The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion

"The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion" by Oliver Optic is a historical fiction about the American Civil War. This book tells the story of Tom Somers, being a sixteen-year-old boy with a strong love for his country, wants to join the Union Army after Fort Sumter is attacked. The story mixes his own adventures with ideas of patriotism, showing his excitement and the feelings of the time. When Tom hears about Fort Sumter, he really wants to join the army, but his neighbor, Fred Pemberton, supports the South, which causes an argument. This fight shows how divided the town of Pinchbrook is. After some serious talks with his family, Tom decides to enlist, and this creates a tense atmosphere as he gets ready to leave home and fight in the war.