Based on a true story, Soldier’s Heart depicts the Civil War from the perspective of a fifteen-year-old volunteer soldier. Charley Goddard enlists to fight so that he can have the adventure of a lifetime. Readers become aware of the nature of war, the consequences war brings, and the scars it leaves behind.
Students examine literary elements such as plot, imagery, theme, symbolism, conflict, characterization, and figurative language. They also research key people and events in the Civil War, interpret a poem about war, and discuss the values of perseverance, self-reliance, and overcoming adversity. Lessons stress active reading strategies such as predicting, questioning, connecting, clarifying, and evaluating. Extensive optional activities suggest additional research, writing, role-playing, and art projects. A final lesson asks students to compare and contrast
Soldier’s Heart and
Nightjohn.
