Bibliographic Information:
Hite, S. (2003). My name is America: the journal of Rufus Rowe. New York: Scholastic.
Readability Level: 5.8
Audience Level: Grades 5-7
Suggested Delivery: read aloud or small group read
Summary: "When Rufus Rowe, 16, runs away from home to escape his harsh stepfather, he keeps his promise to his teacher by recording his experiences in the "fine leather bound book" she gave him. Upon arrival in Fredericksburg, he acquaints himself with the rebel troops and begins an enterprising business running errands for soldiers, and takes shelter at a farm that becomes the headquarters of a Confederate division during the Battle of Fredericksburg. His observations of crude medical procedures, the slaughtering of men, and corpse robbing are recorded with frank simplicity. Pumping emotion into fact, his journal shows the humanity that is at the center of this war, as when Rufus witnesses the occasional acts of compassion between the opposing armies. But with his youthful tendency to seek explanations, Rufus surmises that despite the overwhelming brutality, "some people keep their decency no matter how ugly the situation." A historical note and period black-and-white photographs and reproductions are appended."
-Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL
Hite, S. (2003). My name is America: the journal of Rufus Rowe. New York: Scholastic.
Readability Level: 5.8
Audience Level: Grades 5-7
Suggested Delivery: read aloud or small group read
Summary: "When Rufus Rowe, 16, runs away from home to escape his harsh stepfather, he keeps his promise to his teacher by recording his experiences in the "fine leather bound book" she gave him. Upon arrival in Fredericksburg, he acquaints himself with the rebel troops and begins an enterprising business running errands for soldiers, and takes shelter at a farm that becomes the headquarters of a Confederate division during the Battle of Fredericksburg. His observations of crude medical procedures, the slaughtering of men, and corpse robbing are recorded with frank simplicity. Pumping emotion into fact, his journal shows the humanity that is at the center of this war, as when Rufus witnesses the occasional acts of compassion between the opposing armies. But with his youthful tendency to seek explanations, Rufus surmises that despite the overwhelming brutality, "some people keep their decency no matter how ugly the situation." A historical note and period black-and-white photographs and reproductions are appended."
-Kimberly Monaghan, formerly at Vernon Area Public Library, IL
Curriculum Connections:
Taken from Scholastic
Taken from Scholastic
- In his journal Rufus recounts examples of horror and bravery in war. He writes, "Maybe that's what war is. You lose when you lose and lose when you win." Do you believe this statement? Allow each member of your Discussion Group to share their ideas on this question.
- Research more about the following and share your findings with members of you Discussion Group or with the whole class using a Prezi.
*Emancipation Proclamation
*General Ambrose Burnside
*Jeb Stuart General Stonewall Jackson
*Battle of Chancellorsville
*John Brown - When Rufus returns to school, his new teacher, Miss Howlett, has him read Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack. In this book, Franklin included advice for living in the form of short sayings. Read all of the sayings, then choose one and explain what it means to you.