Eleven-Year-Old Scottish review of GUNS OF THUNDER

Calum (11) and "bonny-but-dim" Jackson

Book review of GUNS OF THUNDER written by Calum Morrison (11) who lives on a farm in Scotland (and who has an amazing mother who home schools him; she did not edit this review, nor have I changed it in any way)

 

Why would Ian, an American boy of Scottish descent, grow to love a Red Indian of whom he had been scared? Read Guns of Thunder to find out. In this historical novel, written by Douglas Bond, you will get to know Ian, his family, and his friends. 

Ian was decended from Scotland and he was a M’kethe. He was born and brought up in Wallop, Connecticut, and lived with his mother, his sister, his younger brother and his beloved grandfather. Before Ian was born, his father had died, so by the time he was thirteen Ian was plowing, sowing, harvesting and selling the family corn all by himself. It was in these times he met Watookoog, an Indian who was converted through Ian’s father’s teaching. When Ian was a little older, war broke out between Britain and France in the New World. Ian soon joined the Connecticut militas, who were fighting against the French. The book explains a few reasons for Ian going to war, but it highlights one special reason. However, at war things didn’t go as planned and it took Watookoog to save the day. 

There was not one part of this novel I did not enjoy. First of all, I loved the very real descriptions in the book. For example when Ian and his family were having dinner, I felt as though I could actually smell and taste the food on the table. When I was reading the book I often felt like I was right there beside Ian. 

Secondly, I enjoyed how close it was to actual history. From what I had previously read about the French and Indian war, the events in the novel fitted like a glove. For example, I knew that Red Indians had pillaged colonial farms, and I also knew that it had been difficult for the British to destroy the French, just like in the book. In this and many ways the author kept true to history. 

Finally, even though there are sad, serious and dangerous parts, there are also many funny snippets. An example could be when Ian’s cousin Roland forgets an answer in school and everybody laughs at him except Ian who stand up and rattles of an impressive answer before stating that he disagreed with the question. The teacher agreed with the question, argues against Ian, and then Roland stands up puts up an unargueable statement that proves Ian right and leaves the teacher baffled. The cousins joint effort against the teacher made for a amusing episode.

These are some of the main reasons I loved this historical novel. Read this book because its thundering guns will blow you away.