Book Descriptions
for Age 14 by Geert Spillebeen
From The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY)
Not having much interest or success in school, and never satisfying his father’s expectations, twelve-year-old Patrick Condon flees his erratic job on the docks in Ballybricken, Ireland, for an idealized army life. A not-so scrupulous recruiter simply winks when Patrick adopts his brother John’s identity and age—seventeen—to enlist. When war is declared, Patrick again lies about his age and identity so that he can be sent into action. Based on factual material and two years of research, Spillebeen relates the story of the youngest casualty of World War I. Patrick’s grave in Flanders Field is simply marked, “Age 14.” lmp
Originally published as Age 14 in Dutch by Averbode The Netherlands, in 2000. Translated by Terese Edelstein.
From the Publisher
It is 1913, and twelve-year-old Patrick Condon wants to escape his unexciting life in Ireland. So he hatches a plan. Not wanting to wait until he is old enough to join the army, Patrick lies and says he seventeen years old, and that his name is John Condon. Assuming the identity of his older brother, Patrick enlists.
John fits in quickly, though it is obvious that John is not 17, or even 16. That doesn’t matter. John is strong, fast, and a hard worker. He loves military life. This man’s world is just what John wanted. But when WWI begins in 1914, John gets all he has been looking for, and more he does not expect, as he is just a boy...
- Based on a True Story: Discover the incredible history of Patrick Condon, a twelve-year-old Irish boy who lied about his age and assumed his brother’s identity to fight in the Great War.
- Coming of Age in the Trenches: Patrick trades his quiet life for the thrilling world of a soldier, but the camaraderie of the barracks is soon replaced by the brutal realities of the Ypres Salient.
- Young Adult WWI Fiction: A meticulously researched and accessible novel that brings the history of the Great War to life, perfect for middle school and high school readers.
- Innocence Lost: Eager for adventure, Patrick finds the man’s world he craved, only to discover the heartbreaking cost of war when he is sent to the front lines.
