The Last Brother
Author Trinka Hakes Noble Illustrator: Robert Papp
Sleeping Bear Press 2006
This title fits these anti-bias criteria
Y
This book fits these categories
Y -
Classification Picture Book
Acceptable grade levels Elementary - 3rd and up to high school
Concepts/ Topics covered in book:
It is the eve of the battle of Gettysburg. Two young bugle boys one Union, one Confederate meet before the battle and discover each other's humanity. During the battle below cemetery ridge Gabe is order to signal charge and has to make a choice. He has already lost two brothers. His last brother is facing Pickett's charge. What can he do to save his bother?
This beautifully illustrated, heartrending book goes beyond a simple historical depiction of a major battle in the Civil War, although it is historically true-to-life. This book raises questions about war and the role of individual soldiers in making war. It makes clear that war is not glorious, but results in death of one's love ones. While it fits perfectly into any unit on the Civil War, it can also be used on its own to start a discussion on the topic of war.
.Guiding Questions/Activities
Before reading
What do you know about the American Civil War?
Do you know anyone who was killed in war?
After reading:
- Did Gabe make the right choice?
- Was his act brave or cowardly?
- In war should you brefriend an enemy?
- What would you have done in Gabe' situation?
- Could a similar event occur with the way war is fought today?
Follow up activities
- Research the battle of Gettysburg, particularly Pickett's Charge and the number of causalities.
- Compare warfare in the 1860s to how war is conducted today
- Research the term conscientious objector and find out what happens to soldiers who refuse a direct command.
- Research the Nuremberg Trials and discuss the idea that obeying orders is not justification for carrying out immoral acts.
- Have students rewrite the story from the viewpoint of one of the other characters in the book or retell the story with Gabe making a different choice..
- Hold a class debate on the question: Should soldiers refuse to obey orders they don't agree with?
There is a Teacher's Guide for this book, and while useful it is unfortunately geared to elementary school and focuses on general information on Civil War soldiers' lives. It does not address the more serious issues raised in the book.
About the Author
Visit the author's website http://www.trinkahakesnoble.com/
Awards
• Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Nominee 2009
• Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Nominee 2008-2009
• Missouri Show Me Readers Award - Preliminary Nominee 2008-2009
• South Carolina Young Reader's Award Nominee 2008
• NYSRA Charlotte Award Committee Selected Reading List 2008
• IPPY Award Bronze 2007
• Pennsylvania Library Association - Carol Field Award - Honor Book 2007
• Storytelling Magazine 2007 Honor Award (featured in May/June issue)
• A Scholastic Book Club Selection