The Journal of Rufus Rowe A Wi

Grade 5-7-When Rufus Rowe, 16, runs away from home to escape his harsh stepfather, he keeps his promise to his teacher by recording his experiences in the "fine leather bound book" she gave him. Upon arrival in Fredericksburg, he acquaints himself with the rebel troops and begins an enterprising business running errands for soldiers, and takes shelter at a farm that becomes the headquarters of a Confederate division during the Battle of Fredericksburg. His observations of crude medical procedures, the slaughtering of men, and corpse robbing are recorded with frank simplicity. Pumping emotion into fact, his journal shows the humanity that is at the center of this war, as when Rufus witnesses the occasional acts of compassion between the opposing armies. But with his youthful tendency to seek explanations, Rufus surmises that despite the overwhelming brutality, "some people keep their decency no matter how ugly the situation." A historical note and period black-and-white photographs and reproductions are appended.
Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL
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