At the beginning of the Civil War, Lula McLean's family home in Manassas, Virginia, is taken over by the Confederate army and used as its headquarters. Forced to flee by the oncoming Union army, Lula and her family and her favorite rag doll move south to a small village called Appomattox Court House. Then one day in 1865, Lula left her doll behind, and what happened next made history.
"Friedman's economical text clearly shows how the Civil War touched the life of a young child. The watercolor-and-gauche illustrations and folk-art style add a sense of comfort to the turmoil and destruction of the war. An author's note provides historical details about the story." -- School Library Journal
"Friedman expertly weaves the major facts of the Civil War into her narrative, always returning to Lula's experiences as a touchstone... By focusing on Lula and her doll -- the 'silent witness' of the title -- the grand sweep of history is placed very firmly and humanely within the grasp of young readers." -- Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 4 - 8 |
---|---|
Author | Robin Friedman |
Illustrator | Claire A. Nivola |
ISBN | 0547014368 |
Publication Date | Jun 16, 2008 |
Publisher | Sandpiper |
Language | English |