35 pages 1 hour read

Gary Paulsen

Soldiers Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers

Fiction | Novella | YA | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gary Paulsen’s Soldier’s Heart offers a visceral portrayal of the Civil War through the eyes of a young soldier. Praised for its vivid detail and emotional depth, the book effectively conveys the brutal realities of war. However, some readers find the narrative too intense for younger audiences and the character development somewhat lacking. Overall, it is a compelling yet stark read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Soldiers Heart?

Readers who would enjoy Gary Paulsen's Soldier's Heart are typically interested in historical fiction with a focus on the Civil War. Fans of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels and Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage will appreciate its vivid depictions of battle and the psychological impacts of war on young soldiers.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-17years

Book Details

Genre
Historical Fiction
Period
American Civil War
Topics
Military / War
Mental Illness
Themes
Society: War
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Life/Time: Coming of Age