Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith tells the story of sixteen-year-old Jefferson Davis Bussey, a Kansas boy who enlists in the Union army during the Civil War and rises from an infantryman to a scout, ultimately infiltrating the rebel camp led by Cherokee Colonel Stand Watie. Jeff experiences love, uncovers betrayal, and matures, questioning the efficacy and morality of war through his encounters with both Union and Confederate soldiers. The novel includes depictions of brutality and the harsh realities of war.

Harold Keith's Rifles for Watie offers a richly detailed narrative of the Civil War era through the eyes of a young soldier. Readers praise its historical accuracy and vivid character development. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot occasionally predictable. Overall, it remains valued for its educational merit and engaging portrayal of history.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with richly detailed settings and complex characters will appreciate Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith. Comparable to Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt and Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, this book appeals to those interested in the Civil War era and coming-of-age stories.

Adventurous / Suspenseful / Emotional / Bittersweet

- Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith won the Newbery Medal in 1958, a prestigious award given for distinguished contributions to American literature for children.
- Harold Keith was inspired to write Rifles for Watie after conducting extensive research and interviews with Civil War veterans, which he began while researching for his master's thesis at the University of Oklahoma.
- The book provides a unique perspective on the American Civil War, focusing on the less commonly covered Western theater and highlighting the diverse groups involved, including Native American soldiers.

Harold Keith

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Rifles for Watie and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Rifles for Watie Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Rifles for Watie Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Rifles for Watie Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Rifles for Watie Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Rifles for Watie Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-16

Rifles for Watie Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

Rifles for Watie Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

Rifles for Watie Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-25

Rifles for Watie Chapters 23-25 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Rifles for Watie Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Rifles for Watie Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Rifles for Watie Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Rifles for Watie Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Rifles for Watie Essay Topics

Rifles for Watie

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Rifles for Watie?

Reading Age

Book Details