family history and historical evidence and you learn so many interesting facts about the past. For instance, I had no idea that the Civil War was often called the boy's war because many of the soldiers who fought were young boys- between the ages of ten and fourteen! I also had no idea what a Bugler was before reading this book. A bugler is someone who is in charge of mimicking the sergeant's orders by blowing a horn so the rest of the regiment can follow suit.
This specific book was based off of the battle at Picket's Charge, one of the bloodiest battle's in American History- with thousands of casualties in just fifty minutes. Reading about the battle on Wikipedia I found that: "Approximately 12,500 men in nine infantry brigades advanced over open fields for three quarters of a mile under heavy Union artillery and rifle fire." I can just imagine this... the horror of having to walk straight into a death trap, like walking the plank with a cloud of bullets all around you. As the Confederate army was falling like flies, the Union army was shielded behind a stone wall.
The above information is what I discovered doing my own research and this is exactly what happens in the book. The author has a knack for making history come to life- using details that are perfectly chosen for the scene. I like the image she paints of Davy, Gabe's older brother after he has come back in from the battlefield: "We fought the Rebs in the woods today," he said hoarsely, his eyes closed. It is a simple description but it stuck out to me because I can see it so vividly. The authors family history, research and experiences visiting the actual battlefield make this story seem so real and alive.
Like the Scarlet Stocking's Spy, The Last Brother is a powerful book. Contrary to what one may think from first glancing at the image on the books cover of a boy in a blue Union uniform, this book is not just about war. It is about a young boy's devotion and love for his older brother and an unlikely friendship that develops between Gabe and the bugler fighting for the 'other' side. Because of their friendship and Gabriel's unflinching courage in the face of death, lives are saved on both sides of the battle line, making a story that isn't easy to forget. Even more fascinating, I read on Wikipedia that General Picket, when questioned later about why he believed the charge was unsuccessful stated "I've always thought the Yankee's had something to do with it." The Yankee's are those fighters who were formerly members of the Union but were fighting for the South. Although the author does not make a note about this, I will infer that even the part about Gabe and Orlee's friendship and the help they provided for each other is based on truth.
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