William Henry Is a Fine Name

Cathy Gohlke won the Christy award in 2007 for her first novel, William Henry is a Fine Name. I can't imagine a more deserving story. Thirteen-year-old Robert Glover loves fishing and skunking and skinny-dipping with his best friend William Henry in Elkton, Maryland, 1859. Life is just as good as it can be, except for the howling dogs that wake him at night, his parents' muffled arguments, and his father's middle-of-the-night disappearances. Robert discovers his father is involved in helping slaves flee the south, and his mother--having grown up on a tobacco plantation in North Carolina--views slavery as a natural part of life. Robert's mother receives word her father is dying, and she and Robert travel to North Carolina. Robert has never met his grandfather, but once the man is healthy, Robert cannot help but dislike him. He sees cruelty he never imagined on Grandfather's tobacco plantation. Back home, slaves are free, but in North Carolina, they are property. Robert must choose between his parents' differing beliefs, and his grandfather's new affection. He searches to know what is right and what, if anything, he can do about it. I found this book touching and fascinating. I felt as if I was experiencing the Underground Railroad myself. Robert's character is so real and his journey and growth so powerful, he becomes a friend. I want to read more about his life and the wonderful way he lives it and am thrilled there is a sequel, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires. I highly recommended this novel.

This historical fiction, which follows 13-year-old Robert Glover in 1859, would be good to read with teens for discussions about such topics as justice, slavery, abolition, and the Underground Railroad. Although not graphic, the book does contain some disturbing imagery and adult themes (the book alludes to white men violating female slaves, and several children are the product of that), but they're central to the story and expose the evils of slavery. Although there are villainous characters in the story, the characters in favor of slavery are not portrayed as one-dimensional. Some of the characters are kind to their slaves but treat them with compassionate condescension. Robert's mother, who grew up on a tobacco plantation in North Carolina and whose ailing father still owns slaves, believes that slavery benefits everyone involved because slaves are not intelligent or capable enough to handle the responsibility of managing their own lives. Robert's father doesn't share his wife's views and works for a man who "took up some of the notions of the Quakers" and freed all of his slaves before Robert was born. Robert wonders where his father has been going in the middle of the night and why he keeps his wagon off the road. He also notices that men go out with packs of dogs hunting for runaway slaves following his father's mysterious late-night outings. Robert is torn between his parents' conflicting views and is also greatly influenced by his best friend, William Henry, who is black. When Robert and his mother need to suddenly travel back to her childhood home, Robert must decide what he personally believes about justice and what he's willing to sacrifice so that others might have it. Robert's faith is influenced by his father and others he meets along the way. I was very moved by William Henry Is a Fine Name, and it's definitely a book that stays with you. The historical details made the story come alive, and I'd like to know more real-life stories of those who conducted and traveled the Underground Railroad.

This well-written book is definitely worth your time! With a combination of believable characters with personality and an interesting story of the Underground Railroad, Cathy Gohlke has written a wonderful piece of Christian fiction. I will recommend this book to my friends.

This is a powerful story about two boys, William Henry, who is black, and Robert Leslie Glover, who is white. The two are best friends and the setting is Pre-Civil War days. The Henry was taken from Patrick Henry, who fought for freedom, and William Henry thinks it's a fine name. Robert didn't understand the evils of slavery until the year he turned thirteen and everything changed for him and for William Henry. He learned why his parents fought so much and why his best friend knew more about what was going on than he did. Cathy Gohlke has written a fascinating, gripping story about the terrible wrongs of slavery and the courage of those willing to fight against it. The characters are so well developed, the emotions so overwhelming that the reader is pulled into the story from the first page to the end. This story will grip your heart. It's more than just a book, it's an experience. It's hard to believe this is Cathy Gohlke's first novel. Expect more from this very talented writer.

Thirteen-year-old Robert has been raised in a family divided on the issue of slavery, and as he grows up he must decide where he stands and what he will do about it. Through his friendship with his best friend William, time spent in the south with his grandfather, and seeing first-hand the affects of slavery he chooses to become involved with the Underground Railroad. Cathy Gohlkey's first novel is a beautifully written treasure! It can be enjoyed by both adults and teens. The characters and events of the story are so powerful they will stay with you long after you finish the book.