A MONTH OF SEVEN DAYS

by Shirley Climo ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 20, 1987

A spunky heroine and a well-drawn Civil War setting are the chief virtues of this second juvenile novel by an author best known for her several books on folklore. Twelve-year-old Zoe's father is away fighting with the Confederates but planning to visit the family when an Ohio army contingent takes over their farm during their march through Georgia. Frantic to get them away before her father arrives, Zoe concocts an elaborate plan to frighten them off, using her own supersitions that are shared by the commander, Captain Hatcher. She tells Hatcher that the house is haunted, but he catches her in a trick to convince him. All seems lost until Hatcher and his troops are driven away by an apparition that, at first, even Zoe is at a loss to explain: another of the lessons she learns from this experience, all of which teach her not to underestimate others. Zoe is believable; her anger and bewilderment are well portrayed, as is the experience of being part of an occupied country. Other characterizations seem rudimentary, although the courageous mother is memorable. A slight but effective story for middle readers interested in historical fiction.

Pub Date: Nov. 20, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S