A Voice from the Border

by Pamela Smith Hill

Where was life taking her? Fifteen-year-old Margaet Reeves O'Neill isn't likely to forget the day the war came home to Springfield, Missouri. That was the day her father left to join the Confederacy, fighting for principles he no longer believed in, but for a state he loved. It was also the day she met Percival Wilder, a flirtatious Yankee officer who, instead of being her enemy, became an intimate friend. Now Federal troops have arrived in Springfield. Reeves watches neighbors turn against one another--some supporting Secessionists, others the Union--and she witnesses generosity and bravery side by side with greed and looting. The life she took for granted--her home, family, the very truths she's always held dear--is changing before her eyes....

Genres: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Historical, Childrens, Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Pamela Smith Hill grew up in Springfield, Missouri. One of her greatest inspirations is Jo March from "Little Women."

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written you can picture yourself there.

[Tori Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

We read this book for the class read-aloud. I liked the description but found the plot a bit boring.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok. Nothing spectacular.

[Gustafson96 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Voice From The Border" is a historical fiction book about the Civil War. One of the things the author did well was making the story so realistic.Even though the time wasalmost 150 years ago,I felt like I was in the book.Also,it was not at all predictable. There were plenty of twists and turns at the end of every chapter that made want to keep reading on.The plot was written vary well and was exciting.It was a comedy and a tradgedy all in one.Continuing, Hill added great character development,especially to the main character,Reeves.She really learns from the theme of the book and the ending was good. Overall,I give this book four and one-half stars. I would recommend this to anyone, but especially those who are interested in the Civil War.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 6-8 230pgs

Reeves hopes to be a writer one day and looks forward to showing her work to her father. When he leaves to fight for the Confederacy, he encourages to continue writing. But as the war gets closer to the point that her family must house a Union officer and his wife, Reeve loses her interest in writing. Can one voice on the border make a difference?

[Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot is pretty basic and it doesn't have much else going for it. Should be an intro to Civil War type read (for pre-teens or something).