ALA Booklist (Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2006)

In an incident drawn from a former slave's narrative and carefully fleshed out, young Johnny runs away to join a company of Union soldiers. Taking up an invitation from a passing bluecoat, he joins troops on the march, and is given a job as a mule team driver. After taking a wagonload of provisions by himself over a dangerous bridge, he's even given a uniform of his own. In her afterword, Hopkinson provides background on her source and notes that not all runaways received such a friendly reception. With that information in hand, Johnny's experiences, as well as his newly found love of freedom, will bring the era and people to life for modern young readers--in much the same way as did Hopkinson's Billy and the Rebel (2005). This Ready-to-Read chapter book is illustrated with freely brushed watercolors.

Horn Book (Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 2006)

This series about a society where family size is legally limited continues with the story of Nina, who, betrayed by her boyfriend, is arrested by the Population Police. Now she herself must either betray the three young siblings who share her prison cell or face death. The grim plot comes to a surprise conclusion, suggesting future empowerment for the characters and leaving readers eager for the next installment.

Kirkus Reviews

Johnny loves his Uncle Silas, his mule Nell and the cows he herds back and forth each day. But he does not love being a slave. And when Uncle Silas plants the idea of service in the Union army in Johnny's brain, it's pretty easy for him to join up with Company C as it marches through the Hogatt farm. Adding to the Ready-to-Read early reading series, Hopkinson brings her research and storytelling talents to another little-known chapter in U.S. history for children. Floca's simple, flat watercolors match the straightforward prose, and the blue-washed night scenes match the tension as Johnny performs an act of heroism to save the company. Though the acceptance the white soldiers show to their new recruit seems unreal, a helpful author's note documents the kindness of these particular Union soldiers. Young Civil War buffs will welcome something they can read themselves. (Nonfiction. 5-8)

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2005)

Gr 1-3 In simple sentences for those who have just begun to read proficiently, Hopkinson tells the story of a slave boy who runs away to join the Union army. Short chapters and detailed watercolors aid the transition to more difficult text, while an exciting plot based on a true Civil War story keeps readers interested. No fighting is portrayed; the story centers on a harrowing trip Johnny makes to take supplies to a team of soldiers. A worthwhile addition to beginning chapter-book collections. Anne Knickerbocker, formerly at Cedar Brook Elementary School, Houston, TX