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Sarah's Ground
All my life I have done what my family wanted. I have performed and made them happy. Until now. Now I have broken out on my own
Sarah Tracy has spent her entire life under constant supervision, always under the thumb of one older sibling or another. Now, at eighteen it's time for her to get married, so she is sent to dinner parties, plays, teas, soirees, talks, and chaperoned walks always accompanied, always watched.
Sarah's tired of it tired of being shipped around, tired of being reminded that it's time to find a suitable husband. She knows that a husband is definitely not what she wants. But the year is 1861 and it's not proper for girls of Sarah's age to be single or independent.
Then Sarah sees an advertisement looking for a young woman to oversee Mount Vernon, the beloved, though now dilapidated, family home of George Washington. Intent on securing the position, she lies to her family and her potential employer, and she becomes mistress of this decaying symbol of American freedom.
And then comes the American Civil War. As battles rage around her, Sarah is determined to create a haven of peace at Mount Vernon. With consummate skills, feminine wiles, and a true sense of diplomacy, Sarah single-handedly manages to keep Mount Vernon out of the war. But while she is able to influence generals, soldiers, and even the president, she learns she doesn't hold such sway over her own heart as she also discovers true love.
Based on a true story, this is the amazing tale of one girl's path to womanhood.
Sarah Tracy has spent her entire life under constant supervision, always under the thumb of one older sibling or another. Now, at eighteen it's time for her to get married, so she is sent to dinner parties, plays, teas, soirees, talks, and chaperoned walks always accompanied, always watched.
Sarah's tired of it tired of being shipped around, tired of being reminded that it's time to find a suitable husband. She knows that a husband is definitely not what she wants. But the year is 1861 and it's not proper for girls of Sarah's age to be single or independent.
Then Sarah sees an advertisement looking for a young woman to oversee Mount Vernon, the beloved, though now dilapidated, family home of George Washington. Intent on securing the position, she lies to her family and her potential employer, and she becomes mistress of this decaying symbol of American freedom.
And then comes the American Civil War. As battles rage around her, Sarah is determined to create a haven of peace at Mount Vernon. With consummate skills, feminine wiles, and a true sense of diplomacy, Sarah single-handedly manages to keep Mount Vernon out of the war. But while she is able to influence generals, soldiers, and even the president, she learns she doesn't hold such sway over her own heart as she also discovers true love.
Based on a true story, this is the amazing tale of one girl's path to womanhood.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2004
7 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
69 books986 followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 10, 2014
I really enjoyed Sarah's perspective. She was a very mature 18 year old, albeit the situation warranted it. However, I think the ending came together too quickly. I would have enjoyed more details in the aftermath of the climax rather than a brief summary (emphasis on brief). After reading the factual information at the back of the book, I understand why the ending was so compressed, but that does not stop me from wishing it was not. Regardless of this complaint, I find this to be another accurate and enjoyable novel by Ann Rinaldi.
May 15, 2011
This book is not very good.
It's supposed to be a journal, but there are no dates. It doesn't read like a journal. The characters are all wooden and one sided. I didn't care about Mount Vernon or feel like Sarah was a real heroine. Yeah, skip this one.
It's supposed to be a journal, but there are no dates. It doesn't read like a journal. The characters are all wooden and one sided. I didn't care about Mount Vernon or feel like Sarah was a real heroine. Yeah, skip this one.
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November 29, 2011I've adored Ann Rinaldi ever since I first discovered her works in 8th grade. She writes fascinating YA history. Sarah's Ground is no exception.
Sarah is a great character. She's a woman who is sick of having her family decide her fate, regardless of whether or not it is tradition. She feels that her family deciding which family member she lives with, or even which man is suitable husband material, is not that different than selling a horse at auction. So Sarah takes matters into her own hands and applies for a job as caretaker for George Washington’s house, which has fallen into disrepair since his death.
I thought that Sarah was such a strong character, and part of her appeal was that she doesn’t realize her own strength until much later. She just thinks of herself as stubborn and trying because that’s how her family had thought of her.
She not only has to deal with a meddlesome, prejudiced neighbor, but has to try to avoid scandal when her chaperone must go to attend her sick mother, just leaving Sarah with the servants and Mr. Herbert. But the real obstacles come when Sarah decides not only to keep her opinions neutral during the war, but to keep the grounds of George Washington’s estate neutral as well.
It’s an intriguing read that I finished rather quickly and loved every moment of. The endings of Rinaldi’s books are always the best part. They leave you satisfied and ready to read the next great adventure.
Sarah is a great character. She's a woman who is sick of having her family decide her fate, regardless of whether or not it is tradition. She feels that her family deciding which family member she lives with, or even which man is suitable husband material, is not that different than selling a horse at auction. So Sarah takes matters into her own hands and applies for a job as caretaker for George Washington’s house, which has fallen into disrepair since his death.
I thought that Sarah was such a strong character, and part of her appeal was that she doesn’t realize her own strength until much later. She just thinks of herself as stubborn and trying because that’s how her family had thought of her.
She not only has to deal with a meddlesome, prejudiced neighbor, but has to try to avoid scandal when her chaperone must go to attend her sick mother, just leaving Sarah with the servants and Mr. Herbert. But the real obstacles come when Sarah decides not only to keep her opinions neutral during the war, but to keep the grounds of George Washington’s estate neutral as well.
It’s an intriguing read that I finished rather quickly and loved every moment of. The endings of Rinaldi’s books are always the best part. They leave you satisfied and ready to read the next great adventure.
February 22, 2012
This was one of my more favorite Rinaldi books. While a fairly straight-forward and simple tale, it is also fascinating, since it is about a brave young woman whom so few people know about. Like all of her books, Rinaldi deftly blends solid historical fact in with her own personal interpretation of the people's thoughts an d feelings. Sarah is a strong young woman who knows her heart and what she wants, and when she is unsure, she doesn't let it show. It could not have been easy maintaining Mount Vernon as a neutral territory during the Civil War.
I was a little sad that Rinaldi didn't spend some time on Sarah's school days. Those can always be entertaining, especially when the young woman in question is fed up of people trying to turn her into a lady and marry her off to some nice - or not so nice - young - or old - gentleman. But the story is peppered with little short anecdotes that are amusing and give a small insight into some of the things poor Sarah underwent.
All in all, a wonderful short look at the life - and possible thoughts - of Sarah Tracy, the woman who restored Mount Vernon, and managed to keep peace there through a tumultuous war.
I was a little sad that Rinaldi didn't spend some time on Sarah's school days. Those can always be entertaining, especially when the young woman in question is fed up of people trying to turn her into a lady and marry her off to some nice - or not so nice - young - or old - gentleman. But the story is peppered with little short anecdotes that are amusing and give a small insight into some of the things poor Sarah underwent.
All in all, a wonderful short look at the life - and possible thoughts - of Sarah Tracy, the woman who restored Mount Vernon, and managed to keep peace there through a tumultuous war.
February 25, 2013
Different from Rinaldi's early works. But still enthralling. She does such a good job of putting REAL history in. I love how well researched her books are. The story was captivating, as usual. I was sorry it was so short and that it was written in journal form, instead of her more exciting, personal narrative form. However, I saw why she chose that method when I read the afterward--always my favorite portion of a Rinaldi, where she divides the truth from the fiction. Ann Rinaldi helped me fall in love with history when I was a girl--with books like Time Enough for Drums and In My Father's House. I love that, as an adult, I can still find her works interesting and educational. All in all, not my favorite Rinaldi, but I learned a lot and enjoyed myself while I did!
July 5, 2008
Ann Rinaldi specializes in historical fiction, especially American History. This book was about the caretaker of George Washington's Mount Vernon during the Civil War. It was really interesting because I had never thought about how that particular estate would have been affected by the war. Nice to know someone was watching out for our history. The book was based on the letters Sarah Tracey wrote the head of whatever society (I forget right now what it was called). Too bad all of Sarah Tracey's other papers about preserving the house were burnt in a fire that affected her own home 20 years later. An easy read, but fun.
January 22, 2016
This is my favorite Ann Rinaldi book. It is the story about the protection of Washington's Mt. Vernon home during the Civil War. The house was considered the only "neutral" ground during the war. Sarah Tracy, an 18 year old was sent to run the estate and protect it from ruin, fire, and ransom. I found out she was buried in a small cemetery in Alexandria and after reading the book, I went to visit her grave.
November 10, 2016
I enjoyed it. Skimmed a bit, but it's a nice break from some of my heavy duty reads. Loved her books as a teenager and still find them enjoyable.
January 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this fictionalized account of Mount Vernon from a time period that I wasn’t familiar with, the Civil War. Despite it being in a Southern state, it was given the distinction of a neutral property, and Sarah was one of the handful of residents/employees to keep that firmly enforced.
It’s a short book that would be great for 12+
Clean with the exception of a few swears. No gory stuff for war.
It’s a short book that would be great for 12+
Clean with the exception of a few swears. No gory stuff for war.
May 8, 2008
In 1861, the American Civil War started. Sarah hadn't planned on taking any part in the war, but by doing just that, not taking part, she actually did make a difference in the lives of her fellow countrymen—both for the North and the South.
Sarah Tracy was eighteen years old and felt like she had no control over her own life. Her whole family was trying to find a suitable husband for her, even though she didn't wish to marry. But the worst part is the fact that all the parties and social outings she was forced into were all chaperoned by one of her brothers or her sister, Fanny. So even if there was the slightest chance at any normal conversation, she could never be herself or even feel at ease. So when Miss Cunningham and Superintendent Mr. Upton Herbert requested a live-in caretaker at Mount Vernon, President George Washington's house in Virginia, she jumped at the opportunity. The dilapidated house was in sore need of repair when the Women's Association purchased it from Mr. John Augustine Washington, President Washington's great-great grandnephew and the last Washington to live in the house. Will Sarah be able to keep Mount Vernon a sacred and neutral place, despite the fact that it is right on the border between the warring North and South? And will she discover her true feelings and let her emotions show through—and find love?
Sarah's Ground is a moving historical fiction based on the true story of a very proper Sarah Tracy and Mr. Upton Herbert, and the growth of their relationship during the renovations of Mount Vernon during the Civil War. This is a truly wonderful book and it gives a very accurate look into what civilians had to go through on a daily basis just to survive.
Sarah Tracy was eighteen years old and felt like she had no control over her own life. Her whole family was trying to find a suitable husband for her, even though she didn't wish to marry. But the worst part is the fact that all the parties and social outings she was forced into were all chaperoned by one of her brothers or her sister, Fanny. So even if there was the slightest chance at any normal conversation, she could never be herself or even feel at ease. So when Miss Cunningham and Superintendent Mr. Upton Herbert requested a live-in caretaker at Mount Vernon, President George Washington's house in Virginia, she jumped at the opportunity. The dilapidated house was in sore need of repair when the Women's Association purchased it from Mr. John Augustine Washington, President Washington's great-great grandnephew and the last Washington to live in the house. Will Sarah be able to keep Mount Vernon a sacred and neutral place, despite the fact that it is right on the border between the warring North and South? And will she discover her true feelings and let her emotions show through—and find love?
Sarah's Ground is a moving historical fiction based on the true story of a very proper Sarah Tracy and Mr. Upton Herbert, and the growth of their relationship during the renovations of Mount Vernon during the Civil War. This is a truly wonderful book and it gives a very accurate look into what civilians had to go through on a daily basis just to survive.
February 2, 2016
Sarah Tracy is a young girl trying to find her place in life. She is 18, and ends up going to work at Mt. Vernon, the one-time home of George Washington. The place is in a sad state of disrepair, and she, along with others, is working to restore the home and the grounds.
That would be a difficult enough job, but the Civil War is also going on. She makes Mt. Vernon a neutral territory; soldiers from either side can visit, but only under certain conditions. She has to manage that, a bunch of political matters that come up, manage to find the money to make the repairs, and manage all of this while, at the same time, coming to terms with her growing feelings for a man who is also helping to restore the home.
It's an nice historical book and also a romance at the same time.
That would be a difficult enough job, but the Civil War is also going on. She makes Mt. Vernon a neutral territory; soldiers from either side can visit, but only under certain conditions. She has to manage that, a bunch of political matters that come up, manage to find the money to make the repairs, and manage all of this while, at the same time, coming to terms with her growing feelings for a man who is also helping to restore the home.
It's an nice historical book and also a romance at the same time.
November 8, 2011
I wanted to reread this book after visiting Mount Vernon a year or so ago. Unfortunately, it doesn't read as well the second time. I like the fact that Rinaldi steped out of her comfort zone and wrote a story about an older protagonist (18-19) who does not have much interaction with her family members. That said, the plot reads like an outline for a novel and not an actual fleshed out story. The story is about Sarah Tracy, an educated and privileged girl from New York, who gets a job at Mount Vernon as a caretaker and tries to keep it neutral during the Civil War. You'd think that be interesting, but no. Sarah's Ground is both predicable and boring.
July 6, 2009
"Sarah's Ground" is the interesting story of a young woman who leaves home to become the caretaker at Mt. Vernon, helping to restore it to its former glory. Through her determination, Mt. Vernon becomes the only neutral ground during the Civil War, and soldiers from both sides came to tour the site, laying down their weapons to do so. Meanwhile, she has a romance with the man in charge of overseeing the project, a very satisfying relationship. Best of all, Sarah really did exist - this is based on a true story. I highly recommend it for entertainment but also for learning a little more about this historic landmark and the people who brought it back to life.
April 10, 2012
READING FOR AUTHOR PRESENTATION
This book was very cookie-cutter for me. It tells the story of Sarah who goes to help protect Mount Vernon from raiders during the Civil War. While there she deals with a deceitful family and a new love interest in Upton the man who is helping around Mount Vernon. It doesn't even need to be said how it all ends, you already know. She ends up with Upton despite her families betrayal and everyone is happy that she was brave enough to protect Mount Vernon. I would recommend this book to most any teen girl, but it wouldn't be on the top of my "to-read list."
This book was very cookie-cutter for me. It tells the story of Sarah who goes to help protect Mount Vernon from raiders during the Civil War. While there she deals with a deceitful family and a new love interest in Upton the man who is helping around Mount Vernon. It doesn't even need to be said how it all ends, you already know. She ends up with Upton despite her families betrayal and everyone is happy that she was brave enough to protect Mount Vernon. I would recommend this book to most any teen girl, but it wouldn't be on the top of my "to-read list."
February 24, 2009
This was a good book about the rescue, Gaurdianship and reBuilding of Washingtons homestead/farm during the Civil War. very mild romance. while Historically Based it is not 100% historically acurate. Better I think for Girls than Boys in teaching History. However I would consider this to be a good living Book to use during Teaching of the Civil War.
April 27, 2009
This is another great Rinaldi book that tells the Sarah who is tired of being sent around to parties to find a suitable husband and becomes the overseer of Mount Vernon. Her struggles and accomplishments to keep Washington's home separate from the ravages of civil war are impressive. She learns to stand on her own ground and be a strong woman in her own right.
October 27, 2012
Ann Rinaldi continues to win me over will her strong female characters and real life romances. Sarah is a really strong character and stands up for so many things that she believes in. The story is very simple yet kept me reading. It's very cool that the characters in this book are based on real people and helped give us a glimpse of what life may have been like for them. Definitely recommend.
May 7, 2015
This was a very interesting story about the civil war and Washington's house on Mt. Vernon. Sarah was hired to run the household on the estate at Mt. Vernon. The house was considered neutral during the Civil war and was in the process to being renovated. This was a very different perspective from other Civil war stories.
February 18, 2008
Rinaldi fans won't be disappointed in this one, set at Washington's Mount Vernon during the Civil War. Interesting history concerning how Washington's home was protected and defended by both sides in the war.
April 25, 2009
This is based on the true story of the people charged to turn Mt. Vernon into a living museum while the Civil War rages around them. I found it fascinating and agreed with the sentiments of both the main characters.
March 31, 2010
Intersting, and nice. Not terribly exciting, but if you are interested in historic preservation, this is a good and quick read. It gave little tidbits of history and knowledge that will hopefully stay with me.
May 3, 2010
Definitely very intriguing and history filled. I love the arc that Ann Rinaldi runs her characters thru. This book is a good read for historical impacts and falling in love slowly. Its main story line is two characters living at Mt. Vernon during the American Civil War.
August 6, 2011
I like reading Ann Rinaldi books. She writes for the young adult audience. Sarah is based on a true story about a young lady who oversaw Mount Vernon during the Civil War. I learned a few facts I didn't know.
September 2, 2011
I think I enjoyed this one more than the other two Rinaldi books I've read. It's about a young girl who is in charge of Mount Vernon, George Washington's home, during the Civil War. It was mostly a story just about her life, with a dash of romance. A fun read. :)
February 17, 2012
Interesting story, but not my favorite Rinaldi book.
October 31, 2008
It was nice with a little love in it but I liked it.
September 30, 2009
I really love Mount Vernon. It is one of my most favorite places so I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 2, 2009
I found this book to be simply amazing!!!
April 30, 2010
Sarah goes to watch over George Washington's estate with a man a bit older than her. But as their relationship grows can they stay together, or will the estate drive them apart.
October 11, 2010
It was fun to learn about George Washington's house and how where it was was supposed to be neutral territory during the civil war. And I enjoyed Sarah's story as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews