Avery's Battlefield

Avery's Battlefield #1

by Deanna K. Klingel

Avery's Battlefield, by Deanna K. Klingel, is a historical fiction novel for young adults about a boy, a dog, and their search for peace in the first years of the Civil War. Avery and his dog, Gunner, have a good life in Kanawha Valley a loving family, a prosperous farm, and a warm community of friends. But when the long unrest between the North and the South ignites into war, Avery's peaceful world is shattered. His father, brother, and uncle leave home, each drawn away by the war. Soon Avery and Gunner must begin a dangerous journey that will take them across the paths of people on both sides of the struggle.

189 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2011

About the author

Deanna works from her home in the mountains of western NC where she lives with her husband. Their seven children grown, married with children, live around the southeast. Deanna enjoys traveling with her books to schools and events to share her books with readers of all ages.

Reviews

[Leslea Wahl]

I’ve read several of Deanna Klingel’s books and have enjoyed them all. I’m always amazed at the author’s versatility. Her books range from picture books to teen novels, from historical to more contemporary. But all her stories have one thing in common – they are always enjoyable.
Avery’s Battlefield is a sweet historical novel for middle school students. The story follows two years in the life of young teen, Avery, during the Civil War. This book would be a great way to introduce kids to that tumultuous time in American history. There were many historical elements that young readers would find interesting, from the rudimentary medical techniques to the rural ways of life in the mid-1800s. I even learned a bit about the founding of West Virginia.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy journeying along with Avery and his dog, Gunner, as they make their way across the state of Virginia. While some of the story seemed a little far-fetched, it was a sweet story full of interesting facts and unique characters. This book would make a great supplement for a history lesson about the conflict between the North and the South.

[Fred Funk]

This well-written book flows seamlessly through the many adventures experienced by Avery. Although he struggles with a quick temper, this young man has a caring heart. Out of the violence and turmoil of the Civil War Avery discovers his life's calling. Many historical and well researched facts are mixed into this incredible adventure. I highly recommend Avery's Battlefield for all ages. One warning, once you have read Avery's Battlefield you will have to order book two, Avery's Crossroads.

[Jill Williamson]

Avery lives with his family and his dog, Gunner, on a farm in Virginia. When the Civil War begins, Avery’s father and elder brother are drawn away from home, despite their Quaker heritage of not taking up arms. Avery is left to care for his mother. When his aunt comes to stay and informs them that she is with child, Avery feels that he should seek out his uncle and bring him home. He and Gunner set out on a journey through a land where the fighting has just begun.

I enjoyed this book. I had a hard time understanding Avery’s motivation to leave home to fetch his uncle. This made no sense to me. Back then, a young man like Avery would never have left his mother and pregnant aunt alone, especially when his father set him in charge. It would have been his duty to care for the women, especially when bandits were around.

The story was still entertaining. I liked Avery’s sweet, caring disposition. This was a very creative way to tell a story about the Civil War. The book ended so abruptly I was shocked. But I went online and found out that there is a sequel that likely picks up right where this book left off. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy historical reads and for students looking to learn some things about the Civil War.