Red Cap (novel) facts for kids
.jpg)
First edition
|
|
| Author | G. Clifton Wisler |
|---|---|
| Original title | Red Cap |
| Country | United States of America |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher | Lodestar Books |
|
Publication date
|
1991 |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 160 pp |
| ISBN | 0-14-036936-8 |
| LC Class | PZ7.W78033Re 1991 St 2000 |
Red Cap is an exciting historical fiction book written by G. Clifton Wisler. It was first published in 1991 by Lodestar Books. Later, Puffin Books released it again in 1994.
The story takes place during the American Civil War in 1862. This was a big conflict in the United States of America. The main character is a boy named Ransom J. Powell, who lives in Frostburg, Maryland. Even though he is only 13 years old, Ransom really wants to join the Union Army. He goes against his parents' wishes and manages to convince everyone he is 15.
At first, Ransom is very excited and proud to be a soldier. But he soon learns that war is a very tough and dangerous place. He is captured during a small fight and taken to Camp Sumter. This was a prison camp run by the Confederate side. While in prison, Ransom sees many of his friends get sick or pass away. Despite all the hardships, he tries to hold onto hope.
Contents
Meet the Main Characters
Ransom J. "R.J" Powell: The Young Drummer Boy
Ransom is the main character and the narrator of the story. He is 13 years old but looks smaller than most kids his age. People call him Ranny, R. J., or Red Cap. He becomes a drummer boy for the army. Ransom is a symbol of hope throughout his difficult journey in the book.
Johnny Poland: Ransom's Protector
Johnny Poland is a Corporal in Ransom's army company. They are both captured by the Confederate army at the same time. Johnny becomes Ransom's protector while they are in prison. He looks out for Ransom until he passes away. Johnny's passing deeply affects Ransom.
Danny Hayes: The Trickster Drummer Boy
Danny Hayes is another drummer boy in Ransom's company. He becomes Ransom's best friend for a while. Everyone knows Danny as a fun-loving trickster. He is lost during a rebel attack when he is 14 years old.
Other Important People
Oliver "Ollie" Wilson: A Friend Against Slavery
Oliver Wilson, also known as Ollie, is one of R.J.'s best friends before the war. Ollie is against slavery, which means he doesn't get along well with the Perkins brothers. He is about R.J.'s age but a bit taller. Ollie leaves to join a different group of soldiers called the Fourth Maryland, United States forces.
The Perkins Brothers: From R.J.'s Hometown
Enos and Pat Perkins are two brothers who grew up in R.J.'s hometown. They believe that slavery is acceptable. Enos is around R.J.'s age and was one of his good friends. He is also described as being as tall as Ollie. Pat and Enos were both lost in different battles during the war. Pat was lost in Culpeper, Virginia, and Enos was lost in Manassas, Virginia.
Mr. and Mrs. Powell: R.J.'s Parents
These are R.J.'s parents. They do not want R. J. to join the war. At first, they stop him, but he eventually sneaks away to enlist. They have two daughters, Mary and Nancy, and a younger son named Jamie. R.J.'s father also has an apprentice named Johny McDonald.
