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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
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The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg (2009) (edit title/settings)

by Rodman Philbrick (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

Master storyteller Rodman Philbrick takes readers on a colorful journey as young Homer Figg sets off to follow his brother into the thick of the Civil War. Through a series of fascinating events, Homer's older brother has been illegally sold to the Union Army. It is up to Homer to find him and... read more

Summary edit see section history

After having his brother sold to the Union Army, Homer P. Figg sets out on a journey to find him. Later he takes a horse and sets off to find his brother. After waking up, Homer finds himself in the house of the Brewsters, a wealthy family that has slaves in their partly underground railroad.... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

After having his brother sold to the Union Army, Homer P. Figg sets out on a journey to find him. Later he takes a horse and sets off to find his brother. After waking up, Homer finds himself in the house of the Brewsters, a wealthy family that has slaves in their partly underground railroad. Homer and the Brewsters get passes for a steam ship to find his brother. When they get off the boat, someone takes their money and then Homer gets into a fight to regain the money. A guard knocks Homer out. The Brewsters wake Homer up and are in a big city. After miles of traveling, they get on an air balloon and find themselves above a battle and land on the other side. Once again, Homer is knocked out, but this time he awakens in an Army camp. His brother Harold gets ammunition and goes to battle. After awhile, Homer is told to get ammunition for the Union Army. They won the battle, but sadly Harold lost his leg caused by an infection. The Army men get Harold to the medical tent. The doctor says Harold will be okay. Homer gets to see Harold and they are both very happy to see each other. Harold is relieved of his Army duties. When they returned to their Uncle, the wounded Harold had already healed very nicely.

Characters/People edit see section history

  • Homer P. Figg: The main character of the book. He has an uncanny ability when it comes to lying, but is fiercely loyal to his brother. He has an uncle by the name of Squinton Leach, and a brother named Harold Figg.
  • Harold Figg: The brother of Homer, Harold is the worst liar there is. He is very truthful and protective towards his brother, and is enlisted in the army even though he is under-aged.
  • Jebediah Brewster: A rich abolitionist Quaker man who helps Homer along the way.
  • Mr. Webster B. Willow: A preacher whom Mr. Brewster hires to help Homer get to New York. Mr. Willow is concerned with his job to help himself become a preacher until he encounters Kate Nibbly. Afterwards we see Mr. Willow as shallow and selfish only wanting anything Kate wants, no matter what.
  • Professor Fenton J Fleabottom: Traveling circus owner, elixir salesman, Confederate spy. Real name: Reginald Robertson Crockett. He notices Homer's talent and considers him as "Pig Boy."
  • Mrs. Bean: Mr. Brewster's cook and a motherly figure towards Homer as he stays with Mr. Brewster.
  • Samuel Reed: A "conductor" for the Underground Railroad whom Homer encounters. He changes from a scared man who seems unimportant to a life saver just at the right time!
  • Homer P. Figg: The main character of the book and narrator. Homer is a young boy that is trying to regain control of his life but at the same time, he is taking part of many important events of history. He is known as a liar and holds to this term when retelling stories to others. One may even find him very humorous.
  • Mr. Bobbins: A hot air balloon pilot who surveyed troop movements for the Union that Homer runs into when he is traveling with the Medicine Show. Key member to helping Homer.
  • Harold Figg: He is the older brother of Homer. Harold has to act as the parent for Homer causing him to miss out on many things in life. We see Harold thrust into the departure for war by his Uncle Squint.
  • Kate Nibbly: A particularly beautiful young lady that captures the attention of Mr. Willow. She is after Mr. Willow only for his money. Poor MR. Willow
  • Squinton Leach: The ornery uncle that has custody of Homer and Harold. He mistreats both boys badly by overworking and underfeeding them. To make money for himself, he sells Harold to the U.S. Army.
  • Tilda: Mr. Bobbin's hot air balloon.
  • Abe Lincoln: The President of the United States of America.
  • Squinton Leach: Homer's uncle and guardian.
  • Robert E. Lee: The chief general for the Confederacy.
  • "Pig Boy": Homer also plays this character as he is referred to this when he travels with the Medicine Show.
  • Mr. Levi Crockett: Professor Fleabottom's brother, a confederate spy.
Show all 18 characters
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Organizations edit see section history

  • The Union Army: The army of the United States of America which consists of volunteers from many states
  • The Confederate Army: The army of the Confederate States of America, those states which seceded from the Union.
  • The Religious Society of Friends: Otherwise known as "Quakers," people belonging to this Christian religious group do not believe using violence of any kind for any purpose.
  • The Underground Railroad: A group of abolitionists who worked to help escaped slaves make their way to freedom by leading them from one safe location to the next. In the book, they aim to get to Canada where escapees will not be recaptured or sold back into slavery.
  • Abolitionists: Those who wished and labored to end slavery in the United States.

First Sentence edit see section history

My name is Homer P. Figg, and these are my true adventures.

Table of Contents edit see section history

1. The Meanest Man in Maine
2. Muddy Blues
3. The Wretched Lie
4. The Dark of the World
5. Bears as Big as Boulders
6. The Worst Smell Ever
7. The Man in the Sack
8. Pancakes in Heaven
9. Quaker Talk
10. When the River Cries Like a Baby
11. The Weasel Comes A-Calling
12. The Door in the Dirt
13. A Wagonload of Hope
14. The Hungry Mouse
15. Train to Glory
16. Frank T. Nibbly, Entirely at Your Service
17. Message for Homer Figg
18. The Smell of Pigs
19. The Amazing Pig Boy
20. The Caravan of Miracles
21. Boiled by Indians
22. The Secret in the Wagons
23. The Sound of Guns
24. Three Oinks for Homer Pig
25. See the Elephant and Die
26. The Terrible Black Wagons
27. The Mad Balloon Man
28. Like a Squirrel Up a Tree
29. Like a Bird With a Broken Wing
30. When the Screaming Comes Inside
31. On the Terrible First Day of July
32. Things Best Forgot
33. M Is for Mutineer
34. One Small Hill
35. Even When They're Dead
36. What Happened in the End

Series & Lists edit see section history

This book is in Newbery Honor Roll. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Rodman Philbrick (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
Country: USA
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 0439668182
Page Count: 224

Awards edit see section history

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

A very appropriate book for pre-teens. Fun, and a fast read. Could be a good intro into the Civil War, or if a child is a history buff.

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
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