About This Book

Amelia takes her mother's words to heart as she sees her Maryland town split in two by the angry passions of the Civil War. The one time Amelia plays a part in the conflict, there are serious consequences for her good friend Josh. After that, Amelia vows to stay out of the war and just remain loyal to the people she cares about . . . people like Josh, who has no interest in fighting, only in writing truthfully about what is happening.

But all around the two friends, others are taking sides — acting sometimes with cowardice and hatred, sometimes with courage and honor. When Amelia and Josh have a unique opportunity to make a small difference in the course of the war, they must weigh their resolutions not to get involved against the claims of friendship and the life of a town.

Award-winning historical fiction author Ann Rinaldi has uncovered a fascinating wartime incident and woven a compelling tale of danger and menace, loyalty and love, during a war in which not all the casualties are on the battlefield, and some of the deepest wounds are invisible.

About the Authors or Illustrators

Ann Rinaldi

Children's author Ann Rinaldi wanted to use her writing to make readers excited about history. Her novels, which revolve around young females in history, have augmented girls' interest in history.

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