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Escape by Night: A Civil War Adventure
In Escape by Night , Ten-year-old Tommy and his sister Annie are intrigued by the new soldiers arriving in their Georgia town. Since the Civil War started, wounded men waiting to be treated at the local church-turned-hospital have been coming in by droves. When Tommy sees a soldier drop his notebook, he sends his dog, Samson, to fetch it. Tommy soon meets the soldier and is faced with the hardest decision he's ever had to whether or not he should help a Yankee escape to freedom.
Filled with intriguing suspense and tackling difficult questions about slavery, this story, told in accessible short chapters by Laurie Myers, will appeal to history buffs as well as those who appreciate a faithful dog.
Filled with intriguing suspense and tackling difficult questions about slavery, this story, told in accessible short chapters by Laurie Myers, will appeal to history buffs as well as those who appreciate a faithful dog.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 7, 2011
10 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Myers
22 books37 followersLaurie Myers is the award-winning author of chapter books for children, including Surviving Brick Johnson, an ALA notable book, and Lewis and Clark and Me, winner of the PA Children's book award and Honor book for Michigan. Her books have been on the International Reading Associations Children's Choice, Parents' Choice, and Teachers' Choice lists, as well as Junior Library Guild selection and many state master lists.
Laurie and her sister, Betsy Duffey (goodreads author), write adult fiction together as the Writing Sisters.
Laurie and her sister, Betsy Duffey (goodreads author), write adult fiction together as the Writing Sisters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 27, 2024
this book was literally only 120 pages, it was cute. I can’t wait for the holidays so I have time to read actual books again.
May 23, 2012
The book is good, but slight. Perhaps that is necessary, when introducing topics of war and slavery to young children, for whom this book is intended. I wanted more -- if only more plot, or more characterization, but that might just be my adult reading voice speaking. It is a very cute book, though, and I do believe that younger children might even find it exciting.
November 4, 2024
Recommended by my little girl because she knows of my love for historical fiction. Great story.
February 12, 2018
We really enjoyed this one. We did it as a family read-aloud, but if I had it to do over again (and had more time before having to return the book to the library), I would have assigned this for individual silent reading or for the kids' personal read-aloud challenges. The vocabulary wasn't as rich as I like for read-aloud but it's perfect for practice.
I really liked seeing the main character struggle with a choice he had to make, and really try to do the right thing, weighing his options against Scripture. He and his sister did end up telling some untruths for their plan to work, and it set up a good family discussion for us about lies and good intentions and the much-debated question of whether it's okay to deceive during a war or other desperate times. The author did not address that specifically, but does give an admirable example by having her characters spill all and deal honestly with their father by the end.
I really liked seeing the main character struggle with a choice he had to make, and really try to do the right thing, weighing his options against Scripture. He and his sister did end up telling some untruths for their plan to work, and it set up a good family discussion for us about lies and good intentions and the much-debated question of whether it's okay to deceive during a war or other desperate times. The author did not address that specifically, but does give an admirable example by having her characters spill all and deal honestly with their father by the end.
February 27, 2021
An easy to read and quick book about a boy named Tommy who befriends a Union (Yankee) soldier (While Tommy is only ten, where he lives is on the side of the Confederates) and helps him escape.
He had heard Henry say, “The heaviest burden in the world is a burden carried alone.” Henry was right.
Content:
Language: N/A
Sexy Stuff/Romance: N/A
Violence: brief descriptions of the bloody soldiers coming into the hospitals.
He had heard Henry say, “The heaviest burden in the world is a burden carried alone.” Henry was right.
Content:
Language: N/A
Sexy Stuff/Romance: N/A
Violence: brief descriptions of the bloody soldiers coming into the hospitals.
March 10, 2017
This was an adventurous book. There was a wagon coming Tommy, Annie, Samson went to see at the window at first they thought it was hogs, squash, etc. but then they looked very closely they were wounded, and dead soldiers. The explained why it stink to much. The was one man who had lost an arm and under his arm he hold a book suddenly he dropped the book. Tommy told Samson to fetch it. (Samson is a dog, Tommy a boy, and Annie a girl). When Samson returned with the book. Tommy and Samson went to the Church that was as a hospital they saw the men in the corner and went to give the book to him. The man said they called him Red. Tommy gave Red his book and Red a poem to Tommy when Tommy asked. Tommy figured out that he had an accent and his Jacket was very big. When Tommy's father came he looked at he's Jacket and said that it had buttons from Mississippi. Tommy figured out that Red was a Yankee. He had so many questions on his mind that he been frustrated. Red said that he only wanted freedom. Tommy knew that's what Henry wanted so he left the church/hospital as he was walking home Annie told that she had been listening when Red said that he was a Yankee. Annie said that she would tell. Tommy didn't want to turn in Red so made a deal with Annie that Samson would sleep with Annie for a week. Tommy was going to help Red escape and get back to his town because he had a child. Henry was a negro and his boss didn't treat him that well. Red said that they would meet and bring someone else with him. Tommy parents went to visit. As Tommy was trying to help Red escape people were looking for Henry especially Henry's boss. He carried a rifle with him. When they were about to escape they heard someone coming when they looked it was Annie. Tommy made a plan that Samson woul bark and then guards would ask what happening so she would say that she had just seen Henry pass. Annie did as Tommy had to her. The plan worked the guards believed her and left. As Red was about they heard something. It was Henry Tommy told them to hurry up Red and Henry shook Tommy's hand and said goodbye. They got in the train and left. Tommy was very proud of himself. He's father came with Annie and told Tommy and Annie that he was proud for the two of us. We looked on the other side of the river if they had made it to the other side and sure enough they did. We waved to them and one of them waved back.
This book included many other details. I just tried to describe the main events another event that happened was that they were in war. In prisons slaves were starving and need food, etc.
I recommend this book if you like to learn about history and about the civil war.
This book included many other details. I just tried to describe the main events another event that happened was that they were in war. In prisons slaves were starving and need food, etc.
I recommend this book if you like to learn about history and about the civil war.
November 11, 2023
This book is from the South's perspective of the Civil War. A little boy, Tommy, sees some injured men coming into town on a wagon, and one of them drops a book, so he has his dog Samson go fetch the book. Tommy decides to return it to the soldier, and when he does, he finds out that the soldier is a Yankee. This is his first time realizing that they are people too. Tommy decides to help the Yankee escape so he can go back to his family. Read to find out if he makes it out okay. This book would be good to read as a read aloud as an introduction to the Civil War to younger students or kind of the South's perspective, because it does not go into how bad some of the wars were. If you had a child that was interested in history this book would be a good historical fiction book for them to read.
April 6, 2018
Mattalyn 4th grade: This book, full of emotion and Adventure was amazing! WHen a young boy is forced to make a big decision,he doesnt know what to do. he cant tell anybody. with war going on, let the soldier go back to his family? Or turn him in a be a hero? With this big weight on his shoulders his sister finds out and boasts about telling unless he makes a gode trade. If the soldier gets caught, they could go to jail.
May 5, 2024
I read this easy chapter book in about 30 minutes or less. This historical fiction book would be great supplemental for reading practice for a 2nd to 3rd grader, I'm estimating. It had a simple, but good moral (love mercy) to the story as it gently deals with issues of slavery during the civil war for younger children. In the back of the book it says the author wrote this fictionalized story based on a story in Woodrow Wilson's childhood.
February 7, 2026
Historical fiction for early grades. Age is listed as 8-12. Most 12 year olds would find this tome too little.
Interesting historical connections. Enjoyable easy read. I love that it features a commonplace book!
Interesting historical connections. Enjoyable easy read. I love that it features a commonplace book!
November 23, 2019
The setting was where I lived until the 6th grade.
December 3, 2022
I was excited to read this. It was a bit slow but a sweet story.
December 24, 2022
2/3 Battle of the Books 22-23
February 17, 2023
Short and predictable but a good way to introduce Civil War to young readers.
Author's note has the biggest twist in it.
Author's note has the biggest twist in it.
August 6, 2016
Escape By Night is told by Tommy, a 10-year-old boy in Georgia during the Civil War. His father is a pastor whose church has been transformed into a temporary hospital to accommodate the large number of wounded Confederate soldiers returning from the front. When he sees an arriving soldier unwittingly drop a book in the street as he is being carried into the hospital, Tommy picks it up to return it to him. When Tommy realizes his new friend is, in fact, a Yankee soldier in disguise, he must make a decision whether to help the man escape to the North before he is discovered by the authorities or turn him in and watch him go to prison as an enemy.
With short chapters and easily accessible language Escape By Night serves as an introduction to historical topics such as the Civil War and moral topics such as slavery. There is a moment when Tommy's new friend asks Tommy a question about slavery that Tommy puts into his 10-year-old logic and gets a simple and obvious answer:
An adult reader understands that slavery is a much deeper issue than just being told what to do, but for a young reader just learning about the concept of slavery and the Civil War, Tommy's reasoning is easy to understand and identify with.
Tommy's insight about using the principles we so often speak about using only words is also significant:
This is a great way to show how beliefs can translate into action, rather than simply talk about them--which becomes important when having discussions with young readers about the relationship of stories to real life: what we can learn from them about ourselves and each other.
In summary, Escape By Night is a quick read that may work in classrooms (perhaps in conjunction with Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts--another 2016-17 Lovelace nominee about a young black girl in 1963 at the very beginning of school integration) as a springboard for history or social studies lessons. It may also provide a quick independent read for students in Grade 3 (or beginning of Grade 4).
With short chapters and easily accessible language Escape By Night serves as an introduction to historical topics such as the Civil War and moral topics such as slavery. There is a moment when Tommy's new friend asks Tommy a question about slavery that Tommy puts into his 10-year-old logic and gets a simple and obvious answer:
"Do you think Henry wants to be free?" Red asked.
"Yes," Tommy said, without hesitation. "Henry has someone telling him what to do all the time. I hate it when my sisters tell me what to do."
An adult reader understands that slavery is a much deeper issue than just being told what to do, but for a young reader just learning about the concept of slavery and the Civil War, Tommy's reasoning is easy to understand and identify with.
Tommy's insight about using the principles we so often speak about using only words is also significant:
It wasn't only for Red's benefit that this had happened. IT was for Tommy, too. Just a few days ago mercy was something you talked ab out in church, not something you actually did.
This is a great way to show how beliefs can translate into action, rather than simply talk about them--which becomes important when having discussions with young readers about the relationship of stories to real life: what we can learn from them about ourselves and each other.
In summary, Escape By Night is a quick read that may work in classrooms (perhaps in conjunction with Kizzy Ann Stamps by Jeri Watts--another 2016-17 Lovelace nominee about a young black girl in 1963 at the very beginning of school integration) as a springboard for history or social studies lessons. It may also provide a quick independent read for students in Grade 3 (or beginning of Grade 4).
June 10, 2011
This beginning chapter book provides an exciting Civil War story suitable for readers in second to fourth grade. When a wagon full of wounded Confederate soldiers rolls into their Georgia town, Tommy notices a small notebook belonging to one of the soldiers falling out of the wagon, and sends his faithful greyhound dog Samson into the street to fetch it. Tommy's father's the minister of the local Presbyterian church, which has been turned into a makeshift hospital, filled with "a heavy, over-towering smell of death."
Tommy's desire to return the notebook to its owner leads him to make a new friend among the wounded soldiers, Red. Tommy realizes there's something different about Red, and it's not just that he treats Henry, a slave working in the hospital, with respect. Tommy's determined to find out the truth about this soldier. Although he talks to Tommy and Henry, he won't talk to any of the white adults. Could his strange accent mean that he's really a Yankee?
Although this book is written for early elementary school readers, the author weaves in many serious issues. Because of his discussions with Red, Tommy begins to question the morality of slavery, and the meaning of friendship, loyalty, and mercy. Should he turn Red in, in which case he'll be sent to a horrible prison camp, or help him escape? There's plenty of suspense, too, for young readers, and a happy ending appropriate for the age group.
The book includes a brief author's note, explaining that the book is based on the story of the young Woodrow Wilson, who as a boy was known as Tommy. Although the story is fictional, the young Woodrow Wilson lived across the street from the First Presbyterian Church, where his father was pastor, and which became a hospital during the war. Wilson's early life surrounded by the casualties of the Civil War made a profound impact on him, and this book helps us imagine those times.
Author Laurie Myers has published a variety of books for children, including Lewis and Clark and Me, which tells the story of Lewis and Clark's travels from the point of view of Lewis' dog, Seaman. This is her second historical title.
Tommy's desire to return the notebook to its owner leads him to make a new friend among the wounded soldiers, Red. Tommy realizes there's something different about Red, and it's not just that he treats Henry, a slave working in the hospital, with respect. Tommy's determined to find out the truth about this soldier. Although he talks to Tommy and Henry, he won't talk to any of the white adults. Could his strange accent mean that he's really a Yankee?
Although this book is written for early elementary school readers, the author weaves in many serious issues. Because of his discussions with Red, Tommy begins to question the morality of slavery, and the meaning of friendship, loyalty, and mercy. Should he turn Red in, in which case he'll be sent to a horrible prison camp, or help him escape? There's plenty of suspense, too, for young readers, and a happy ending appropriate for the age group.
The book includes a brief author's note, explaining that the book is based on the story of the young Woodrow Wilson, who as a boy was known as Tommy. Although the story is fictional, the young Woodrow Wilson lived across the street from the First Presbyterian Church, where his father was pastor, and which became a hospital during the war. Wilson's early life surrounded by the casualties of the Civil War made a profound impact on him, and this book helps us imagine those times.
Author Laurie Myers has published a variety of books for children, including Lewis and Clark and Me, which tells the story of Lewis and Clark's travels from the point of view of Lewis' dog, Seaman. This is her second historical title.
December 28, 2016
6/2015 ** I re-read this book in 2015, without looking at the review I wrote in 2012. At this time, I've rated it with 4 stars, rather than 3.
5/19/12 ** (3 stars) This was an unexpected find when I attended an Indiana SCBWI conference with my husband and was browsing the bookseller's display. I typically wouldn't have bought a new,hardback for my classroom, but thought the topic and ease of reading made the book worthwhile.
Tommy's father is the pastor at the Presbyterian church in their small, Georgia town. When floods of wounded Confederate soldiers arrive by every train, the church is converted to a hospital. Tommy sees a one-armed man drop a book while being transferred from a wagon into the church. When he rescues the book and returns it to the man, he quickly realizes there's a mystery. When Tommy realizes that the man might be a Yankee soldier,he has to decide whether to expose his secret or help him escape. The escape of slaves also becomes part of the story.
The book handles a complex issue in a rather simplistic way, yet provides an ethical quandary, suspenseful action, and satisfying conclusion in the limited space allowed in a 120 page early chapter book.
5/19/12 ** (3 stars) This was an unexpected find when I attended an Indiana SCBWI conference with my husband and was browsing the bookseller's display. I typically wouldn't have bought a new,hardback for my classroom, but thought the topic and ease of reading made the book worthwhile.
Tommy's father is the pastor at the Presbyterian church in their small, Georgia town. When floods of wounded Confederate soldiers arrive by every train, the church is converted to a hospital. Tommy sees a one-armed man drop a book while being transferred from a wagon into the church. When he rescues the book and returns it to the man, he quickly realizes there's a mystery. When Tommy realizes that the man might be a Yankee soldier,he has to decide whether to expose his secret or help him escape. The escape of slaves also becomes part of the story.
The book handles a complex issue in a rather simplistic way, yet provides an ethical quandary, suspenseful action, and satisfying conclusion in the limited space allowed in a 120 page early chapter book.
November 24, 2016
SCHOOL LIBRARIAN REVIEW: I read this book in about an hour. It introduces many of the topics of the American Civil War in a simple and non-threatening way. It is definitely written for the youngest readers. Many topics are 'what if' and 'I wonder' ideas in the main characters head rather than strong ideas thrown out for harsh impact.
The main character is a boy who lives in the South. His fathers church has been turned into a hospital for southern soldiers. He finds a journal and returns it to a soldier, but is immediately struck by something 'off' about the man. He talks to the injured man, and comes to like him. When it is confirmed that his new friend is a Northerner he is forced to choose between the adult facts about the war and the enemy that he has been raised with, or the feeling of friendship and instincts about what is right and wrong within him.
The 'escape' is tense, but not dark or disturbing and in the end everyone is left happily where they belong. It is a simple read, great for a read aloud.
I recommend this for any elementary school library. Also as a low level, high interest at a middle school.
The main character is a boy who lives in the South. His fathers church has been turned into a hospital for southern soldiers. He finds a journal and returns it to a soldier, but is immediately struck by something 'off' about the man. He talks to the injured man, and comes to like him. When it is confirmed that his new friend is a Northerner he is forced to choose between the adult facts about the war and the enemy that he has been raised with, or the feeling of friendship and instincts about what is right and wrong within him.
The 'escape' is tense, but not dark or disturbing and in the end everyone is left happily where they belong. It is a simple read, great for a read aloud.
I recommend this for any elementary school library. Also as a low level, high interest at a middle school.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2011
Ten year old Tommy McKnight is a stanch supporter of the Confederacy. His father’s church in Augusta, Georgia has been converted into a hospital for wounded Confederate soldiers. There, Tommy and his dog, Samson, befriend Redmon “Red” Porter, who doesn’t seem to share the same views on the war that Tommy has been taught. When Tommy realizes that Red is a Union soldier, he must decide whether to help him escape or turn him in to the authorities. This fast paced, action packed story, touches on major Civil War issues (states rights, slavery) and demonstrates that even children can make a difference. Several black and white illustrations interspersed throughout the narrative provide visual clues and details aboutthe time period. Recommended for students in grades 4-6 and would work well for older reluctant readers.
February 20, 2015
Based on a possible childhood experience of President Woodrow Wilson, this tale is set in Wilson's boyhood hometown of Augusta Georgia. The tide has turned in the Civil War and the South is losing ground. Refugees and wounded soldiers pour into Augusta, and Tommy Wilson's church is turned into a hospital. He meets a young Yankee soldier disguised as a Confederate from Mississippi. After hearing his story and also the story of an enslaved man he knows, Tommy agrees to help the Yankee escape to the North rather than turn him in. The frequent references to Biblical passages and Tommy's struggle with knowing God's will make this especially appropriate for our Christian school's student readers.
Short chapters, short book (120 p.)
F&P assigns level T; seems too high.
AR gives it 3.8, which is Q on the conversion chart.
Lexile.com says 520, which is L on the conversion chart.
Short chapters, short book (120 p.)
F&P assigns level T; seems too high.
AR gives it 3.8, which is Q on the conversion chart.
Lexile.com says 520, which is L on the conversion chart.
July 18, 2016
Grades 2-4. RL 520. Civil War Fiction. Boys will especially enjoy this story of Tommy and his sister who watch the church-turned-confederate hospital across the street as soldiers are brought in and out. One day they see a book fall out of an injured soldier's hand. Could it be battle plans? A diary from a fallen general? Afterall, it must be a very important book for a soldier to have brought it to war and kept it so close. But the book isn't all what they expect, nor is its writer. Both hold a dangerous secret.
May 23, 2016
12th read aloud of 2015-2016. And one of the Maud Hart Lovelace nominees for next year. I was a little disappointed. The premise was interesting. About a boy (Tommy) in 1863 Georgia who discovers a Yankee soldier hidden among wounded confederate soldiers. Tommy grapples with the issue of slavery and has to decide whether or not to report the Yankee. Good introduction to the Civil War. Just way too simple. And way too many God references for a public school. Kids rated it an average of 3.28 stars. I thought it was just okay.
December 2, 2016
Summary: A Yankee soldier needs Tommy's help to return home. Tommy has to decide what would be the right thing to do. Along with his friends, they come up with a plan.
Mentor trait: idea is central around the events of the Civil War. Organization - multiple characters are involved in the plot. Each is followed separately through their voice traits.
Book Level
Middle grades (4-8) ATOS 3.8
Lexile 520
Recommendation: Social Studies, Civil War, friendship, making right decisions, following conscience.
Mentor trait: idea is central around the events of the Civil War. Organization - multiple characters are involved in the plot. Each is followed separately through their voice traits.
Book Level
Middle grades (4-8) ATOS 3.8
Lexile 520
Recommendation: Social Studies, Civil War, friendship, making right decisions, following conscience.
June 9, 2011
Myers and Bates raise the tight format of a short chapter book to new heights as not a word or line of illustration s wasted in this beautifully crafted story. Escape by Night mixes suspense and adventure with real moral dilemmas involving loyalty, love of family and slavery. Sampson the wonder dog is a great bonus! Highly recommended!
August 2, 2016
A quick little read based very loosely on the childhood of future president Woodrow Wilson. Young Tommy (Wilson's first name was Thomas; Woodrow is his middle name) is growing up in Augusta, Georgia during the Civil War. His father's church has become a hospital for injured soldiers. What happens when one of the injured soldiers he meets is from the northern states?
October 17, 2016
Good intro to Civil War and slavery theme for an early chapter book. High level with few details which is typical for this level of book. Book from the perspective of a southern boy. I've seen several from a northern perspective so I appreciated this different view. Simple words and easy read.
Boys father was a religious leader and the boy's decisions are guided by his religious beliefs.
Boys father was a religious leader and the boy's decisions are guided by his religious beliefs.
March 8, 2012
This book is about a young boy that has a hard decision to make. He doens't want to break the law but he knows he has a Christian duty. He can't decide what to do until he hears his father's sermon one Sunday morning. Then he knows what he must do. A sweet story.
July 2, 2012
A book I ran across while shelving in the children's library. I loved reading historical fiction as a kid, and it was a refreshing little read. Interesting story and good way to introduce the major moral dilemmas of the Civil War era.
November 18, 2012
Nine year old Tommy McKnight knows where to put his trust and loyalty: God, family, his beloved Georgia, and the Confederacy. But what will he do when being loyal to one makes him disloyal to another?
April 30, 2013
gr 3-5 120pgs
Octobe 1863 Georgia. When Tommy visits the hospital in town for Confederate soldiers, he meets Red and discovers that Red has a secret. Red is a Union soldier! Should Tommy keep Red's secret or should he help him escape?
Octobe 1863 Georgia. When Tommy visits the hospital in town for Confederate soldiers, he meets Red and discovers that Red has a secret. Red is a Union soldier! Should Tommy keep Red's secret or should he help him escape?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews