The Perilous Road

Written by William O. Steele

Grade:

4-7

ISBN-13:

978-0152052041

Publisher:

Clarion Books (2004)

Set in Tennessee during the Civil War, this story follows Chris Babson, a young boy divided by the nation’s conflict and fueled by a deep hatred for the Union Army. When Union soldiers seize most of his family’s food and steal their plow horse, Chris and his family are forced to struggle through the winter months. His dislike for the “Yankees” is only intensified when his older brother joins the Union Army which brings conflict and harassment from neighbors. Driven by a desire for revenge and to prove his southern loyalty, Chris reports a Union wagon train in the hopes that the information reaches Confederate forces, However, when he discovers that his actions may endanger his brother, Chris is forced to put aside his anger and sets out to warn him. In his efforts, Chris is faced with the realities of war and the complexities of each side of the conflict, forcing him to consider the humanity of the “enemy”. A compelling historical fiction, this work emphasizes the importance of deliberation in place of rash and quick tempered actions, compassion and kindness in the face of disagreement and divided loyalties, and courage to move beyond hatred and revenge into a place of understanding and friendship.