Historical fiction at its finest! A sweet and sensitive, accessible middle grade novel in verse, following an unlikely friendship in the aftermath of the American Civil War.

 

A Junior Library Guild Selection

"As Reconstruction begins, two 12-year-old girls join forces and head north to find their families....Elly's and Halle's distinct voices and strong personalities balance each other nicely as each in turn gives and receives help....A moving post-Civil War story of comradeship and self-discovery."-Kirkus Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight-year-old Eli doesn't want anything to do with his stepfather, Ari. He misses his father, who now lives in Alaska with his new wife and baby, and convinces himself that he can ride his bike from Seattle to Alaska. One of his first challenges is to make it through the area where the Swamp Man lives.