38 pages • 1 hour read
Paul FleischmanBull Run
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1993A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Bull Run by Paul Fleischman depicts the events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Bull Run through the perspectives of 16 Union and Confederate narrators, illustrating the chaos, destruction, and emotional toll of the Civil War's first major battle. The novel addresses themes of war's destructiveness, its universal impact on humanity, and the shared desires across both sides of the conflict. This book contains mentions of suicidal ideation and uses period-specific language that may be sensitive.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paul Fleischman’s Bull Run captures the chaotic and emotional reality of the Civil War through multiple perspectives. The narrative’s unique structure is both a strength and a limitation. Reviewers appreciate the varied viewpoints and rich historical detail, though some find the fragmented format disjointed. Overall, it’s praised for its educational value and emotional depth.
Who Should Read Bull Run?
Readers who would enjoy Bull Run by Paul Fleischman are typically those interested in historical fiction, especially focusing on the American Civil War. Fans of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara or Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt will likely appreciate this book's multi-perspective narrative and rich historical details.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
810LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Children's Literature
Military / War
History: U.S.
History: World
American Civil War
Identity: Race
Society: War
Relationships: Siblings