The Fighting Ground
The Fighting Ground
The Fighting Ground
Avi
Scott O’Dell Award for Best Historical Fiction * ALA Notable Book * ALA Best Books for YANewbery Medal-winning author Avi tells the “compelling story of a young boy’s first encounter with war and how it changes him.”—Publishers WeeklyJonathan 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.

Book Details

Genre: 

  • Adventure
  • Historical Fiction

Age Level: 

  • 5 - 8
Profile Picture
CA

Jonathon is a 13-year-old boy who lives on a farm. He has always dreamt of being a soldier and he knows he can fight the British. He gets his chance when Hessians are sighted near his hometown. Without his father's permission, he joins other men to fight. He is captured by some soldiers and must find his way home.

Profile Picture
ZR

A thirteen year old boy named Jonathan goes to fight in the war against the British. He is anxious to fight in the war but little does he know that the war is not all that he thinks. Jonathan's life changes when he experiences the life of a real soldier. Jonathan realizes that being in the war is not as great as he thought when he sees what goes on, such as people suffering and dying. He experiences what it really feels like to be a person fighting for freedom.

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