From the Publisher
An irresistible debut filled with heart and humor. Here is a book that doesn’t rewrite history so much as broaden its scope, bringing into focus unsung heroes, in a coming of age story that celebrates inclusivity and bravery and pride and love. Sure to connect with young readers and broaden their imaginations about the past, the present, and the future that is theirs to fight for.” — Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series
“Heartfelt, humorous, and hopeful, The Civil War of Amos Abernathy affirms that some causes are worth fighting for—whether social justice or a first crush is on the line. Don't be surprised if irrepressible Amos inspires a new wave of changemakers.” — Lisa Jenn Bigelow, Lambda Literary Award-winning author of Hazel’s Theory of Evolution and Drum Roll, Please
“In his first novel, Leali has done an excellent job of telling an exceedingly timely story. It’s a valuable addition to the still-slender body of middle-school literature with queer content.” — Booklist (starred review)
“Entertaining and engaging. A necessary addition to all collections seeking heartwarming tales of first crushes, and the importance of centering marginalized history.” — School Library Journal (starred review)
“A testament to the power of friendship and conviction, Michael Leali's thoughtful, delightful debut is a gem for any reader beginning to ask 'Why is the world this way? And how can I make it better?'” — Adib Khorram, award-winning author of Darius the Great Is Not Okay
“A compelling debut, brimming with charming characters who take responsibility for making the world around them more honest and more inclusive.” — Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, New York Times Bestselling Co-Authors of I'm Not Dying with You Tonight and Why We Fly
Lisa Jenn Bigelow
Heartfelt, humorous, and hopeful, The Civil War of Amos Abernathy affirms that some causes are worth fighting for—whether social justice or a first crush is on the line. Don't be surprised if irrepressible Amos inspires a new wave of changemakers.
Booklist (starred review)
In his first novel, Leali has done an excellent job of telling an exceedingly timely story. It’s a valuable addition to the still-slender body of middle-school literature with queer content.
Adib Khorram
A testament to the power of friendship and conviction, Michael Leali's thoughtful, delightful debut is a gem for any reader beginning to ask 'Why is the world this way? And how can I make it better?'
Soman Chainani
An irresistible debut filled with heart and humor. Here is a book that doesn’t rewrite history so much as its broaden its scope, bringing into focus unsung heroes, in a coming of age story that celebrates inclusivity and bravery and pride and love. Sure to connect with young readers and broaden their imaginations about the past, the present, and the future that is theirs to fight for.
Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal
A compelling debut, brimming with charming characters who take responsibility for making the world around them more honest and more inclusive.
Kirkus Reviews
2022-02-09
A middle schooler connects with the past and his present.
Amos Abernathy is a history buff. He loves working at the Living History Park in Apple Grove, Illinois, where volunteers reenact activities of daily life in the 19th century. Half the novel takes place in the latter months of 2021 (minus Covid) using the form of letters that Amos writes to Albert D.J. Cashier, a 19th-century trans man, in which he struggles through his crush on the closeted, but very cute, “Freaking Ben Oglevie.” The other half takes place over the course of one day in 2022 as Amos, who is White; his Black best friend, Chloe (a straight girl training as a blacksmith who has her own satisfying side plot); and others scheme their way into making the historical attraction more diverse and welcoming. The execution of the plot, which revolves around a stalled romance and kids planning a presentation, reads less as an organically unfolding story than an opportunity to investigate queer history, White privilege, and how to fail at allyship and then redeem yourself. Amos, who consistently names the identifiers of major and cameo characters alike, often feels more like a model for good behavior than a real 12- and then 13-year-old. Educators will wish that this was nonfiction with lesson plans; middle-grade audiences may yearn for more story and fewer lessons.
An educational title that may appeal to young historians. (author’s note, photos, bibliography) (Fiction. 9-13)
