The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (Scholastic Gold) - by Rodman Philbrick (Paperback)

About the Book

Young Homer Figg sets off to follow his brother into the thick of the Civil War. Through a series of fascinating events, Homer's older brother has been illegally sold to the Union Army. It is up to Homer to find him and save him. A Newbery Honor Book.

Book Synopsis

A Newbery Honor Book, this warm, funny, & heart-wrenching Civil War novel introduces readers to the Battle of Gettysburg & "Little Round Top," one of the most famous feats of bravery in U.S. history!

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg joins the Scholastic Gold line, which features award-winning and beloved novels. Includes exclusive bonus content!

In this emotive Newbery Honor-winning page-turner, 12 year-old orphan Homer runs away from Pine Swamp, Maine, to find his older brother, Harold, who has been sold into the Union Army. With laugh-aloud humor, Homer outwits and outruns a colorful assortment of Civil War-era thieves, scallywags, and spies as he makes his way south, following clues that finally lead him to the Battle of Gettysburg and the dramatic story of the 20th Maine at Little Round Top. Even through a hail of gunfire, Homer never loses heart--but will he find his brother? Or will it be too late?

With engaging wit and comical repartee reminiscent of Mark Twain, master storyteller Rodman Philbrick introduces us to the unforgettable character of Homer in this groundbreaking historical novel.

Review Quotes

A 2010 Newbery HonorAn American Library Association Notable BookWinner of the 2009 Oppenhein Toy Portfolio Platnium AwardA 2010 Kentucky Bluegrass Award NomineeNew York Public Library's Children's Book 2009--One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing*"Rip roaring adventure."--Publisher's Weekly, starred review"Bursting with vividly voiced characters and descriptions so crisp they practically punch."--Kirkus Reviews"Homer's facile narration, and a little laying waste of the truth[, ]... creates a captivating read."--The Horn Book"The engaging protagonist and mixture of humor and adventure make this a strong choice."--School Library Journal"This eventful, episodic novel is accessible to a younger audience than many others set during the Civil War."--Booklist"Award winning author of Freak the Mighty deftly fictionalizes the Civil War's dark twists via young Figg."--American History Magazine"While telling a swashbuckling and humorous tale of adventure, Philbrick weaves a good amount of history into a page-turning plot."--The Boston Globe

About the Author

Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick has written more than a dozen novels for young readers. In 1993, he published his first children's book, Freak the Mighty, which became an instant classic, and was made into a feature film. The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg was a 2010 Newbery Honor Book. Philbrick's other acclaimed novels include Max the Mighty, The Young Man and the Sea, The Last Book in the Universe, Zane and the Hurricane, and Wildfire. Philbrick divides his time between Maine and the Florida Keys. You can learn more about him on his website: rodmanphilbrick.com.