Abraham's Battle: A Novel of Gettysburg

by Sara Harrell Banks

""Four score and seven seven years ago...""Before Abraham Lincoln uttered these immortal words, Union and Confederate soldiers met in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The year was 1863, and the men that fought on both sides were not just nameless faces, they were individuals.

Abraham Small is a free black man -- an ex-slave -- who is now the caretaker of a Gettysburg estate and its owner's spirited young daughter. Private Lamar Cooper is a white Confederate soldier, a poor boy who has never known a slave and barely understands the cause he is fighting for. The two meet by chance before the battle -- only long enough to establish that they both miss their homeland, and to crystallize for Abraham that he should be fighting for what he believes in: the end of slavery.

Their paths cross one more time, on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Abraham is now a member of the Union ambulance corps; Lamar a critically wounded soldier. Should Abraham aid this boy who is his enemy? Are there moments when differences vanish and we are all simply human beings with a duty to help one another?

In Sara Harrell Banks's powerful novel -- culminating in a moving encounter between Abraham Small and Abraham Lincoln -- this difficult question is eloquently addressed.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, American History, Presidents, Juvenile, Historical

96 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Sara Harrell Banks won the 1997 Georgia Author of the Year award for "Under the Shadow of Wings." This novel was also an "American Bookseller" Pick of the Lists and hailed by "School Library Journal" as "Powerful [and] compelling," with a narrator "reminiscent of Harper Lee's Scout in "To Kill a Mockingbird.""
Ms. Banks is also the author of "Remember My Name, The Way Was Through the Woods, " and the picture book "A Net to Catch Time." She lives in Savannah, Georgia.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham was a slave who, thanks to the underground railroad and President Lincoln, is now a free man living in Gettysburg, PA. There are rumors that the armies are advancing and will meet. In fact, Abraham meets an enemy soldier on his very property. But instead of fighting, they talk and they discover that they have quite a lot in common. But when the armies arrive, Abraham must find a way to help the Union soldiers - a way that puts him right in the middle of the battle.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but the plot just never seemed to take off. The concept of an ex-slave helping a confederate soldier is the start of an interesting story line but it never really was developed. I don't understand why the author had to have Abraham Lincoln lay on the ground after giving his Gettysburg address and saying he did it because his heart was wounded. Just odd and I looked it up to see if there was something to it, but nope.

[Regan Wimsatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for civil war lesson.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 5-7 88 pgs


Gettysburg, PA, 1863. In Gettysburg, the war has seemed far away to Abraham until a Confederate soldier, Lamar, comes walking up the road. At first Abraham wonders if he, a free man since escaping from slavery, and a white Southern could possibly have in common. In talking to Lamar, Abraham discovers that they each have strong convictions about the war. Lamar, whose family is poor and doesn't own any slaves, feels he must fight to prevent the federal government from taking away states' individual rights. Abraham feels that the war must be fought to end slavery. During the battle, Abraham and Lamar's paths cross again when Abraham discovers Lamar wounded.

Good quick read. Readers who liked this book and are looking for a longer story should read "Will at the Battle of Gettysburg 1863" by Laurie Calkhoven.

[Adila]

I think that this book is a good book. This book is about a Man called Abraham who is a former slave. One day while he is out he sees a man and walks towards him. They realise that they both miss there homeland. After they say decide to have lunch together, they share their different varieties of food.

They say their goodbyes and leave. At this point they know a couple of things about each other, but they don't know that they will meet again soon.
Then while Abraham decided to help out with the injured in the battle, When Lamar falls to ground and then only person who helps him recover is Abraham.

A bit later he receives a letter with all the different spices that he likes, sent from lamar's sister, thanking him for his help.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abraham escapted to the north on the Underground Railroad. He was a paid freeman who worked on a farm/orchard in Gettysburg. The war found Abraham and he made a decision to help the north. This decision led him to the dedication of Gettysburg as a national cemetery. Books flows smoothly and is easily understood and gives the story of an escaped slave who befriends a southern rebel. Students loved having this book read to them.

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second time I'm reading this book. First time was with my older son 6-7 years ago, this time with my younger son. We visited Gettysburg a few months ago. I can't tell you how odd that feels to read about a book that you have actually seen and been too. Not a bad book overall, but not the greatest either.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Some authors have opted to cut stories short for the purpose of finishing a book, and I admit that I was concerned this one might do the same. However, a wonderful story emerges around the two central characters while using the Battle of Gettysburg as a backdrop.

Extra plus, author is a Savannah native!

[Shelley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reread this book, 1st time with older son, this time with younger son. This time we are living only an hour away from Gettysburg and been there and seen it. Not a bad book.

[Farmer2]

its a relly good book son far

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of one African-American freedman who worked for the Union ambulance corp during the battle of Gettysburg.

[Caren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little story about an ex slave who helps a Confederate soldier in Gettysburg, right before the big battle.

[Raegan · Rating 2 out of 5]

So so. Did not like reading the accent.

[Louis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. When you don't have a lot of time. Very good ending.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short book that covers gettysburg with feet on the ground There are better more full accounts but this book was still very good.

[Kaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history and if you like it to then you will like this book!

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

G read this silently and narrated it to me. After that, I had to read it for myself!

So sad. So good. I love that Abraham Lincoln was in this.