Book Report Soldier's Heart

“Is life in the army what Charley expected?” The book “ Soldier’s Heart” by Gary Paulsen features a fifteen year old boy by the name of Charley Goddard. His fantasy of war isn’t anywhere near the harsh reality the soldiers really have to live through. As the North begins to take the lead in the Civil War Charlie believes that he should join the Minnesota Volunteers because, ever since his father was killed by a fatal blow to the chest by a horse, he feels like he has to be the man of the house. The only problem that stood in the way of Charley joining the military is his age. He was only fifteen when he needed to be at least 18 years old. I feel like the lack of those three years was why Charley joined the military thinking it would be a fun experience. Although three years isn’t much, he could have grown up tremendously as he gained more responsibilities. When Charley enlists, he has to go through training. The Minnesota Volunteers was a small regiment and

Again there are many casualties following the battle and Charlie believes he is one of them when he was told he was shot in the shoulder. When the doctor examined him Charley appeared not to be wounded, it was blood from another soldier on his uniform. He was sent back to war. The next battle is the momentous Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 where his regiment is sent forward to charge the Confederacy. Charley is hit by enemy blows and begins to think he is dying by a “red veil” that is cast over his eyes. After this point in the book Paulsen writes of an older Charley that thinks of committing suicide. He says that he should move on and create a life aside from war. Charley thinks of marrying and having children but feels as if he is not fit to do so. He says his only way to escape the gruesome memories of war is to die. The book closes with Charley having a picnic by the river side and admiring a Confederate