Young Heroes of the Civil War by C. A. Fiore

During the American Civil War, boys joined the forces on both sides. Some were pre-teenage (even as young as eight years old). Many were teenage non-combatants, drummers, fifers and buglers who abandoned their instruments and grabbed muskets to join the fighting ranks, becoming heroes beyond the call of duty and winning Medals of Honor. Many boys and young men did everything their older comrades-in-arms did and many were horribly injured, imprisoned, killed or died of disease.

Author, Fiore, writes: "The young fighters and noncombatants of the Civil War served with distinction, yet received a minimum amount of credit and recognition after the hostilities ceased. Published literature...hardly ever mentioned the younger underage soldiers and sailors. Their vitally important contributions...went relatively unnoticed."

Sixteen chapters are presented in the first person as if the young heroes were telling their stories directly to us. Four more chapters offer background and perspective and highlight the contributions of black and native-american combatants. There are poignant letters home and eye-witness accounts of how the battle-hardened soldiers were affected by the deaths of the youngsters.

A moving and revealing book that will appeal particularly to the 10 to 14 age group.