Review: The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg 

By:  Rodman Philbrick  

Awards:  

PB:  The Blue Sky Press

Main Character:  Boy 

Location:  Maine, Battle of Gettysburg, 1863   

Focus:  Historical Fiction, slavery, Underground Railroad, Civil War, Battle of Gettysburg, brothers, loyalty  

Review:  

Homer P. Figg and his brother, Harold are orphans living with their cruel uncle, Squint. Squint sells Harold to the Union Army in place of a richer recruit even though he is not of age to fight. Thus ensues the story of Homer P. Figg as he travels around the eastern states in search of his brother. Along his journey he is captured by slave catchers, assists on the Underground Railroad, joins a traveling medicine show and eventually makes his way to the Battle of Gettysburg where he is rejoined with his brother. Homer’s lies  provide comic relief as his stories could make the tallest tales sound true. The story was a quick trip through some of the major issues of the times as well as the love and loyalty Homer has for his brother. This book was a fairly quick read and a good companion to any unit on the Civil War or the Battle of Gettysburg. There are some interesting parts about the Underground Railroad as well, although this is only a part of the story. It is a good representation of some of the major issues and lifestyles of the time.