From Follett Titlewave:

Fritz, Delia. "Private Peaceful (Book Review)." School Library Journal. (2004) 28 Oct. 2009

Hoy, Sherry. "Private Peaceful (Book Review)." Library Media Connection (2004) 28 Oct 2009

(http://www.flr.follett.com/search?SID...) ( )

This is the story of Private Tommy Peaceful, a British soldier in WWI who is recalling his childhood while staying awake through the night (the reason is revealed at the end of the book). The reader is taken through Tommy's childhood to the trenches of WWI. Themes include cowardice v. courage in war as well as family loyalty. A great read, especially for teen boys. ( )

A wonderful, moving book about World War One, with a fatalistic and tragic air running through it, although the reader doesn't know the full truth until the end. Very powerful. ( )

Two brothers serve in the army during WWI, but only one returns home to the family that they both love. The tragedy is that the brother who doesn’t return home is killed not on the battle field, but by firing squad.The novel is formed via foreshadowing. It begins with Tommo telling the story of the Peaceful boys in their formative years as the clock ticks away towards the time when Charlie is to be executed. The first chapter title is “five past ten” and the last “one minute to six”; six o’clock being the time of Charlie’s death. The text is engrossing and sure to be enjoyed by boys in particular. The book is appropriate for high school students. ( )

A young English soldier fighting in World War I awaits the dawn and his brother’s summary execution for desertion. While he does, he spends the hours recounting his childhood memories and detailing the events that brought him to this moment. This book tells a story of World War I that is little known--that of the British Army's choice to execute its own soldiers. For this reason alone, it is a valuable high school resource. However, the humanity of the characters and the realism of the plot are never subjugated to the political message, which is a testament to the restraint of the author. The book is also full of the kind of interesting literary elements that literature teachers love. However, its slow beginning and confusing time shifts could make the book a difficult read for less competent readers. ( )