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"Brouwer certainly knows how to weave an intriguing mystery, and protagonist Jim Webb’s blend of hard-earned cynicism and innate compassion stand him in good stead as he unravels the secrets of his grandfather’s past...[Webb] learns that self-respect and forgiveness are key to letting go of anger. Racism, tolerance, compassion, self-respect, and the power of song resonate through the novel. In the end, as he performs his adaptation in a small club, we cheer for Webb as much as does his audience."
CM Magazine
"A fast-paced story with lots of twists, Tin Soldier will have readers hooked and cheering on its teenaged main character Webb from page one...Faked deaths, secret identities, political corruption, and unexpected bonds unravel and develop as Webb and Lee learn more about each other...A great read that is hard to put down, full of characters readers can’t help but root for, and packed with historical facts without allowing the story to become a dry history lesson. Highly Recommended."
Kirkus Reviews
2014-07-29
Two identification cards, each with a separate name and both with his grandfather's photograph, send Webb on a journey to find the truth regardless of the cost. With only his travel guitar, a clean T-shirt and a small amount of cash, Webb must follow a trail that began during the Vietnam War. However, he lacks both information and a ride. He meets Lee Knox, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and self-proclaimed angry black man, who makes it his purpose to educate Webb about both the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. They agree to work together to solve the mystery of Webb's grandfather, but violence surrounds them, making it obvious they are not the only ones on the hunt. As one of seven linked stories, Webb's is the least connected to the other six, making it a good stand-alone choice. Rich in historical detail, the narrative is a crash course on a volatile time in American history. Webb, who battles his own internal demons even as he's fighting external enemies, is a complicated and authentic hero. Unfortunately, irrelevant details and uneven pacing rob Webb's quest of its power. This promising journey starts well but loses its way. (Mystery. 10-14)
