The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Rodman Philbrick's Newbery Honor book, 'The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg,' transports readers to the tumultuous American Civil War. The story follows young orphan Homer P. Figg, a boy known for his imaginative, often exaggerated, storytelling, as he sets out on a dangerous journey to find and free his older brother, Harold, who has been illegally forced into the Union army. Along the way, Homer encounters a colorful cast of characters, from Quakers aiding the Underground Railroad to a traveling medicine show and even Rebel spies, all while navigating the brutal realities of war. This historical novel is a powerful exploration of sibling love, perseverance, justice, and the complex nature of truth, making it an excellent choice for children ready for a substantial, thought-provoking adventure.