UNDER SIEGE!
Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg
by Andrea Warren
This engrossing account of the 1863 siege of Vicksburg chronicles the event through the experiences of three young people from December 1862 through the aftermath of the surrender on July 4, 1863. Warren creates a compelling narrative using the points of view of ten-year-old Lucy McRae, the daughter of a successful Vicksburg businessman, Willie Lord, the 11-year-old son of a Vicksburg minister, and Fred Grant, the 12-year-old son of Ulysses S. Grant. Fred is a particularly interesting subject, having accompanied his father for the entire campaign. Despite being shot in the leg and contracting dysentery and typhoid, Fred’s enthusiasm for the experience never wanes. Primary sources, including quotes from the children, period photographs, maps and paintings are used throughout. The extensive backmatter includes an annotated list of recommended Civil War books, a longer bibliography of sources, endnotes and illustration credits. A unique perspective on a pivotal Civil War campaign. (Nonfiction. 10-14)