The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

Philbrick, R. (2009). The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg. New York: Blue Sky Press.

By weaving fiction in with historical fiction the story becomes more believable and emotionally tied to the reader.  Homer P. Figg is an endearing boy who believes himself a liar when really he is a practically a saint.  He is a lovable character who is attempting to understand the world during a time when the country is divided.  Homer meets some interesting characters who are entirely embedded in historical events such as the Underground Railroad, the Quakers, illegal enlistments of soldiers during the Civil War, marching on the lines, and the illegal activities of those selling magical elixirs. These underlying themes and Philbrick’s character development make for a great story. (Grades 3 and up).