The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg 

• Genre: Fiction; historical fiction; middle grade 
• Originally Published: 2009 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 950L; grades 4-7 
• Structure/Length: Approximately 240 pages; audiobook length around 4 hours, 59 minutes
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The protagonist is Homer P. Figg, a young and adventurous boy. The central conflict revolves around Homer’s quest to rescue his brother, who has been illegally sold into the Union Army during the American Civil War. His journey is filled with humorous and dangerous adventures, meeting fascinating characters along the way. 
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: War; slavery; child abuse; family separation; mild violence and peril; depictions of historical hardships

Rodman Philbrick, Author 

• Bio: Born 1951; American novelist and screenwriter; known for his engaging and accessible writing style; often writes about young protagonists facing significant challenges; his works frequently explore themes of adventure, resilience, and the human spirit.
• Other Works: Freak the Mighty (1993); The Last Book in the Universe (2000); The Young Man and the Sea (2004); Zane and the Hurricane (2014) 
• Awards: Michigan Library Association’s Mitten Award (2009); Newbery Honor (2010); Bank Street CBC Best Children’s Book of the Year (2010);

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Search for Safety and Freedom
• Truth and Lies
• Purpose and Duty

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will: