How I Found the Strong
How I Found the Strong
Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 2019
Book Brief
136
Novella • Fiction
Mississippi • 1860s
2019
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
How I Found the Strong by Margaret McMullan tells the story of 10-year-old Frank "Shanks" Russell, who remains at home on their Mississippi farm with his mother, grandparents, and their enslaved boy, Buck, while his father and older brother join the Confederate Army. As they endure the hardships of the Civil War, Shanks grows closer to his family, begins to empathize with Buck, and questions the war's purpose.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Margaret McMullan's How I Found the Strong is praised for its compelling portrayal of the Civil War through a young boy's eyes, offering a unique perspective and rich historical detail. However, some critics note that the pacing can be slow, and character development could be deeper. Overall, it is appreciated for its educational value and emotional depth.
Who Should Read How I Found the Strong?
Readers who enjoy How I Found the Strong by Margaret McMullan are typically young adults interested in historical fiction and Civil War narratives. Fans of Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt and Soldier’s Heart by Gary Paulsen will find this tale of a boy’s journey through wartime Mississippi both compelling and thought-provoking.
265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
136
Novella • Fiction
Mississippi • 1860s
2019
YA
10-14 years
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