When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Diary of Emma Simpson, Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864 (Dear America Series)

by Barry Denenberg

Overview

Acclaimed author Barry Denenberg's WHEN WILL THIS CRUEL WAR BE OVER? is now back in print with a gorgeous new package!

The peaceful, traditional Southern life that Emma Simpson and her family know is shattered when the Civil War reaches their soil. Soon, Emma's father and brother are called to battle, but her family is confident the South will quickly win the War between the States.

As the months drag on, though, the harsh realities of war set in. Death and hardship are all around Emma, and food, medicine, firewood, and ink for her to write in her diary become increasingly scarce as troops from the North march deeper into the South. Finally, even her home is commandeered by the Yankees.

Still, with a brave spirit and the knowledge of what is most important, Emma never loses hope that the war will end.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780545275989
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/01/2011
Series:	Dear America Series
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 7.37(h) x (d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Barry Denenberg is a critically acclaimed author of nonfiction and historical fiction. His historical fiction books include titles in the Dear America, My Name Is America, and Royal Diaries series, many of which have been named NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People. His nonfiction books have covered a wide array of topics, from Anne Frank to Elvis Presley.

Barry Denenberg lives in Bedford, New York, with his wife and daughter.

Editorial Reviews

PRAISE FOR DEAR AMERICA:
"More than a supplement to classroom textbooks, this series is an imaginative, solid entre into American history." --PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"An impressive series that will challenge students to make connections from prominent historical events to relevant life situations . . . A wonderful asset to the classroom as well as to home libraries." --CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW SERVICE

"Engaging, accessible historical fiction." --SLJ

"The Dear America diaries represent the best of historical fiction for any age." --CHICAGO TRIBUNE

From the Publisher

Fifteen-year-old Emma Simpson knows that her life can never be the same as it was. Her father has been away, fighting for the Confederate Army, for two years, and they just received word that her brother Cole is dead. News of the losses of family and friends comes frequently. Her Aunt Caroline comes to live with them when Uncle Benjamin dies and the situation in Richmond becomes too dangerous. She brings Emma's Cousin Rachel, who becomes increasingly difficult to tolerate, and Baby Elizabeth, who provides a ray of sunshine in the bleak wartime south. Emma reads to escape the tragedy that surrounds her and writes to Tally, a young man she met shortly before he became a soldier. With the support of the Negro slaves Iris and Amos, the women help each other through times of grief and the strain of Yankee occupation. The journal format is an appealing way to make history personal and authentic. Viewing the Civil War from the ordinary life of the South, particularly from a plantation with loyal slaves, provides a different perspective than the familiar pro-Yankee history. Readers may have trouble with the formality of the language in this "Dear America" series book, but Emma's feelings come through genuinely. The mention of works by Austen and Bronte create an extra layer of interest for the classroom, and the text includes additional background information and historical photos. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann

Children's Literature - Jennifer Lehmann