Stonewall Hinkleman and the Battle of Bull Run
Grade 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 bugle—a 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, MICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.