All Their Names Were Courage

This is a lovely story that takes place during the Civil War, and should be especially interesting to any child who loves horses. The book is not long, which may also make it a pleasant read for kids who hesitate to pick up longer books. The story details have an amazing ring of authenticity.

This is an astonishingly riveting tale of the Civil War, as experienced by a young girl, Sarah, who is left at home to watch over her brother's horses while he goes off to fight. As explained in the "note to readers" at the beginning of the book, Kentucky had boys fighting on both sides of the war, the Union and the Confederate. Sometimes families were torn apart, as members found themselves sympathizing with opposite sides. Friends and kin found themselves facing one another over the barrel of a gun. No major battles were fought in Kentucky, but it was a state that both the Yankee and Rebel forces fought for control of. Some of the most colorful and famous leaders of the war led guerrilla raids across the state of Kentucky, and this book opens up history a little more to the eyes and minds of children. Sarah McAlister Burd, known affectionately as Sallie, misses her brother William something fierce, and this entire story is built around the correspondence they share. Sallie's friend, a very talented young artist by the name of Isaac Mills, comes upon a wonderful idea. Both 11 years of age, they plan to put together a book featuring the mounts of the war. There will be both pictures and stories of the horses, as well as the letters from the generals who deign to respond to the pair. William encourages his sister, and her quest gives William and his friends something to think on besides the war they're fighting. For the most part, the Generals whom Sallie contacts feel the stories of their courageous horses shouldn't be lost. Although there are the odd ones who don't respond, most do, including General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant. The anecdotes these war heroes share about their mounts are wonderful, and perhaps as William says, everyone loves to brag about their horse. It isn't an easy job, nor does everyone think it is a good idea, but Isaac and Sallie managed to put together a wonderful book that captures the courage of these fine horses that carried men into battle. In the end, it is a wonderful glimpse into the horrors of war, and the love that an animal can have for a human being - love that is strongly returned in most cases. It took great courage for these animals to go where even men feared to tread, and sadly some of them met their fates upon the field of battle as well, but thanks to Sallie and Isaac, not all were forgotten. Sharon does an incredible job with this story, and captures the attention of the reader right from the start. While not a long book, it is an enjoyable and sometimes all too close up view of the Civil War. This is a book that ought to appeal to both young boys and young girls, while opening the doors of time and letting the past filter through to the now, where thankfully, we can experience it without suffering the horror of a country torn apart by an internal war. Review Originally Posted at LinearReflections.com