Charley Skedaddle [Paperback]

Patricia Beatty (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Charley is a member of one of the toughest gangs in New York City. When his older brother is killed at Gettysburg, Charley vows revenge against the Confederates. So he joins the Union Army as a drummer boy.

Charley thinks war will be glamorous and exciting. But then he sees two of his friends gunned down mercilessly. When Charley shoots a Confederate soldier in self-defense, he knows he can't take any more killing. He "skedaddles" away from the battle, convinced he's a coward. Hiding in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charley encounters the ultimate test of courage. Can Charley prove his mettle once and for all -- and restore his shattered self-image?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fighting is important to Charley Quinn, 12, a street-tough New York Bowery Boy who runs away from his Irish-Catholic home to join the Union forces in Virginia. But war proves much more horrible than he'd thoughtso terrible, in fact, that he deserts, giving himself the disparaging name "Skedaddle." Afterward, Charley takes refuge in the mountains with Granny Bent, a midwife with her own secret loyalties. This well-crafted, somewhat episodic novel makes the point that fighting brings honor, and cowardice, shame. The settingsfrom the Bowery, to the battlefield, to Granny's cabinare quite powerful. These, along with Charley's disillusionment and change, give this novel depth and make it one of Beatty's best. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8 Twelve-year-old Charley Quinn loves the excitement and the gang fighting that are part of his life in New York City's Bowery in 1864. When his sister's fiance threatens to send him to an orphanage, Charley runs off with Union army enlistees and is taken on in Virginia as a drummer boy. Filled with the glory of war and a desire to avenge his brother's death at Gettysburg, Charley is a perfect soldier until his regiment does its first fighting at the Battle of the Wilderness. Charley shoots a Confederate soldier, then runs from the fighting in a panic, earning the nickname ``Charley Skedaddle'' from derisive soldiers. He is caught by a mountain woman, Granny Bent, and realizing his danger from both Union and Confederate soldiers, he stays on as her mute ``Boy,'' helping her with her chores. Over time Charley and Granny develop a strong friendship, and Charley learns from her, and through several events that test his mettle, that the greatest courageous acts are often done without an audience and for selfless reasons. Beatty brings history to life with thorough research, unusual characters and events, and fascinating historical detail. This book is a fine companion to her Turn Homeward, Hanna Lee (Morrow, 1984). Readers who enjoyed Keith's Rifles for Watie (Crowell, 1957) and William O. Steele's The Perilous Road (HBJ, 1954; o.p.) will appreciate Charley's quiet acceptance that there is no one ``right'' side to the war. Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Troll Communications (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816713170
• ISBN-13: 978-0816713172
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and Delightful short read, May 22, 2006

By 

S. Nash (Keizer,OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charley Skedaddle (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. I felt for Charley and his struggles. I couldn't imagine how hard it would be for a boy in a war, I think that it is hard enough for grown men to fight in a war. This book brought up many questions for me and I was drawn into this touching story. The characters interactions in the story are believable and I really enjoyed the development of Charley and Granny.
I appreciate the reviews, often times I want to know more about a book and there isn't any reviews. So for anyone complaining about a teacher assigning students to review a book, please realize that those reviews gave information about the book and it was helpful to other people. I am so sorry that you didn't appreciate a realistic assignment for those students. It is so much better and realistic to share a book review with anyone willing to read than with 25-35 other students that just read the book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Skedaddle for this book!, January 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Charley Skedaddle (Paperback)

Charley Skedaddle is a novel for children that adults will also enjoy. The characters and setting in this historical fiction are unique. Charley is a young Irish boy, a member of a gang, living with his sister in New York City during the time of the Civil War. He wants to prove to himself and to others that he is brave and strong, just like his brother Johnny who was killed at Gettysburg. The narrative and conversations between Charley and others provide insight into him. One can deduct from the interaction between Charley and his sister that he feels a boy is a stronger person if he fights with an enemy instead of walking away. Compared to the solemn attitude of other soldiers, it is obvious that Charley has boyish enthusiasm for war. This books looks at the Civil War from the perspective of a young boy, instead of the common view that praises the decisions of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Ulysses Grant. Throughout the book, the reader will wonder, "Will Charley ever feel better about himself and live a courageous life?" The book puts a wonderful close on this question.

I recommend this book for those who are interested in the Civil War era, and are looking for a fictional book with a story that very well could have happened. One may be interested in the fact that there were drummer boys and buglers in the Civil War and this book could be the stepping-stone to further studying those topics. For teachers, it is a great book if they are studying the Civil War or even Virginia. Charley Skedaddle brings the message to it's readers that in order to be courageous, one does not have to show it in brute strength; true courage is seen in deeds done for the good of others, not to glorify oneself. This message is a great one for children living in today's society where worth is often measured by strength and accomplishments. This book highlights hard work, honesty and honor.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charley Skedaddle, June 2, 2002

By 

Mr.Big (Cerritos, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charley Skedaddle (Paperback)

A boy named Charley Quinn had a brother (Johnny Quinn)who was in a serious gang. Charley later finds out that his brother was murdered and he was with his sister who was marrying soon. Charley soon decides to go to the army during the confederate war as a drummer boy. While he was in the army, he made a few friends who were Johnny's friend. Charley was famous because of Johnny. After being in the army, he sees one of his best friend get shot. He also kills a person, which was his first time killing. After he killed the man, the army found the dead body and they search for Charley so he runs away to the mountains and meets a very brave old lady named Jerusha Bent who treats him kindly and trains him like a man. Charley skedaddles everywhere because anywhere he goes, the confederate keeps chasing him on. He had to leave because he didn't want to endanger Jerusha's life so he skedaddles.

My favorite character is Jerusha Bent. Jerusha is the old lady who helped Charley escape the chase and she also trained him to be a courageous man. She trained Charley how to kill mountain lions and other beasts. She is also very strong and healthy. Being old and healthy is being very lucky. I think that Jerusha was born in the mountains and was trained also by another person. Its is very hard to hunt and survive in the mountains. Last, Jerusha is very kind and loving. She lets Charley sleep at her house until the confederates came. I think that being kind especially in the mountains is hard because there aren't a lot of people who wanders around.

In this book, my favorite part was when Charley killed the mountain lion. After he killed the lion, he went to find Jerusha but when he followed her tracks, he found her trapped in a difficult trap set up by humans. This was when the Jerusha and Charley found out that the confederates were after Charley. This part also makes me very sad because Charley has to go away. When Charley says good bye, Jerusha was about to cry and she almost never cried in her life. I think that crying is a very good thing to do when you are very sad. You should show your feelings and expressions. This is one of my favorite part in the whole book.