The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg facts for kids
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg is a historical novel written by Rodman Philbrick, who also wrote Freak the Mighty. The story takes place during the American Civil War. It follows the exciting journey of a boy named Homer P. Figg, who loves to tell tall tales. Homer is on a mission to find his older brother, Harold, who is a Union soldier. The book was first published in 2009 and was recognized as a Newbery Honor Book in 2010.
Contents
Story Summary
The story is told by Homer P. Figg, a young orphan. He lives in Maine with his older brother, Harold. They are treated badly by their aunt's husband, Squinton Leach.
Harold Joins the Army
One day, Harold stands up to Leach. Because of this, Leach and some other men illegally force Harold to join the Union army. Leach lies about Harold's age, saying he is 20 when he is only 17. Homer is locked in a root cellar. He starts thinking of a way to save his brother.
Homer escapes by digging a tunnel. He rides away at night on a horse named Bob. Soon, two bad guys, Stink and Smelt, stop him. They force Homer to investigate a man named Jebediah Brewster. They suspect Mr. Brewster is helping people escape through the Underground Railroad. Mr. Brewster owns a gemstone mine.
New Friends and Tricky Situations
Homer ends up at Mr. Brewster's home. Mr. Brewster is a kind Quaker who understands Homer's difficult situation. He advises Homer to always tell the truth. However, Homer almost gets into trouble by lying. He is saved by a fellow prisoner named Samuel Reed. Homer had helped Samuel earlier by saying he was worth more alive.
Homer and Samuel return to the Brewsters' home. Samuel then helps the people escaping slavery continue their journey to freedom. Mr. Brewster gives Homer a new guardian, a young clergyman named Reverend Webster B. Willow.
A Medicine Show and a Spy
Homer and Reverend Willow board a ship to find Harold. Sadly, Reverend Willow is tricked by a lady and her brother. They steal his money. Reverend Willow feels so bad that he asks to be thrown into the cargo deck with some pigs.
When the ship docks, people make fun of Homer, calling him "pig-boy." A man named Professor Fleabottom rescues him. He invites Homer to join his medicine show as the amazing "Pig-Boy." One night, Homer secretly sees Professor Fleabottom giving a man on a black horse a leather bag.
Later, a colonel sends soldiers after them. Professor Fleabottom tries to bribe the soldiers with silver coins, but they keep running. They then find a hot air balloon with a man inside calling for help. Homer and another member of the show help him. They are almost caught by Union soldiers and a captain. During this, Homer discovers that Professor Fleabottom is actually a spy for the Confederacy, named Reginald Robertson Crockett.
Escapes and the Battle of Gettysburg
Homer escapes being arrested by flying away in the balloon. But he crash-lands in Confederate territory. He is put in a barn with a reporter. Homer escapes again on a stolen pony. He rides right through the famous Battle of Gettysburg. This time, he lands in Union territory.
Homer meets Reverend Webster B. Willow again. Reverend Willow tells Homer that Harold has not yet fought in the battle. He expects Harold to arrive the next day with the Maine regiment. Homer waits to find the Maine regiment. He finds them but learns that Harold was sent to the back of the lines. Harold was punished for pushing his officer into the mud, just like he did to Leach.
The general in charge, Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, sends all available men, including prisoners, to help defend a hill. Harold goes to war. Homer begs him not to go, but Harold insists. Homer is close to the fighting as a "support unit." He accidentally shoots Harold in the leg. It was actually a piece of rock that Homer hit with a revolver, and the rock shard hit Harold's leg.
Life After the War
Both Homer and Harold survive the battle. For the next two years, they work on farms and in small factories to earn money. Professor Fleabottom was killed in action after bribing guards with his gold buttons and heading to war.
Mr. Brewster eventually finds them. He becomes their legal guardian and names them his family and heirs. Sadly, Harold loses his leg due to an infection. Mr. Brewster then asks Homer to write down their story.
A stage play based on the book was first performed at the Kennedy Center in 2012.
