With Every Drop of Blood: A Novel of the Civil War

James Lincoln Collier · Christopher Collier

Apr 2012 · AudioGO

About this ebook

Fourteen-year-old Johnny promised his father, who was gravely wounded while fighting for the South, that he would take care of the family and not run off to fight. But when there's a request to take his mules and wagon on a bold mission to supply the Rebel troops, Johnny can't resist the chance for revenge as well as a good payday. Times are tough without his father on the farm, and food is scarce for everyone. But his plan goes awry when he's captured by Cush, a runaway slave. Johnny doesn't like taking orders from a black man, but he has no choice: He's heading for prison camp wondering what will become of his family and himself. Along the way, he learns some surprising views about the war, forms an unlikely bond with Cush, and finds his long-held feelings about the issues surrounding the Civil War brought into question. This critically acclaimed novel is geared for children Grades 5 and up.

About the author

Born in New York City in 1928, author James Lincoln Collier is beloved by young readers in particular for the award-winning historical novels he has written with his brother, historian Christopher Collier. A graduate of Hamilton College, Collier served in the U.S. Army after college and then worked as a magazine editor for several years. Perhaps his most famous children's book is the Newbery Honor Book he wrote with his brother, the popular Revolutionary War story My Brother Sam Is Dead. The father of two children, Collier is also an accomplished trombone player. He lives in New York City, where he continues to write and play jazz music. Christopher Collier was born in New York City in 1930. He attended Clark University where he earned his B.A. and he received his M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University. He has taught school in Connecticut and at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is currently Professor of American History at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Like his brother James, Christopher Collier is by avocation a musician (his instruments are the trumpet and flugelhorn). He and his wife Bonnie live in Orange, Connecticut, in an old (1790) house they have restored. He is the father of two sons and a daughter.