The fighting ground

Book Cover
Average Rating
Author
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication Date
[1984]
Language
English

Description

Scott O’Dell Award for Best Historical Fiction * ALA Notable Book * ALA Best Books for YA

Newbery Medal-winning author Avi tells the “compelling story of a young boy’s first encounter with war and how it changes him.”—Publishers Weekly

Jonathan may be only thirteen years old, but with the Revolutionary War unfolding around him, he’s more certain than ever that he wants to be a part of it—to fight for independence alongside his brother and cousin to defeat the British. But Jonathan’s father, himself wounded from battle, refuses to let his son join the front lines.

When Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling all soldiers to arms, he rushes to enlist without telling his dad. Gun in hand, Jonathan falls in with a militia and marches onward to the fighting ground. It feels like he’s been waiting his whole life for this moment.

But no amount of daydreaming could prepare Jonathan for what he encounters. In just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever changed—by his fellow soldiers, unsuspecting enemies, and the frightening and complicated realities of war. 

More than thirty years after its publication, award-winner The Fighting Ground continues to be an important work of historical fiction for young readers.

More Details

ISBN
9780397320745
9780064401852
9780397320738

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Like Avi's historical fiction for older kids, Selznick's books for older kids are unique views of history peppered with characters readers will care about. Selznick's books are more visual, an innovative fusion of words meshed with cinematic illustrations. -- Kathy Stewart
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Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Gr. 5-7. Jonathan, 13, thinks only of the glories of war when he joins a local band of colonists. Digital-time chapter headings move through the 24 hours in which Jonathan is involved in a skirmish, captured by three Hessians, escapes, and returns home a changed person.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

A 13-year-old boy's dream of fighting in the American Revolution becomes a reality in this exciting adventure tale, winner of the 1984 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Ages 9-up. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

A 13-year-old boy's dream of fighting in the American Revolution becomes a reality in this exciting adventure tale, winner of the 1984 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

One day in the life of a 13-year-old boy fighting in the Revolutionary War is vividly depicted in hour-by-hour vignettes. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

The compelling story of a young boy's first encounter with war and how it changes him. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.
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