The Perilous Road

by William O. Steele

Book Overview

A 1959 Newbery Honor Book The heartbreaking, bitter view of the Civil War as experienced by Chris Brabson, whose brother is fighting for the "wrong" side. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0590451286
• ISBN13: 9780590451284
• Release Date: January 1900
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc
• Length: 156 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

A Book You Might Want to Read

"Chris Brabson hates the Yankees, plain and simple." This is from the Newberry Honor Book, The Perilous Road, by William O. Steele. But Chris Brabson has the right to be angry at the Yankees--or some of them. After all, they've taken all of the food his family has saved for the winter. All the food that they worked so hard to grow and hunt! Yet somehow, Chris's brother Jethro joins up with them! "How could he betray the South," his browned-haired brother wonders." Chris will do anything for the Confederate cause. He lets loose the mules that pull the Yankee wagons, tries to shoot some Yankees passing through the woods, and most importantly, he tells a potential spy where the Yankee wagons are headed. Now the Confederates know exactly where to attack, and the best way to attack. Then Chris discovers that Jethro might be driving one of those wagons!! Has Chris just caused his own brothers death? He must find Jethro and warn him. This sends Chris flying to the Yankee camp. No Jethro. Worn out, he sits next to some Yankees. They feed him and reassure him. Their kindness makes Chris think, "Maybe the Yankees aren't so wicked and hateful. These two Yankees have been kind to me." In the midst of these thoughts, the Confederates attack-- and Chris hasn't yet found his brother!! I felt sorrow and anger when Chris and the potential spy, Silas, talked about hating the Yankees. I think it will make other readers upset too. Though Chris hates the Yankees, there's one that he has an extremely strong bond with: Jethro. Why else would Chris go looking for him to warn and protect him? This story teaches us that we shouldn't hate a whole group of people without knowing the individuals. It also reminds us that despite different beliefs, always remain loyal to your family. Everyone should follow the lessons in this thrilling book. If you are a person who likes to read about the Civil War, you would enjoy this book. Many books about the Civil War are told from only one side. You can read about what the people on both sides of this war might have been thinking. You would also love this story if you are fond of action adventures. From hanging off of a cliff to escape the Yankees, to nearly getting caught by them when setting mules free, Chris's story is action packed!

the coolest book ever

the perilous road book is the best book ever i dont like reading but know i love reading.it about chris b hate the uion troops. and he thinks silus is a spy later tourchd the end he went to the yankee camp and thought that it was war that is the worst thing ever and it can tear pepole apart.and he finds out that silus is not a spy.

Perilous Road Review

The Perilous Road by William O. Steele is a deep detailed story set in Tennessee during the Civil War. The story is about a teenage southerner who hates Yankees. One day he finds a Yankee wagon train so he tells the Confederates when and how to attack. Later on, he finds out that his brother who joined the Union army as a wagon driver could be on one of those wagons! Has he caused the death of his own brother?The Perilous Road by William O. Steele is an action-packed suspense book that keeps you turning the pages yearning for more. The details given in this book were so deep it made me feel like I was there running through the woods with Chris and Silas. In one part of the book Chris is hanging over the side of a cliff for his life while Yankee soldiers chat overhead. If you're a reader who likes to read war novels or just likes to catch yourself worrying about the main character, this is the book for you.

great book baby

great book. it is really interesting. i've had this book since 5th grade and i haven't read it till now (10th grade) i'm sorry i didn't. it was great- duh george.

The Perilous Road by an 8th grader- Jeff

I read the book The Perilous Road by William O. Steele. If you like exciting books you should read this one. I really don't like to read but this book I really enjoyed reading. The story takes place during the Civil War. Chris Brabson hates the union troops for many reasons. He tries ro get them back for stealing their food through a variety of ways.