Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith tells the story of sixteen-year-old Jefferson Davis Bussey, a Kansas boy who enlists in the Union army during the Civil War and rises from an infantryman to a scout, ultimately infiltrating the rebel camp led by Cherokee Colonel Stand Watie. Jeff experiences love, uncovers betrayal, and matures, questioning the efficacy and morality of war through his encounters with both Union and Confederate soldiers. The novel includes depictions of brutality and the harsh realities of war.

Harold Keith's Rifles for Watie offers a richly detailed narrative of the Civil War era through the eyes of a young soldier. Readers praise its historical accuracy and vivid character development. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it remains valued for its educational merit and engaging portrayal of history.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with richly detailed settings and complex characters will appreciate Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith. Comparable to Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt and Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, this book appeals to those interested in the Civil War era and coming-of-age stories.

Adventurous / Suspenseful / Emotional / Bittersweet

Harold Keith

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Rifles for Watie Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Rifles for Watie Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Rifles for Watie Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Rifles for Watie Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Rifles for Watie Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-16

Rifles for Watie Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Rifles for Watie Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

Rifles for Watie Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-25

Rifles for Watie Chapters 23-25 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Rifles for Watie Character Analysis

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Themes

Rifles for Watie Themes

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Rifles for Watie Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Rifles for Watie Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Rifles for Watie Essay Topics

Rifles for Watie

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