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Caleb's Choice
Caleb finds himself in a quandry in which he must choose between following the law or breaking it in order to do what he feels is morally right, when he is asked to help sneak two runaway slaves to freedom through the Texas Underground Railroad.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1996
About the author
G. Clifton Wisler
81 books15 followersHe was a North Texas schoolteacher who became a prolific author best known for his historical novels, most of them written for young adults.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 28, 2023
I continue to read these historical fiction books written primarily for teens, but with interesting themes and messages.
This one was well written…interesting to read from the very beginning. While the story was good, the ultimate lesson was probably the most significant part of the book…and it didn’t necessarily end by giving the answer. I liked that from the perspective that the book was written to help young people learn.
Again, a genre and focus that many my age wouldn’t necessarily like, but it you like this kind of book, this was definitely a good one.
This one was well written…interesting to read from the very beginning. While the story was good, the ultimate lesson was probably the most significant part of the book…and it didn’t necessarily end by giving the answer. I liked that from the perspective that the book was written to help young people learn.
Again, a genre and focus that many my age wouldn’t necessarily like, but it you like this kind of book, this was definitely a good one.
January 19, 2013
This is my first book I've read, that is written by G. Clifton Wisler---and I'm impressed.
The story is about a boy named Caleb, who lives during the Civil War. His family has to split up to survive their sudden money loss. Caleb is sent to his grandmother's farm, where he makes new friendships, strengthens his muscles from work, and he decides on an important decision to change his life.
Caleb finds out about the Underground Railroad, slave traders, and auctioning blocks for black slaves. Being a white boy, who used to have the best, these new ideas in his head are completely different than what he's always thought.
I would definitely like to read more books by this author in the future.
The story is about a boy named Caleb, who lives during the Civil War. His family has to split up to survive their sudden money loss. Caleb is sent to his grandmother's farm, where he makes new friendships, strengthens his muscles from work, and he decides on an important decision to change his life.
Caleb finds out about the Underground Railroad, slave traders, and auctioning blocks for black slaves. Being a white boy, who used to have the best, these new ideas in his head are completely different than what he's always thought.
I would definitely like to read more books by this author in the future.
March 16, 2016
My students had read an excerpt of this book as part of our unit on slavery. That one-pager was enough to peak my interest, and lucky for me we had a copy in our school library. Wisler takes a young man from privilege and has him questioning his moral compass at a time in our history when adults were drawing a line in the sand over slavery. There were enough twists, turns, and superstition that kept me reading long after class was over. Looking forward to reading "Red Cap" by Wisler about Civil War prison life. Huzzah!
August 12, 2008
This is a great book that deals with the different viewpoints that existed during the time of slavery. Young Caleb has grown up in an environment that always considered slavery to be a normal thing, yet when he finds himself living life a little rougher then he's used to, he starts to realize what the real world consists of. When Caleb has to decide if he's against or for slavery, he discovers that things are always cut and dry. How high to do you stand for what you believe in? A great read.
March 11, 2008
The author gives just enough detail to draw you into the story. It's about a young boy who is raised in the slave holding south and the moral decision he will eventually have to make about slavery as his rose-colored-glasses are removed. I enjoyed it and would recomend it, especially to the teenage audience it is written for.
April 26, 2008
This book is a historical fiction novel set before the Civil War. After Caleb's life is saved by a runaway slave, he has to decide if he will risk his life to help other slaves along the Underground Railroad.
I used this for Civil War Literature Circles and the kids really liked it, I would recommend it for the upper grades.
I used this for Civil War Literature Circles and the kids really liked it, I would recommend it for the upper grades.
November 12, 2011
I think that this book was aa reat book.If you really like sad books you would want to read it but it is awesome to read books like these.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews