Paul Fleischman’s Bull Run captures the chaotic and emotional reality of the Civil War through multiple perspectives. The narrative’s unique structure is both a strength and a limitation. Reviewers appreciate the varied viewpoints and rich historical detail, though some find the fragmented format disjointed. Overall, it’s praised for its educational value and emotional depth.

Readers who would enjoy Bull Run by Paul Fleischman are typically those interested in historical fiction, especially focusing on the American Civil War. Fans of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara or Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt will likely appreciate this book's multi-perspective narrative and rich historical details.

Bull Run by Paul Fleischman depicts the events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Bull Run through the perspectives of 16 Union and Confederate narrators, illustrating the chaos, destruction, and emotional toll of the Civil War's first major battle. The novel addresses themes of war's destructiveness, its universal impact on humanity, and the shared desires across both sides of the conflict. This book contains mentions of suicidal ideation and uses period-specific language that may be sensitive.

Challenging / Contemplative / Melancholic / Mysterious / Emotional

- Bull Run by Paul Fleischman utilizes a unique narrative structure, featuring sixteen different voices of characters from both the Union and Confederate sides of the Civil War, providing a multifaceted perspective of the conflict.
- Paul Fleischman won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction for Bull Run, reflecting his achievement in creating an engaging and educational portrayal of historical events.
- Fleischman's narrative in Bull Run includes detailed illustrations by David Frampton, enhancing the storytelling by providing visual context to the historically rich content.

**Shem Suggs**  
A 19-year-old orphan from Arkansas with a strong bond to horses, joining the Confederate cavalry primarily to care for the animals.

**Gideon Adams**  
A free Black man from Cincinnati, Ohio, who can pass as white and demonstrates bravery by enlisting to fight and advocating for racial equality.

**Toby Boyce**  
An 11-year-old boy from Georgia determined to join the war, driven by a desire for adventure and a belief in the glory of battle.

**Dietrich Herz**  
A German immigrant who feels a sense of belonging in a mostly German regiment and cherishes a photo of a young woman for hope and connection.

**James Dacy**  
A Northern illustrator following the army to sketch battles for a newspaper, known for his romanticized views of warfare.

**Colonel Oliver Brattle**  
An officer in the Confederate army.

**Flora Wheelworth**  
A Southern grandmother.

**Virgil Peavey**  
A young soldier in the Confederate army.

**Dr. William Rye**  
A doctor for the Confederate army.

**Judah Jenkins**  
A young courier in the Confederate army.

**Carlotta King**  
A young enslaved woman brought to the battle by a Confederate officer.

**Lily Malloy**  
A young girl in Minnesota.

**Nathaniel Epp**  
A photographer accompanying Union troops.

**General Irvin McDowell**  
The general and leader of the Union army.

**A. B. Tilbury**  
A young soldier in the Union army.

**Edmund Upwing**  
A Northern driver for rich families.

Paul Fleischman

Middle grade

Novel

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