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clara_readsbooks's review against another edition
2.0
*2.5
Disappointed but not surprised.
Going into this book, I had low expectations. After reading it, I gotta say, its just kind of met my already stated standards; I thought maybe the further I got into this the better it would get, but not really.
I for one really like character studies so this was pretty boring for me. I liked seeing how our main character changed and evolved as the war went on, but I feel like I can't compare his post-war self to his pre-war self because the author doesn't tell us anything about his old self! Very frustrating...
As for atmosphere, it took me until half way thought the book to feel like I was even sort of emerged into another world and time. Maybe that's because the book just couldn't hold my interest, or because of the writing and pace.
Writing: I liked it in some ways, like how Gary Paulsen described the very few things he described, but that's just it; he didn't describe enough. Sure, by the end I was able to get into it, but starting this book was not fun.
As for the plot, there isn't a whole lot to it. The guy gets on a train, goes into battle three times, and then suffers from PTSD and depression afterwards. But I didn't mind that, seeing as the book seems to be more of reprucussions of war, which I did like.
Logic-wise, this book was waaaaayyyy too fast for my liking. That was one major problem with this for me.
Overall. I don't hate this book, but its not something I'll be recommending or re-reading; not if i can help it. >:<
(I used the CAWPILE rating method for this review.)
Disappointed but not surprised.
Going into this book, I had low expectations. After reading it, I gotta say, its just kind of met my already stated standards; I thought maybe the further I got into this the better it would get, but not really.
I for one really like character studies so this was pretty boring for me. I liked seeing how our main character changed and evolved as the war went on, but I feel like I can't compare his post-war self to his pre-war self because the author doesn't tell us anything about his old self! Very frustrating...
As for atmosphere, it took me until half way thought the book to feel like I was even sort of emerged into another world and time. Maybe that's because the book just couldn't hold my interest, or because of the writing and pace.
Writing: I liked it in some ways, like how Gary Paulsen described the very few things he described, but that's just it; he didn't describe enough. Sure, by the end I was able to get into it, but starting this book was not fun.
As for the plot, there isn't a whole lot to it. The guy gets on a train, goes into battle three times, and then suffers from PTSD and depression afterwards. But I didn't mind that, seeing as the book seems to be more of reprucussions of war, which I did like.
Logic-wise, this book was waaaaayyyy too fast for my liking. That was one major problem with this for me.
Overall. I don't hate this book, but its not something I'll be recommending or re-reading; not if i can help it. >:<
(I used the CAWPILE rating method for this review.)
the_fabric_of_words's review against another edition
5.0
To teach CC ELA standards for historical fiction in 7th grade, 7.R.RL.09, I used two very different books about the American Civil War -- Gary Paulsen's Soldiers Heart was one. They helped students identify how changing the point of view, or perspective, of characters in historical fiction can radically change the story.
This book was traditionally read at the middle school where I taught. Before reading the book, students viewed several Frontline episodes about post traumatic stress disorder. This video, and our classroom discussion, also helped build students' background knowledge for 8th grade teachers when they teach 2SS.C8.PO14, or how 20-21st century events in the Middle East impact the US.
You'll need to send home a note to parents, explaining the video has mature content, some language and offer parents who object the option of sending a student to a colleague's classroom during the viewing.
There are several excellent, commercially available reading guides for Paulsen's Soldier's Heart, and I purchased and used two of them. In addition, I purchased class copies of the book and the audio book. Students read / listened in class and completed comprehension questions afterward.
Visit my blog for the Frontline link, viewing permission slip and more free teaching resources for this book : https://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/gendered-pov-in-literature
This book was traditionally read at the middle school where I taught. Before reading the book, students viewed several Frontline episodes about post traumatic stress disorder. This video, and our classroom discussion, also helped build students' background knowledge for 8th grade teachers when they teach 2SS.C8.PO14, or how 20-21st century events in the Middle East impact the US.
You'll need to send home a note to parents, explaining the video has mature content, some language and offer parents who object the option of sending a student to a colleague's classroom during the viewing.
There are several excellent, commercially available reading guides for Paulsen's Soldier's Heart, and I purchased and used two of them. In addition, I purchased class copies of the book and the audio book. Students read / listened in class and completed comprehension questions afterward.
Visit my blog for the Frontline link, viewing permission slip and more free teaching resources for this book : https://amb.mystrikingly.com/blog/gendered-pov-in-literature
gatorelgato's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
nerfherder86's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting historical fiction book based on a very true story of one boy who lied about his age to enlist in the Union Army, and saw action in all but one major Civil War battle. Very realistic battle scenes, and not a happy ending; it's primarily about the trauma of war, since "Soldier's Heart" was what they used to call Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
I thought the book did an excellent job of capturing the feelings of a young Civil War soldier - carrying the reader through his decision to enlist all the way to his return home after the war. You can see how his outlook changes because of his experiences. I have recommended that my 5th grade teachers read it this summer and consider it for their Civil War unit.
sammah's review against another edition
4.0
A short, but interesting read, that I would recommend for those who are interested in Civil War history. While it is not intensely in-depth, it is full of heart and that makes up for the lack of immense detailing of the war. It is nice to read from the perspective of a young Union soldier (just 15 when he enlists), though it is often heartbreaking as you follow him through the battles he must fight, both in the war and with himself. Again a wonderful book for those with an interest in history.
danerysss's review against another edition
2.0
do you think the cover could be any more ugly?? read this for school ugh
joyful543's review against another edition
5.0
This book is deceptively simple-looking. It is not lengthy or complex, but its content is not something to be taken lightly.
The text gives a first-hand perspective on a number of real events in the Civil War, through the eyes of Charley Goddard, a real boy who enlisted when he was fifteen, lying about his age. At such a young age, he saw brutalities that no person should have to experience at any age, and the reader feels the resulting pain and subsequent numbness along with our young protagonist.
This is an important, powerful read.
The text gives a first-hand perspective on a number of real events in the Civil War, through the eyes of Charley Goddard, a real boy who enlisted when he was fifteen, lying about his age. At such a young age, he saw brutalities that no person should have to experience at any age, and the reader feels the resulting pain and subsequent numbness along with our young protagonist.
This is an important, powerful read.
kande0321's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book because although it was short, it was packed with emotion. The way Gary Paulsen wrote it, I felt like I was there and the pathos was very driven. Very worthwhile book to read.