Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg is a new book by the author of Freak the Mighty. It is a 2010 Newbery Honor Book and a rip-roaring adventure set during the Civil War.

Description: Twelve-year-old Homer, a poor but clever orphan, has extraordinary adventures after running away from his evil uncle to rescue his brother, who has been sold into service in the Civil War.

These are the "mostly true" adventures of Homer P. Figg because Homer has a way of stretching the truth. As he travels to find his brother, he comes across two tricksters who steal his money, a traveling medicine show, a balloonist, and Civil War soldiers.

I found this book to be funny and entertaining, yet also moving and at times serious. At the end of the book, I realized that I had learned a lot about the background of the Civil War. Imagine -- learning that is a painless, fun adventure!! I recommend this exceptional novel to all.

Hear Rodman Philbrick talking about this novel here:
Scholastic Interview with Rodman Philbrick.