The Fighting Ground by Avi

Phoebe: We've all had them—those moments when we ask "How on earth did I get myself into this??" You might ask yourself this question when you stand at the end of a diving board, about to plunge into a cold swimming pool. Or when you take the stage at the school talent show and catch your first glimpse of the audience. Jonathan, the thirteen-year-old main character of Avi's The Fighting Ground, experiences one of these moments in a BIG way. Of course, his situation is of a more serious nature—he finds himself in the middle of a bloody battle of the American Revolution. And he actually chooses to be there! His loving parents want him to stay safe at home, but Jonathan cannot ignore the local tavern bell calling men to arms. Why does he want so badly to be a soldier? Does being a soldier turn out to be everything he thought it would be? Will he survive his daring plunge into the brutal war? You will know the answer to these questions by the time you reach the final page of this terrific novel. The entire story takes place in a twenty-four hour period—the most intense twenty-four hour period in a boy's life Some of you might be thinking, "War stories don't interest me," or "I have nothing in common with this kid." Well, I don't like war stories either. Avi's novel is not just another war story. And you might have more in common with thirteen-year-old Jonathan than you think. Have you ever been in a hurry to be treated as an adult? Have you ever had a difficult experience that taught you a valuable lesson? Have you ever felt conflicted inside? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you do have something in common with Jonathan. The Fighting Ground is a novel about growing up and learning through experience. It is about finding the true meaning of courage. It is about discovering that people and situations are not always either right and wrong, or good and bad; they are usually far more complicated. These meaningful themes, combined with an exciting plot and a unique format, make The Fighting Ground a novel worth reading. Charles: I've always wanted to be one of those reviewers who is quoted on the back cover of a book. They always sound so wise and important. And, the quotations they give are so short, how much of the book do they really have to read? I will craft my comments with this goal in mind. "Staggering drama . . . Avi hits a home run . . . he sketches a striking portrait of a boy's struggle for survival . . . it is a lesson about life . . . it would make a fine video game." I'll be submitting my comments to Avi's publisher, so look for them when the next edition of the book comes out.