Avi's The Fighting Ground captivates with its historical authenticity and gripping portrayal of a young soldier's experience. Readers praise its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, though some criticize its pacing and simplistic language. Ideal for younger audiences, the book provides an accessible yet profound glimpse into the Revolutionary War.

A reader who enjoys The Fighting Ground by Avi is typically a middle-grade student fascinated by historical fiction, particularly the American Revolutionary War era. Comparable to those who appreciated My Brother Sam Is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier, they seek action-packed narratives blended with emotional growth and moral dilemmas.

In The Fighting Ground, 13-year-old Jonathan, yearning to fight in the American Revolution, defies his injured father's wishes and joins a group of volunteer soldiers. Captured by German Hessians during a skirmish, he discovers an orphaned boy at an abandoned farmhouse and ultimately returns to his village with harsh new insights about the brutal realities of war. The story features violence and traumatic events.

Gritty / Suspenseful / Emotional / Challenging / Mysterious

- The Fighting Ground was awarded the 1985 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, recognizing its contribution to children's literature set in the New World.
- Avi, the author of The Fighting Ground, is known for his meticulous research, establishing historically accurate backdrops for his novels to enhance the reader's experience.
- The book is celebrated for its realistic depiction of a 24-hour period during the Revolutionary War, offering readers an immersive historical experience.

**Jonathan**  
A thirteen-year-old boy who becomes the main character of the story, drawn into the complexities of war despite his father's wishes.

**The Corporal**  
A tough-minded veteran and tactician who becomes an authority figure for Jonathan, embodying the harsh realities of war.

**Hessians**  
A group of elite German soldiers hired by the British, including the three who capture Jonathan and reveal unexpected humanity.

**Old Hessian Soldier**  
The leader of the Hessian trio, he is a war veteran who communicates with Jonathan through gestures and demonstrates fairness.

**Tall Hessian Soldier**  
A strong, silent soldier who is part of the trio capturing Jonathan, known for his competence and role as a deterrent to Jonathan's escape.

**Youngest Hessian Soldier**  
Possibly a teenager himself, he forms a tentative bond with Jonathan, serving as a symbol of shared humanity in war.

**French Boy**  
A small child found by Jonathan who cannot speak English, highlighting communication challenges and the innocence harmed by war.

**French Volunteer**  
A serene and wise man from the local area who aids Jonathan and represents peace within the chaotic environment of war.

**French Farm Couple**  
Citizens accused of espionage by the Corporal and found dead by Jonathan, reflecting the war's impact on civilians.

**Volunteers**  
Local villagers, including Jonathan, who fight against enemy forces, representing inexperience and naivety in wartime.

**Jonathan’s Father**  
A war-wounded man who opposes Jonathan's involvement in battle, symbolizing those exhausted by ongoing conflict.

**The Tavern Owner**  
A patriot who cautions Jonathan about war's realities, serving as a voice of wisdom that Jonathan initially ignores.

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Part 1: “April 3, 1778”

Part 1, Pages 3-53

The Fighting Ground Part 1, Pages 3-53 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 53-125

The Fighting Ground Part 1, Pages 53-125 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “April 4, 1778”

Part 2, Pages 125-151

The Fighting Ground Part 2, Pages 125-151 Summary & Analysis

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