Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen

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Description:

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.

Activities:

 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.

Ethical Values:

Integrity
Loyalty
Responsibility
Trust
Self-actualization