Bull Run
38 pages • 1-hour read
Paul FleischmanBull Run
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Book Brief
128
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s LiteratureEastern USA • 1860s
•
War•
Siblings•
US History•
World History1993
HarperCollins
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
Super Short Summary
Bull Run by Paul Fleischman depicts the events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Bull Run through the perspectives of 16 Union and Confederate narrators, illustrating the chaos, destruction, and emotional toll of the Civil War's first major battle. The novel addresses themes of war's destructiveness, its universal impact on humanity, and the shared desires across both sides of the conflict. This book contains mentions of suicidal ideation and uses period-specific language that may be sensitive.
Challenging
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
1,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paul Fleischman’s Bull Run captures the chaotic and emotional reality of the Civil War through multiple perspectives. The narrative’s unique structure is both a strength and a limitation. Reviewers appreciate the varied viewpoints and rich historical detail, though some find the fragmented format disjointed. Overall, it’s praised for its educational value and emotional depth.
Who Should Read Bull Run?
Readers who would enjoy Bull Run by Paul Fleischman are typically those interested in historical fiction, especially focusing on the American Civil War. Fans of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara or Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt will likely appreciate this book's multi-perspective narrative and rich historical details.
1,599 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A free Black man from Cincinnati, Ohio, who can pass as white and demonstrates bravery by enlisting to fight and advocating for racial equality.
An 11-year-old boy from Georgia determined to join the war, driven by a desire for adventure and a belief in the glory of battle.
A German immigrant who feels a sense of belonging in a mostly German regiment and cherishes a photo of a young woman for hope and connection.
A Northern illustrator following the army to sketch battles for a newspaper, known for his romanticized views of warfare.
An officer in the Confederate army.
A Southern grandmother.
A young soldier in the Confederate army.
A doctor for the Confederate army.
A young courier in the Confederate army.
A young enslaved woman brought to the battle by a Confederate officer.
A young girl in Minnesota.
A photographer accompanying Union troops.
The general and leader of the Union army.
A young soldier in the Union army.
A Northern driver for rich families.
128
Novel • Fiction
•
Children`s LiteratureEastern USA • 1860s
•
War•
Siblings•
US History•
World History1993
HarperCollins
Middle grade
8-12 years
810L
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