The Peacemakers

by Rebecca Suter Lindsy

IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award Silver Medal, Best New Voice, YA and Children's Books “A rich coming-of-age tale that sheds light on an uncommon Civil War perspective.” Kirkus Reviews Fourteen-year-old Manny Weaver, a Mennonite boy living near Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1861, has a habit of biting off more than he can chew. The Weavers are Unionists and pacifists who do not wish to secede from the Union nor to participate in the fighting. In the past, Manny’s father and uncle have avoided militia service by paying a small fine, but when Virginia secedes from the Union, the payment is no longer accepted. Manny loves his family and would do anything to protect Father and Uncle Davy from being forced to join the Confederate army. That’s when his trouble begins! With his world crumbling into chaos, Manny is forced to deal with issues of honesty, justice, loyalty, and judgment. He must find answers to serious questions. Is it really better to “turn the other cheek,” as his Mennonite faith tells him? What actions lead to peace? How does a boy grow into a man?

332 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read the novel The Peacemakers by Rebecca Suter Lindsay.

The Peacemakers is a historical fiction set in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia during the Civil War. It is geared towards the middle grade age but is a fantastic read for all. The story follows 14 year old Manny Weaver and his family. The Weavers are a family of farmers and potters of the Mennonite faith. They believe strongly in acting as peacemakers and avoiding worldly affairs. When Virginia votes to secede from the Union, the Confederacy requires men between 18 and 45 to enlist. That includes Manny’s father and uncle! Throughout the story Manny faces many moral dilemmas and questions many things such as lying, stealing, swearing Oaths, fighting wars, and slavery. With the men in his family gone, Manny has to work harder than he ever has.

My family and I absolutely adored this story. I read this to my boys, ages 9 and 10, as an addition to our homeschool lessons about the Civil War. They both throughly enjoyed it and so did I! I loved the life lessons that the author touched on. I loved that you could really picture Manny “growing” into man right before your eyes.

I would recommend this book to everyone! It would make a great addition to any homeschool family, teacher’s, or librarian’s libraries. It is a great coming-of-age story that shows a unique and different perspective of the Civil War.

Our Ratings:
N, age 10- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
B, age 9-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mom- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

[Kathy Dobronyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read about the peacemakers and their difficulties in Rockingham County, Virginia in the first year of the Civil War. Although it focused on the Mennonites and Dunkards, it wasn't solely about scripture. I cared about Daniel Weaver and his extended family--his father Samuel, sister Aunt Gin, Uncle Davy, his wife Susanna with their five children. The story is told from the viewpoint of his eldest son, Manny, who is fourteen and coming of age in a difficult time..

[Ane Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was great to read about the civil war in a new perspective. It was a really enjoyable read!