The Boy in the Alamo

The Boy in the Alamo, by Margaret Cousins
(Corona Publishing Company, 1983)
[previously published in 1958 under the title We Were There at the Battle of the Alamo]

This is an engaging retelling of the story of the Alamo from the perspective of a 12 year old boy, Billy, who sneaks away to follow his older brother to fight with Colonel Crockett. The journey to the Alamo required much grit and determination from Billy. Then the reader is introduced to the area around the Alamo as well as they key characters, Davy Crockett, William Travis and Jim Bowie. The difficulty of the siege is well communicated as well as the desperation and determination of the Alamo defenders as they determine to stay put and fight for the freedom of Texas. The gruesomeness of the battle is clear though not overplayed. Billy survives the battle beign considered one of the children and he manages to accompany Sam Houston when he finally defeats Santa Anna.

This is a good basic story which recounts history and emphasizes some good qualities like courage, chivalry, manhood and perseverance. Again it is not at the Douglas Bond or C. S. Lewis level, but it is a good story.