The description of Bucky McGuire and its setting of post-civil war Illinois near Galena caught my attention right away. As an Illinois girl interested in history, I had high hopes for this book. While the story of Bucky was interesting and the interchange between the now adult Bucky and his great-grandchildren was interesting, I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped.

While geared for upper-elementary children, the author uses numerous words and phrases unfamiliar to many children. While well-written and filled with amazing vocabulary, Bucky McGuire would be best as a read-aloud where unfamiliar terms could be explained. I did find the story dragged a bit but reading it aloud so that children could "hear" it told in the same way Bucky's grandchildren did would be a wise choice. As parent or teacher may find it helpful to create research projects around some of the events included in the book which would provide learning opportunities in history and science topics.

Recommended for reading aloud or as a unit study. Children who are interested in history and are avid readers will enjoy.

This is a well written book that holds your attention from the first page until the last. The author brings the story to life with his words and you feel like you are there. It has just the right amount of action and adventure to keep you turning the pages. This book was a wonderful read and I enjoyed every minute spent with it. I received a complimentary copy from Girl Friday Productions, Longhollow Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.