Hattie's War - by Peter Serko (Paperback)

About the Book

A young girl with big dreams tries to make sense of one of the darkest episodes in our nation's history in this coming-of-age Civil War story.

Book Synopsis

How far would you go to follow your dreams? Fourteen-year-old Hattie Howell would do anything to follow hers. She's smart, ambitious, and a tad rebellious. Artistically inclined, she speaks her mind. Hattie would fit right in 2023. The problem is, it's 1878.

Hattie's obsessed with her father's death-a father she never knew. He was a sign painter and artist. More than anything, she wants to be an artist like him. Along with his two brothers, he volunteered to fight in the Union Army at the outset of the Civil War. Five months later, Hattie was born. He never came home. All anyone knows is he was killed on July 1, 1863, at The Battle of Gettysburg. Hattie wants answers. She needs answers. But from where?

Hattie's War is the story of a young girl's quest to find herself and her place in the world in an era when women had few options. Plagued by debilitating depression, a "curse" that runs in her family, she fears being sent to an insane asylum. Against all odds, she bucks convention, guided and supported by a most unlikely cast of characters. Her courage and determination finally pay off. Yet, in the end, she makes a surprising decision.

Set against the backdrop of the post-Civil War, Hattie's War draws on true first-hand accounts of those who fought in the War. Adding a further twist to the story, Hattie, in real life, is the author's great-great-grandmother.

Review Quotes

...The book contains a host of kid-friendly resources to provide context, including key facts about the Civil War, illustrations by Leslie, historical and family photographs, and a recipe for the molasses cookies that prominently appear in the work's first chapter. Hattie is an intelligent and thoughtful young hero, wrestling with mental health and discovering her creativity while navigating life in a brand-new landscape. Her story is both relatable and inspiring for the novel's target audience.

A sentimental and satisfying tale about a teen in post-Civil War America. - Kirkus Reviews

... Hattie's War takes you on a fascinating journey as Hattie defies the odds and fights for what she believes in, all while navigating the challenges of her time.

Peter Serko has ingeniously weaved his great-great-grandmother's own story. This book perfectly blends personal history and fiction that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Through meticulous research and attention to historical detail, Serko has brought Hattie's world to life, making the reader feel like they are alongside her. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story of ambition, rebellion, and the power of perseverance. - Midwest Review of Books

This intriguing story introduces readers to the American Civil War from the perspective of some of the people who were left behind. Members of the author's own family form the foundation of the novel, and new life is breathed into them through their dialogue and interactions. Though fictional in nature, true historical events and characters are embedded within the narrative, making Hattie's experience feel ever more real to a contemporary audience...

Ample back matter gives readers a plethora of information to digest regarding Hattie's story and the real events that led to its creation, which makes the book valuable both as a solitary read and as a tool for classroom teaching. Accessible and educational, this is a noteworthy historical fiction novel for middle grade readers. - Mary Lanni Reedsy Discovery