We Look Like Men of War

William Forstchen is a master storyteller and an accomplished military historian. His skills combine in this fast-paced story of a slave's son who enlists as a drummer boy in the 28th US Colored Troops. The Battle of the Crater is the book's climax. Forstchen's account of that epic fight has no glamour-only the acrid taste of gunpowder, the copper smell of blood, and the enduring message that freedom never comes easily. His hard-edged realism makes this a major contribution to the young adult category of Civil War literature.--Dennis Showalter, Past President, Society for Military History Action and adventure abound in this tribute to the heroism of black soldiers during the Civil War. --Booklist William Forstchen is a master storyteller and an accomplished military historian. His skills combine in this fast-paced story of a slave's son who enlists as a drummer boy in the 28th US Colored Troops. The Battle of the Crater is the book's climax. Forstchen's account of that epic fight has no glamour-only the acrid taste of gunpowder, the copper smell of blood, and the enduring message that freedom never comes easily. His hard-edged realism makes this a major contribution to the young adult category of Civil War literature. --Dennis Showalter, Past President, Society for Military History A vivid picture of army life in general and combat in particular, for teachers interested in introducing students to that topic. --Civil War Book Review Exciting, heartwarming, and horrifying all in one, this novel offers moments when readers will feel the patriotic spirit of the 28th USCT and wish they could fight beside them. At other times, readers barely will have the courage to keep turning the pages. Sam is powerful, with more bravery and pride than most teenage characters in literature today possess. This novel is highly recommended for all public and school libraries. --VOYA Exceedingly well researched. --Publishers Weekly Action and adventure abound in this tribute to the heroism of black soldiers during the Civil War. Booklist William Forstchen is a master storyteller and an accomplished military historian. His skills combine in this fast-paced story of a slave's son who enlists as a drummer boy in the 28th US Colored Troops. The Battle of the Crater is the book's climax. Forstchen's account of that epic fight has no glamour-only the acrid taste of gunpowder, the copper smell of blood, and the enduring message that freedom never comes easily. His hard-edged realism makes this a major contribution to the young adult category of Civil War literature. Dennis Showalter, Past President, Society for Military History A vivid picture of army life in general and combat in particular, for teachers interested in introducing students to that topic. Civil War Book Review Exciting, heartwarming, and horrifying all in one, this novel offers moments when readers will feel the patriotic spirit of the 28th USCT and wish they could fight beside them. At other times, readers barely will have the courage to keep turning the pages. Sam is powerful, with more bravery and pride than most teenage characters in literature today possess. This novel is highly recommended for all public and school libraries. VOYA Exceedingly well researched. Publishers Weekly