Plot summary, “How I Found the Strong” by Margaret McMullan in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"How I Found the Strong" by Margaret McMullan is a historical novel aimed at middle-grade readers, published in 2004. The story follows the journey of 10-year-old Frank "Shanks" Russell during the Civil War era. Left behind with his mother and grandparents as his father and older brother join the Confederate Army, Shanks grapples with the challenges of war alongside his family and their slave, Buck. As they endure hardships and shortages, their bonds deepen, prompting Shanks to question the purpose of the conflict tearing their nation apart. McMullan drew inspiration from a manuscript discovered in her grandmother's belongings, penned by her great-uncle Frank Russell, which chronicled life in Mississippi during the 1850s and 1860s. Seamlessly blending elements from Russell's real-life story, McMullan crafts a poignant narrative in "How I Found the Strong." Set on their Mississippi farm in the spring of 1861, young Shanks observes with envy as his father and brother prepare to join the fight against the Union. Despite his eagerness to join them, Shanks is deemed too young and frail for the army. Taunted by his family for his stature and nicknamed "Sonny," "Chicken Legs," and "Beanpole," Shanks feels the sting of being left behind. As the war progresses and their farm faces increasing hardships, Shanks and Buck take on responsibilities beyond their years, grappling with the harsh realities of the conflict. Encounters with individuals like Irene Beall, a volunteer nurse, and Tempy, a deserter, further deepen Shanks's understanding of war and human suffering. Amidst personal losses and challenges, including the decline of Grandma and Ma's impending labor, Shanks and Buck's bond strengthens. When armed ex-Confederate soldiers threaten Buck's safety, Shanks and Pa undertake a daring rescue, leading to a transformative journey for both Shanks and Buck. In the epilogue, Frank reflects on the family's subsequent endeavors, signaling a significant personal transformation for himself. The novel earned a nomination for the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award in 2006, showcasing its impact and resonance with readers.