Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Book Review & Giveaway: The Passage by James Killgore


In 1862, the midst of the Civil War, fifteen-year old Sam Wood tempts fate when he forges his grandfather's name and convinces his best friend, Albert, to enlist in the Confederate Navy.

Unfortunately, life on board the ironclad CSS Arkansas proves to be more grueling than Sam had imagined. Hours of hard work leave him exhausted and disillusioned. It strains his friendships and morale.

As the Arkansas forges down the Yazoo River and on to the Mississippi toward Vicksburg, the passage becomes a fight for life and death in which Sam is ill-prepared. When the horrors of war become reality, he must question whether the cause of war was worth the consequences.

Sam says it best himself, "War had not made a man of me. It had only killed the boy I was."

The Passage by James Killgore contains a chilling lesson that war does not always make a man. A well researched novel that leaves the reader questioning whether there is any glory in becoming a soldier. The lessons learned are profound and the reference to the real CSS Arkansas make The Passage a story that will hit home to Civil War History buffs. Highly recommended historical fiction suited for teenagers ages 12-16.


Publishing Information:

Peachtree Publishers (October, 2006)
Pages: 249 hardback
Ages: 12 and up
ISBN 13 1-56145-384-6

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Contest Details: One of my readers will receive a copy of The Passage by James Killgore. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter. By entering, you acknowledge you have read the terms on the form and agree to them. Contest ends 4/18/2013 at 11:59 EST

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11 comments:

Tricia C. said...

I do not have a loved one in the military, but I have two 7th grade students who would love this book. I'm always on the lookout for stories like this one to hand to them. Thanks so much for the heads up about this book!

GeorgiaBeckman said...

I would love to donate this to the school's library. I think any of the young men would enjoy reading a book about sneaking into the military. (sneaking being the key word here!)

Anonymous said...

Our friend is currently serving on a submarine in Japan
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com

slb3334 said...

my military is in the army.

Unknown said...

My husband is an army veteran, my brother is in the guard full time and just recently returned from Afghanistan and going back soon, my ex sister in law is full time army, my grandfathers are and we're vets, my father in law is a vet and is 100% disabled due to being wounded and blown up 2 times in Vietnam...those are the few right off the top of my head. My grandfathers were in Korean War. Not to mention all our numerous friends in there now we consider family.
Lilhottemomma@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

how sweet but how is my budd gonna get my shout out buddy mama loves you be safe and remember no one left behind if someones hurt help them mama taught you right agian I LOVE YOU MY SWEET BUDSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

susansmoaks said...

my best friend is in the army and i love him and miss him
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

tony l smoaks on rafflecopter

Tami Valentine said...

5 of my 6 brothers are or have been in the military. 4 of them are still in active duty! Both of my grandpas: one in Navy the other in Marines. My dad was in the army.
I love you all!!!!

Pixel Berry Pie Designs said...

My younger brother (in high school) would love this book! The Civil War is his favorite time period in American history to study about, and he also enjoys learning about ships. I think this book would be perfect for him. And I'd have to read it too. Thanks!

kathy dalton said...

i have two nephews in the military, Eric and James

KayeDean said...

My nephew Mitchell McKenzie just got back from his first tour in Iraq. He is now stationed in NC.

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