Thirteen-year-old Jonathan goes off to fight in the Revolutionary War and discovers the real war is being fought within himself. - (Baker & Taylor)

A thirteen-year-old farmer's son is taken prisoner by three Hessian soldiers during America's Revolutionary War and discovers the realities of war and life - (Baker & Taylor)

Scott O’Dell Award for Best Historical Fiction * ALA Notable Book * ALA Best Books for YA

Newbery Medal-winning author Avi tells the “compelling story of a young boy’s first encounter with war and how it changes him.”—Publishers Weekly

Jonathan may be only thirteen years old, but with the Revolutionary War unfolding around him, he’s more certain than ever that he wants to be a part of it—to fight for independence alongside his brother and cousin to defeat the British. But Jonathan’s father, himself wounded from battle, refuses to let his son join the front lines.

When Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling all soldiers to arms, he rushes to enlist without telling his dad. Gun in hand, Jonathan falls in with a militia and marches onward to the fighting ground. It feels like he’s been waiting his whole life for this moment.

But no amount of daydreaming could prepare Jonathan for what he encounters. In just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever changed—by his fellow soldiers, unsuspecting enemies, and the frightening and complicated realities of war. 

More than thirty years after its publication, award-winner The Fighting Ground continues to be an important work of historical fiction for young readers.

Scott O'Dell Award for Best Historical Fiction * ALA Notable Book * ALA Best Books for YA

Newbery Medal-winning author Avi tells the 'compelling story of a young boy's first encounter with war and how it changes him.''Publishers Weekly

Jonathan may be only thirteen years old, but with the Revolutionary War unfolding around him, he's more certain than ever that he wants to be a part of it'to fight for independence alongside his brother and cousin to defeat the British. But Jonathan's father, himself wounded from battle, refuses to let his son join the front lines.

When Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling all soldiers to arms, he rushes to enlist without telling his dad. Gun in hand, Jonathan falls in with a militia and marches onward to the fighting ground. It feels like he's been waiting his whole life for this moment.

But no amount of daydreaming could prepare Jonathan for what he encounters. In just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever changed'by his fellow soldiers, unsuspecting enemies, and the frightening and complicated realities of war. 

More than thirty years after its publication, award-winner The Fighting Ground continues to be an important work of historical fiction for young readers.

April 3, 1778

He may be just thirteen, but Jonathan knows he's ready to go to the war against the British. He can handle a gun. He yearns to battle for glory, just like his brother and cousin.

So when Jonathan hears the tavern bell toll, calling men to fight, he runs to join them. He doesn't realize that in just twenty-four hours, his life will be forever altered -- by the war, by his fellow soldiers, and by the terrible choices he must make.

Publishers Weekly Reviews

A 13-year-old boy's dream of fighting in the American Revolution becomes a reality in this exciting adventure tale, winner of the 1984 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly Reviews

One day in the life of a 13-year-old boy fighting in the Revolutionary War is vividly depicted in hour-by-hour vignettes. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly Reviews

The compelling story of a young boy's first encounter with war and how it changes him. Ages 9-up. (May) Copyright 1987 Cahners Business Information.