Freedom For Me by Stacie Haas is set during the Civil War which has been going on for over a year. Like so many other young men, Thomas wants to fight for his country. He has two problems; one is that he’s not old enough to join and the other is, as his brother would say, there are no Chinese Yankees. When Robert joins to fight, Thomas follows. However, before he can face the enemy he has to face his own fellow soldiers. Thomas finds that wearing the same uniform isn't enough to shed the Chinese label and he must face hardship, bigotry and hateful taunts, mainly because of his size but also because of the traditional Chinese queue ( long braid) he wears. Even after being severely beaten, his spirit isn't broken. Along the way, Thomas befriends a runaway slave where he begins to understand the true meaning of freedom and that the Union has to win the war so that slavery can end. But, if he is to survive to see the end, he must somehow gain the respect and trust of his comrades.

I liked this book very much. Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee is insightful in many ways. Based on a true story, the characterization was superbly portrayed. It vividly points out that hate and bigotry wasn't limited to one side. The dialogue was appropriate for the time period. Without the use of gory detail, the plot brought the reader right into the middle of the fight, some of the most dangerous and bloody battles of all the Civil War. The author has a talent for putting the reader there, next to Thomas with his determination to save the Union. I think the target audience will find it is a perfect fit. Very nicely done. I enjoyed it very much. Good job by this author.

Thomas Beck was not your typical adolescent male living in Connecticut in the 1860s. He lived with his father Joseph, mother Madeline and his eighteen-year-old brother Robert. Joseph was a seafaring captain and brought Thomas home after a trip to China, and they raised him as their own son. Madeline shielded Thomas from the local townspeople who would not accept his differences. Robert could not wait to join the Union Army, and Thomas joined with him, without the knowledge of any family member. The travails of his military experiences are described in Freedom For Me: A Chinese Yankee, written by Stacie Haas. Although fighting alongside other soldiers, Thomas experienced much prejudice and bullying. However, he was committed to ending slavery; he understood what it meant to be viewed as unworthy and less valuable than other people. Based on a true story, another face of racism is revealed.

The fictional account itself is very interesting, as it follows the Fourteenth Connecticut Infantry from the initial excitement of fighting the Rebels throughout some famous Civil War battles. These battles were grueling and difficult. The high numbers of injuries and deaths are hard to imagine. Author Stacie Haas has written a fascinating account of the Civil War, from the viewpoint of an “outsider” soldier, in Freedom For Me: A Chinese Yankee. She writes with a smooth flow, moving from the personal experiences of Thomas and his brother to historically accurate battle scenes. The reader is engaged from the first page to the last. This novel is certainly a poignant depiction of a difficult era in this country’s history.

Freedom For Me is a historical fiction novel by Stacie Haas set during the American Civil War. All fifteen-year-old Thomas Beck wants is to join his brother Robert and enlist in the Union Army so he can serve his country. But Thomas is no ordinary boy. Ten years ago, he was smuggled to America in a crate by his uncle from China and raised by a sailor named Joseph. When Robert joins the Fourteenth Connecticut Regiment, Thomas sees his chance and inserts himself into the camp. With his Asian looks and braided hair, Thomas struggles to mingle with his fellow soldiers, who never miss an opportunity to mock him and question his courage. After saving a runaway slave named Sam, Thomas slowly starts to distinguish himself amongst his peers. But will he find true freedom?

Author Stacie Haas sheds light on the plight of an often overlooked group that fought in the American Civil War -- Chinese Yankees who embraced America as their own and sought to fight for freedom. A touching coming-of-age story full of depth, charm, and grit, Freedom For Me is an inspiring read that young adult readers will thoroughly enjoy. The characters are grounded and realistic, with distinct personalities and believable motives that make them riveting to read. Thomas is a likable kid who strove for a sense of belonging all his life. He joins the army in search of freedom and, at last, finds it but at a great cost. You can't help but root for him. I recommend Freedom For Me to historical fiction lovers and young adults alike.