Summer Soldiers [Paperback]

Susan Hart Lindquist (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Reminiscent of Stand by Me and Lily's Crossing, this story of courage and camaraderie during World War I will touch the hearts of readers.

Joe is trying hard to be brave. His father has left to fight in the Great War, and now it's up to him, at age 11, to keep his household and sheep ranch running smoothly.
He would much prefer fishing and kidding around with his pals--and avoiding the ever-bullying Thornton brothers. But as the war heats up, his whole community seems to grow as nasty as the bullies, turning against some of their own townsfolk for reasons Joe can't understand. And though the summer has its moments of unexpected joy, it will take the shock of tragedy for Joe to finally discover the true meaning of courage, and the comfort and power of friendship.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Adopting the voice of an 11-year-old boy, Lindquist (Walking the Rim; Wander) introduces two rural California families whose lives are dramatically affected by the patriotic fervor sweeping the nation during WWI. Joe Farrington takes on a host of new responsibilities on the sheep ranch after his father decides to "go after that Kaiser Wilhelm." Mr. Farrington is not the only one to enlistAall the other men in the neighborhood join up as well, except for Mr. Morgan, the father of Joe's friend Jim. Joe, struggling to be the man of the family, is also acutely aware of Jim's situation as prejudices and suspicions against the Morgans surface. The first several chapters, centering around the boys' run-ins with bullies, are fairly old hat, but the novel evolves into something more interesting and profound as both Joe and Jim confront personal tragedies. Rising from a cast of stock, fairly predictable characters, Joe and Jim emerge as true-to-life heroes embodying many different levels of courage. Ages 10-14. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8This story about 11-year-old Joe Farrington, his three friends, and their families is set in a small California town during World War I. The fellowship between the four sheep-raising families is challenged when three of the fathers enlist in the army, while only Jims father remains at home. His decision draws the ire of the community, which brands him a coward and a slacker. Joe remains loyal to his friend until his own father is reported missing in action. Ultimately, Jims father salvages his reputation when he dies a hero while rescuing some horses from a sinking ship. Meanwhile, the four boys fight their own battles with Luthers older brothers, who constantly ridicule and bully them. Telling the story from Joes point of view in a folksy tone, Lindquist integrates the issues of patriotism and courage into the simple facts of this historical period, providing a fascinating snapshot of the times. However, the novel is disappointing in several areas. Although Joe is interesting, the supporting characters are often predictable and one-dimensional and the bullies are boring stereotypes. The plot, which starts full of promise, loses credibility as critical events appear to have been selected to illustrate characters growth rather than to form a seamless story.Tim Rausch, Crescent View Middle School, Sandy, UT
Copyright 1999 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 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (July 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440415373
• ISBN-13: 978-0440415374
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,640,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Summer Soldiers, April 30, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Summer Soldiers (Hardcover)

This is a great book. You will never want to put it down. It will keep you at the edge of your seat. It shows you how difficult it is to be a 12-year-old boy, who gets picked on by his friend's brother, and doesn't know if his dad is dead in the war. On top of that he stands up for his friend because they think his father is a coward for not going to war.
I would reckremend this book to any one. It is one you can read to your whole family.

5.0 out of 5 stars History comes alive in a touching and memorable way..., August 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Summer Soldiers (Hardcover)

Summer Soldiers brings the history of WWI alive in a unique and very touching way. This book is hard to put down, as it feels so very real. The anguish of having a beloved parent away from home, the difficulties coping with bullies bigger than you are, the struggles to make the right decisions and carry on when things get tough, are just some of the struggles that Joe copes with in this extremely well-written novel.

This is a good choice for either boys or girls, but especially for boys. How refreshing to find an interesting, compelling book for boys without a lot of violence in it! Kids of today can identify with the emotional turmoil in Joe's life, while they are stepping back into a time in history far beyond today's experiences.

I highly recommend this book as a gift for Birthdays and Christmas!

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read with lots of historical atmosphere!, July 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Summer Soldiers (Hardcover)

SUMMER SOLDIERS is a charming story of a boy experiencing the hardships of World War 1 on the homefront. The bullies he encounters are realistically depicted as mean and ornery. The historical facts are just right and blend in well with the story. Joe is a sympathetic character that all readers will cheer on when he displays his courage and honesty.