The Last Silk Dress

Loved this book! It's the story of Susan, a teenage girl who wants to support the South during the Civil War, but doesn't know how, until she discovers an opportunity for creating a reconnaissance balloon from donated silk dresses. It's also a wonderful coming of age story about families, adolescence, war, and first love.

Even though it is meant for younger readers, it kept me up at night reading. I was totally immersed in Susan's world. My only regret is its ending--the story stops in 1862 and left me wanting more. I wish that Ms. Rinaldi had written a sequel. What happened after 1862? Did Susan survive the war? Did she pursue her love or other interests? Did she patch things up with her family?

I have always loved historical fiction and Ann Rinaldi writes great YA level books in this genre. I find that she writes books that pretty accurate factually and that also have great characters who I am interested in learning how they live in the time period they exist in.

Susan Chilmark in caught in the middle of the Civil War, having to decide whether the South has defensible reasons to secede. As she grows up, she falls in love with a Northern writer and strikes a blow for reunification. Well written and researched.

Fascinating Civil War tale elaborates on unsubstantiated reports about the ladies of Richmond donating some of their few remaining dresses in order to make a reconnaissance balloon for the southern troops.

I love historical fiction and this was one of my favorite books growing up (Rachel, Fall 2009)

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