The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale

Text by Trinka Hakes Nobel, illustrated by Robert Papp
48 pp., 2006, (children's book). Sleeping Bear Press, 310 North Main St., Suite 300, Chelsea, MI 48118, $17.95 plus shipping.

Reviewer: Blake Magner
Blake A. Magner is the Book Review Editor of Civil War News. He makes his living as an editor, writer, cartographer and photographer of Civil War history. He is author of At Peace With Honor: The Civil War Burials of Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Review:
Eleven-year-old Gabe is a bugler in the 71st Pennsylvania trudging up the long road to Gettysburg. His two older brothers have already died for the Union cause leaving Gabe and his brother Davy to carry on as soldiers of "Father Abraham."

When the regiment reaches Gettysburg the Union troops prepare for battle and Davy is sent out to scout the Confederate position. Gabe sneaks off into the woods where he practices calls on his bugle. While there he meets a bugler named Orlee who is his age and is part of the 11th Mississippi. The two spend a short period talking and catching some fish.

That night after Davy's return Gabe tries to sleep. The continuing work of building earthworks and his worry about how he would act during his first battle the next day keep the youth awake.

The next day Davy and Gabe participate in the repulse of Pickett's attack. When orders came for the Union counterattack, Gabe blew "charge," but soon ran to the front and sounded "retreat" in the Southern style of Orlee. This caused, for a brief moment, the firing to stop.

Aimed at children this well-written and interesting little volume is a nice introduction to the Civil War. Not only is the text exceptional but the illustrations are handsomely done. I would recommend this volume to the budding Civil War reader.