by Bobbi Miller
160 pages; ages 8-12
Holiday House, 2014
Take three girls from three very different backgrounds and put them in the center of the decisive battle in the Civil War - that's what Bobbi Miller does. There's Grace, a free black living in fear that soldiers will come north and capture her and her family as "runaway slaves". There's Tillie, the genteel daughter who believes the Rebels wouldn't dare come this far north. And there's Annie, who takes her brother's rifle and dons her father's woolen pants and cotton shirt and sells her service to replace a rich man's son.
Three girls. Three stories. One big battle - and everything changes. While this is historical fiction, it is based on situations and people who lived at that time. There were female soldiers who fought in the Civil War - some in the Battle of Gettysburg. They went undetected until they were carried off the battlefield, wounded or dead.
This book raises lots of questions, and might inspire young readers to look further than what they read in their history texts. Beyond that, it's plain good storytelling, and a fun read to boot.
Today we're hanging out at the Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday round-up. Drop by Shannon's blog to see what other reviewers are talking about. Review copy provided by publisher.
WIN a COPY of this book: I like this book so much that I'd like to pass on my nearly-new copy to a history-loving reader. To get in the raffle, just do these two things:
1. leave a comment below, and
2. send an email to sueheaven[at]gmail[dot]com - or go to my profile and click on the email there. I will contact the winner by email next week.
caveat: You've got to have a US address to win the book.
I like the story line with its three diverse characters. Many tweens are just beginning to have some knowledge about the Civil War so this would be a great introduction. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think this is perfect for the age group - my kid loved reading about the Civil War and this is exactly the sort of book he would have read.
DeleteThis sounds like a great read, and especially a good one for the classroom. I love that it has such three diverse, strong female protagonists.
ReplyDeleteYes - each one is strong in her own fashion & each has things to learn, too.
DeleteThis sounds really interesting. Thanks for telling me about it and for a chance to win.
ReplyDeleteYou would really enjoy it, Rosi.
DeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great read! I read the description to my oldest daughter and she was totally intrigued! Thanks for the chance to win the book too :)
Monica
good luck!
DeleteWow, sounds like a fun trio of characters to follow through this pivotal time in US history. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction, especially this time period. Sounds like a very interesting book, thanks for the give a way. By the way, I also have a book give a way on my blog.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a book my children would enjoy and learn from. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteOH! I love historical fiction and this era is one of my favorite. I would love to win this one. And thanks for the chance. I will email you and not sure what else I need to do to win. Not sure how to go to your profile.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally
Thanks, Sue,