Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run

May 1, 2009
Gr 4-6-In this well-paced time-travel novel, smart-aleck Stonewall Hinkleman is not having fun. Named for "Stonewall" Jackson, the 12-year-old spends his summers being dragged to Civil War reenactments by his enthusiastic reenactor parents. This weekend, it's the First Battle of Bull Run. However, he forgot his buglea key prop for a bugle boy. He finds a replacement when he meets "Tom," a curious vendor who gives him an authentic-looking instrument and warns him to be careful during the battle. On his way back to his parents, he hears another reenactor, "Senator" Dupree, ranting about how history should be different. If the South had won the war, modern America would be better off. His daughter, Ashby, and Stonewall are disgusted with Dupree's racist attitude, but move on. The next day, when Stonewall sounds the "Charge," he and Ashby find themselves at the actual battle. There, he meets his ancestor, Cyrus, and discovers that Dupree has also been transported and is attempting to reverse the outcome of the fighting. Stonewall, Cyrus, and Ashby have to stop him to prevent American history from being changed forever. Stonewall is a likable character whose attitude changes for the better in the story. There is one use of the "N" word. A good choice for historical fiction fans."Lisa Crandall, Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2009
Grades 5-7 Twelve-year-old Stonewall Hinkleman, named for the general and not too happy about it, is once again pressed into service as a bugle boy, wearing an itchy costume in yet another weekend Civil War reenactmenta replay of the First Battle of Bull Run. After his namesake magically appears and hands him a time-travel talisman, though, Stonewall soon finds himself at the actual battle with an important mission: to keep another time traveler from changing the course of history. Stonewalls wry first-person narrative will appeal to readers from the start: if his resentful rant against his parents doesnt draw laughs, his amusing spin on hallowed family history surely will. As he steps back in time and tries to complete his mission, his tone gradually changes. While the narration never completely loses its ironic edge, Stonewalls outlook shifts when his actions and choices actually matter. This engaging novel offers a fresh approach to Civil War fiction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)