Turn Homeward, Hannalee

Wow, who knew that there were children who were prisoners of war during the Civil War? A riveting story, based on actual historical children who were forcibly removed from their homes in Georgia and taken to serve families and factories in the North. The historical setting of this book is meticulously researched, with interesting accounts of various battles, told from the children's perspective.

Twelve-year-old Hannalee Reed, forced to relocate in Indiana along with other Georgia millworkers during the Civil War, leaves her mother with a promise to return home as soon as the war ends.

Interesting story of a young girl who was taken from her mill job by the Yankees during the Civil War. Based on true events, this story was quite affecting. The girl, Hannalee, is spunky without being unbelievable. Nicely done.

Fast moving story of a girl who along with her brother and her older brother's girlfriend, all mill workers in a Georgia mill that manufactures cloth for the Confederate Army, are forcibly removed to Indiana upon the orders of General Sherman. Based on a true event, the mill workers were declared traitors and relocated in the North. They are made available for paid labor. Families are separated and children are at the mercy of the families who take them in for free labor. Another atrocity of war I had previously been unaware of.

This is a great book historical fiction book approximately fourth grade level. I would use this book in literature circles.