The Boy in the Alamo

It is 1836, and twelve, going on thirteen, year old William Harkness Campbell, who is usually called Billy but wants to be known as Will, lives in Nacogdoches, TX, with his seventeen year old brother Buck and their Uncle Todd Hunter, a blacksmith, and Aunt Elvira. Will and Buck’s Mamma had died of consumption, and their Papa had been killed fighting the Comanches. Against his uncle’s wishes, Buck decides to go with Colonel Davy Crockett and his men, who are passing through Nacogdoches and stop at Hunter’s Smithy on their way to help the Texian army which was holding the Alamo against General Santa Anna in their fight for independence from Mexico, and in the middle of the night, Will sneaks off to join them also. Of course, we all know what happened at the Alamo. But what will happen to Will and his brother Buck? In this book, originally published as #18 of the wonderful “We Were There” series of historical fiction for young people, the classic story of the siege of the Alamo is told in such a way that it will come alive for young readers. Besides Crockett, other historical characters included in the account are Colonel William B. Travis, Colonel James Bowie, Captain Almaron Dickinson (whose wife Susannah and baby daughter Angelina survived), James Bonham, Lieutenant George C. Kimball, and Lieutenant John W. Smith, as well as General Sam Houston who was not at the Alamo. Of course, this book is about a battle during a war. There are references to shooting, killing, and dying. Small children and especially sensitive readers might not appreciate it, and anyone will probably get a little choked up at a couple of the scenes, but most students will find it an exciting adventure story. This is the kind of reading that I dearly loved when I was in upper elementary and junior high school. A couple of references to smoking and chewing tobacco occur, and a couple of incidents in which Will wanted to “say bad words” and heard “bad language that…cannot be repeated” are found, but no actual cursing or profanity is used. The events and portrayals of famous characters are historically accurate, with some minor necessary liberties taken for the inclusion of a fictional twelve year old boy and his family, so the book gives a lot of good historical information about the battle of the Alamo. And it doesn’t stop there but goes on to discuss the subsequent battles for the independence of Texas, including Santa Anna’s final defeat at San Jacinto. Most young boys, and even many girls, will be able to identify with Will and his desires. And everyone can admire his bravery and determination. There was a Lt. Robert Campbell, born 1810 from Tennessee, listed among the casualties, but Buck says that he was born in Texas and his birth date would have been 1819. "Remember the Alamo!"

I got this book for my 6th grade daughter for homeschool to go along with her U.S. History curriculum. I read it along with her and loved it! Historical fiction really helps solidify an event in history in your mind and this book is no exception. Unfortunately, I did not learn much about the Alamo when I went to school, but I have now!

Our Grandson's love this book - and they live in California. Adventure is always good for Grandsons.And great for History loving kids.

my granddaughter loved the book, we had the opertunity to go to the "Alamo" a few weeks ago.

12 Year Old Girl says "This is a GREAT story!" Another Texas Historical Fiction that she couldn't put down. I love how it started dialogue about the time, weapons, way of life and definitions. She came away with a great perspective on those fateful days in San Antonio de Bexar!

This book is a must have if you teach Texas history! It brings the story to life for upper elementary students.

My 9 year old son loved reading this book with me. He begged to read "just a little more". It is not for the faint of heart - there is death, sadness and lots of battles but it is filled with action, adventure and valuable lessons. It incorporates the rich history of the Texas revolution in a way that easily hooks the reader. A great addition to our homeschool library.

I just finished reading this book to my 6 and 8 year old boys. THEY LOVED IT!! They didn't want me to put it down. I usually read 2 chapters a day to them and they never wanted to be done. That is all the endorsement this book needs!

Its 1836, Texas, Buck and his younger brother Will join with Davy Crocket as he heads towards the Alamo, this is where the Texians will make their last stand against the Mexican General Santa Anna and his force of thousands of men. Buck is seventeen, Will is thirteen, they can not imagine the horrors that await them within this broken down mission, an excellent children's book told in a way it can be understood by all, a very good read.