“A Soldier’s Game” Wins Sleeping Bear Press’ Tales of Young Americans Contest

Trinka Hakes Noble, author of Scarlet Stockings Spy, is headed to Mississippi to congratulate Leigh Davis of Lamar Elementary School for her winning entry in Sleeping Bear Press’ Tales of Young Americans Contest.

As the school of the grand-prize winner, Lamar Elementary School receives a visit from one of Sleeping Bear’s most popular authors to discuss her latest book, her writing process and answer students’ questions. And Lamar Elementary has third-grader Leigh Davis to thank. Leigh wrote a Revolutionary War tale of two young brothers’ game that becomes painful, yet proud, reality. Enjoy Leigh’s tale, as we have:

A Soldier’s Game
By Leigh Davis

1775

Charles was 12 years old when the Revolutionary War began. His older brother, Thomas, fought as a Patriot. When they were younger, Charles and Thomas played soldiers. Charles was always a Redcoat, and Thomas was always a Patriot. Now the game was real, and Charles was scared. He worried about his brother, and he worried about having to fight, too, if the war went on much longer.

1776

Charles’ father joined Thomas as a Patriot. Charles, now thirteen years old, lived with his aunt and worked with a blacksmith. Charles worried about his father and his brother. The first shots he heard were not far from where he lived on Long Island. The next day, he found out his father died in battle.

Now that Charles was fourteen years old, it was time for him to join the Patriot forces. He united with Thomas at Valley Forge. Sadly, his brother died in battle and Charles was injured.

1778

Charles healed at home with his aunt. Although he missed his father and Thomas, he was very glad about being home with his aunt and having fought for independence.

1785

Charles married and is the father of two children. His aunt died of a horrible disease not long after he lived at her home.