35 pages 1 hour read

Gary Paulsen

Soldiers Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers

Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Soldier’s Heart by Gary Paulsen, young Charley Goddard, at just 15, enlists in the Union Army during the Civil War, facing the harrowing realities of battle, including the initial optimism, the grimness of combat, and the profound physical and emotional tolls that lead to enduring trauma. The narrative examines the impact of war on soldiers' mental health and includes topics such as graphic violence, death, war, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gary Paulsen’s Soldier’s Heart offers a visceral portrayal of the Civil War through the eyes of a young soldier. Praised for its vivid detail and emotional depth, the book effectively conveys the brutal realities of war. However, some readers find the narrative too intense for younger audiences and the character development somewhat lacking. Overall, it is a compelling yet stark read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Soldiers Heart?

Readers who would enjoy Gary Paulsen's Soldier's Heart are typically interested in historical fiction with a focus on the Civil War. Fans of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels and Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage will appreciate its vivid depictions of battle and the psychological impacts of war on young soldiers.

RecommendedReading Age

12-17years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Education

Period

American Civil War

Topics

Military / War

Mental Illness

Education

Themes

Society: War

Emotions/Behavior: Fear

Life/Time: Coming of Age