Two Little Confederates

Two Little Confederates, by Thomas Nelson Page
(originally published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1888; republished by Sprinkle Publications, 1994), hb., 156 pp.
Ages 6+

Thomas Nelson Page was descended from two of the most prominent families in Virginia. His grandfather was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and his family features prominently elsewhere in Virginia from colonial days on. He was a boy during the War between the States and eventually served as U. S. Ambassador to Italy under Woodrow Wilson.

This book is historical fiction drawing largely from the author’s own experience of the Civil War as a boy. The story follows the exploits of two young brothers as their father and older brothers go off to fight in the war and the rest of the family deals with the increasingly difficult war-time conditions- from thieves, to deserters, Yankee raiders, food shortages and other circumstances.

This is an enjoyable book and we often found ourselves laughing loudly at the exploits of the boys. Even with the lightheartedness the author deals with many serious situations which faced Virginian families during the war. This book gave us a feel for what life was like for the families left behind by soldiers in the South. It also breathes the air of nobility, courage, respect and honor which is so often missing today. It was often challenging to be reminded of the level of responsibility often borne by young boys at this time.

We commend this book to you as an enjoyable way to learn and be challenged.