The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

If I had to pick a genre of literature that I liked best, then historical fiction would be my top choice. However, "The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg" is not your average historical fiction novel. Homer, the main character in the story, escapes a terrible home to try to rescue his older brother who was illegally sold into the Union Army. Now, you would think that would mean that the whole book is pretty serious, however, there is a great deal of humor in this story. Homer is not above "stretching the truth" when it suits his purposes, and it leads to some pretty interesting situations. This book was both an entertaining and fun adventure book. Read the full description below, and come check it out!

From School Library Journal:

When his older brother gets conscripted into the Union Army, Homer runs away from his uncle, "the meanest man in the entire state of Maine." He sets out after Harold but has multiple misadventures along the way. He survives thanks to courage, luck, and his talent for telling lies when needed, since "old Truth ain't nearly as useful as a fib sometimes." Homer relates his own adventures in colorful language as he crosses paths with con men, rogues, and scoundrels of various types. The comic tone is reflected in character names, such as Stink and Smelt, the cold-blooded slave catchers, and the kind but shifty Professor Fleabottom. Things take a more somber tone when Homer sees the horrors of the battlefield up close. The final reunion of the brothers during the Battle of Gettysburg is bittersweet. Homer's escapades introduce some interesting features of the year 1863, including the Underground Railroad, a traveling medicine show, Civil War spies, and an early version of the hydrogen balloon. Homer runs into plenty of danger, but there's more comedy than suspense in most episodes. He also deals with some moral dilemmas as he tries to make sense of the wide world and find people and ideas to believe in. The engaging protagonist and mixture of humor and adventure make this a strong choice for fans of Sid Fleischman's tales.