Soldiers Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers

Paulsen often uses contrasts to emphasize a point or idea. For example, he contrasts the beauty of a country road with the sights and sounds of a raging battle in Chapter 8. Analyze one such contrast and explain how Paulsen uses it to emphasize a theme or idea.

Analyze Charley’s character transformation over the course of the novel. How does combat change him?

Paulsen includes many historical details throughout the novel. Choose three aspects of the novel that are historically accurate. How do these facts enhance the reading experience? What purpose might Paulsen have in blending both fact and fiction?