Billy and the Rebel: Based on a True Civil War Story

by Deborah Hopkinson

This story is based on the life of Billy Bayly, a real boy who lived in Pennsylvania during the Civil War and had an unlikely friendship with a Southern soldier.

Genres: History, Chapter Books, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2005

About the author

I write nonfiction and historical fiction, picture books, and Golden Books. I speak at school, libraries, and conferences. I also love to garden and offer manuscript critiques. (Deborahhopkinson@yahoo.com)

NEW books in 2024 include DETERMINED DREAMER: THE STORY OF MARIE CURIE, illus by Jen Hill, ON A SUMMER NIGHT, illus by Kenard Pak, TRIM HELPS OUT and TRIM SAILS the STORM, illus by Kristy Caldwell, EVIDENCE! illustrated by Nik Henderson, and a nonfiction work called THEY SAVED THE STALLIONS. I'm delighted to say that Trim Helps Out, Trim Sails the Storm, On a Summer Night and Evidence! are all Junior Library Guild selections.

I live and work in Oregon and travel all over to speak to young readers and writers.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent early reader story of the Civil war. This time civility is a feature!

[Christina Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story about the Civil War and it is about someone who was a good Samaritan. It isn't a typical Civil War story, it has less violence and is more appropriate than other stories about the Civil War.

[Holly Ramey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for getting male students engaged in reading. It is about the civil war and two people from different backgrounds becoming friends. I would recommend this book!