A story about surviving tough times and trying to do your part in those tough times. The main character 's best friend is alone after his mother dies and his father goes to jail. ( )

As the Civil War rages, Amelia's Maryland town is divided between supported the Union and the Confederacy. Even she and her best friend Josh disagree. Amelia vows not to take sides, until the Confederate troops march into town.

I really enjoyed this book. Amelia is such a strong female role model for girls. Ann Rinaldi also does a wonderful job of making the struggles that Amelia goes through come to life. You cna' thelp but feel for her as though you are living her life.

Classroom extensions:
1) Have students create a journal and judging the decisions that Amelia makes and having them say what decisions they would make in her situation.
2) Have students create a map of Hagerstown, Maryland from the description in the book ( )