Richard Peck is a master of stories about people in transition, but perhaps never before has he told a tale of such dramatic change as this one, set during the first year of the Civil War. The whole country is changing in 1861-even the folks from a muddy little Illinois settlement on the banks of the Mississippi. Here, fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt frets over the fact that her brother is dreaming of being a soldier and that her sister is prone to supernatural visions. A boy named Curry could possibly become a distraction. ...
Read More
Richard Peck is a master of stories about people in transition, but perhaps never before has he told a tale of such dramatic change as this one, set during the first year of the Civil War. The whole country is changing in 1861-even the folks from a muddy little Illinois settlement on the banks of the Mississippi. Here, fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt frets over the fact that her brother is dreaming of being a soldier and that her sister is prone to supernatural visions. A boy named Curry could possibly become a distraction. Then a steamboat whistle splits the air. The Rob Roy from New Orleans docks at the landing, and off the boat step two remarkable figures: a vibrant, commanding young lady in a rustling hoop skirt and a darker, silent woman in a plain cloak, with a bandanna wrapped around her head. Who are these two fascinating strangers? And is the darker woman a slave, standing now on the free soil of Illinois? When Tilly's mother invites the women to board at her house, the whole world shifts for the Pruitts and for their visitors as well. Within a page-turning tale of mystery, adventure, and the civilian Civil War experience, Richard Peck has spun a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact that one person can have on another. This is a novel of countless riches.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Size: 5x4x1; Order today-sent today with tracking number, M-F*. Good codition ex-library audio book CD with good condition plastic case. We protect your purchase with damage-resistant double-layer bubble-wrap packaging where possible. Your purchase helps fund small charities in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana. *Our delivery standard: order received by 2PM Eastern US time goes out by 4: 30 PM M-F.
The year is 1861. Tilly Pruitt lives in Illinois with her brother Noah, her sister Cass and their mother. With their father gone, they are struggling to make ends meet. Then a stranger from New Orleans steps off a steamboat headed to St Louis. Delphine and her companion Calinda are like nothing the small town of Grand Tower has ever seen. They cannot continue their journey to St. Louis, so Mrs. Pruitt takes them in as paying boarders. Rumors begin to fly around town immediately. Residents wonder if the darker woman, Calinda, is a slave, or if the two women are spies for the south. And why is the Pruitt family harboring southerners? Little do they all know the deep effect they will all have on each others lives and futures.
This story is told as a flashback, as Tilly's grandchildren come for a visit in 1916. The children learn the story of their dad's family, and a family secret or two.
This is just a lovely story. It has such vibrant descriptions and memorable characters. I just happened to find this book at the local thriftshop and picked it up. I'm glad I did. It was a very enjoyable read.
Richard Peck has written many books for children, including A Year Down Yonder, which won the Newberry Medal in 2001. This is the first book I've read by him. I plan to read more! Wonderful story!
Cairolibrarian
May 8, 2007
The Civil War changes lives in a small town
Thie exciting, enthralling tale of Pruitt family of southern Illinois fearing and surviving the Civil War may well be the best novel to date written by Richard Peck. Twins Tilly and her brother Noah are forever changed with the arrival of a beautiful girl with her dark slave. Or is she a slave? Mysteries abound around these mesmerizing women. Noah is wounded fighting for the North. The fear of families for their soldiers is very real.
