The Bushwhacker: A Civil War Adventure

I am a home-school tutor and have read this book to some of my students. Besides thoroughly enjoying the storyline, they were able to grasp what life was like during this terrible time and understand that the Civil War was not just about slavery as so many people believe. They were also able to learn about forgiveness and that there are always two sides to every story. My students begged me to read it each day and were wanting more books by this author when it was over.

Jennifer Johnson Garrity has captured the hearts of my children with her true-to-life Civil War story, "The Bushwhacker." American history, to them, used to be filled the drudgery of memorizing dates and names, but through reading "The Bushwhacker," the Civil War has come alive through the story of two families and their struggles. The story is of Jacob and Eliza Knight, two children severed from their parents by masked gunmen with torches, as they fled their home being engulfed by flames. Finding themselves alone, they struggle to survive in the war-torn state of Missouri, where a bushwhacker's mask at night hides the smile of a lifelong neighbor by day. They're forced to take refuge in a home of an enemy sympathizer where Jacob learns through the bitterness of revenge the freedom of forgiveness.Through Eliza and Jacob's trials, my children gained an understanding of both sides of the war along with a message of forgiveness and unity that is powerful and engaging. My ten-year-old is studying the Civil War this year at school, and shared her copy of "The Bushwhacker" with her teacher. Her teacher not only enjoyed reading it herself, but has also added it to her class curriculum.

I found THE BUSHWHACKER to be readable, interesting and informative. Although the setting is the Civil War, the book opens many opportunities for discussions as the situation is similar to events in many parts of our world today (such as Kosovo, N. Ireland). The theme of forgiveness and peacemaking can never be emphasized too often. Though I am an adult, I found the book held my interest to the very end.

Jennifer Johnson Garrity has given us a wonderful gift in this juvenile novel. The Bushwhacker tells of events in Missouri during the early part of the Civil War from the perspective of a young boy who has been forced from his home by bushwhackers (rebel sympathizers who were intent on pushing Pro-Union folks out). The story does not take the easy way out on any of the real-life issues that are at the heart of this story. This reader (an adult) found the story wonderfully paced and very thought-provoking. The Bushwhacker is highly recommended for young readers, especially those interested in the Civil War. Adults will enjoy the story as well.

J.J. Garrity's book The Bushwhacker is the story of a young boy and girl in war-torn Missouri during the Civil War. After being burned out of their home by a Rebel-sympathizing Bushwhacker, Jacob and Eliza learn important lessons about forgiveness and looking beyond stereotypes and prejudices.