About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask complex questions about the blurred lines of history, especially the intersection of the American Revolution and slavery. This story follows fourteen year old Caroline, who lives in a South Carolina home divided by the war: her father is a Patriot prisoner while her brother serves the British. It is a powerful exploration of loyalty, family secrets, and the brutal reality of war in the South. Parents might choose this book to help a mature middle schooler understand that history is rarely black and white, as Caroline navigates the dangers of the British occupation while grappling with her own identity and the realization that the people she loves are flawed. It is an excellent choice for developing empathy and critical thinking regarding social justice and historical nuance.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The book contains visceral depictions of war-time cruelty. A particularly distressing scene involves the hanging of a character, which is described with enough detail to be unsettling for younger readers. There are also descriptions of war injuries and the harsh treatment of prisoners and enslaved people. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the reality of the Revolutionary War in the South, specifically the 'partisan war' where neighbors fought neighbors. Most importantly, be ready to discuss the historical use of racial slurs and the complex, often hypocritical relationship between the fight for American liberty and the continued practice of slavery. Be ready to discuss the history of systemic exploitation and the lack of legal protections for enslaved women in the antebellum South.
Ideal Reader
A 13 or 14-year-old who enjoys historical fiction but is ready for a story that deconstructs the 'heroic' myths of the American Revolution.
Parent Prep
Preview the scenes involving the British Colonel Tarleton to understand the level of menace present. Read the Author's Note for historical context. Seeing a child or student become disillusioned with historical figures or family members they previously respected.
Age Experience
Younger readers (11-12) will focus on the adventure and the horses, while older readers (14+) will better grasp the psychological toll of the systemic injustice and family betrayals Caroline uncovers.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many Revolutionary War books, this focuses on the Southern campaign and the high-stakes internal conflicts of a protagonist navigating the dangers of a slave-holding society that does not know her true heritage.
Read plot summary
Set in 1780 South Carolina, the novel follows Caroline Whitaker during the British occupation. Her father is imprisoned by the British, her brother is a Loyalist officer, and her home has been requisitioned by Colonel Tarleton. As Caroline navigates the dangers of war, she discovers long-held family secrets regarding her own heritage and the treatment of the enslaved people on her plantation. The story culminates in a dangerous journey to rescue her brother and a confrontation with the true, often ugly, nature of the Revolutionary War.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Caroline's family is split between being Patriots and Loyalists. Why did people choose different sides, and how did that affect their personal relationships?
2
How does Caroline’s perspective change once she learns the truth about her own heritage and her father’s secrets?
3
Colonel Tarleton is a historical figure. Based on his actions in the book, why do you think he was such a feared and controversial person during the war?
4
Caroline has a special bond with her horse, Fearnaught. How does this relationship help her cope with the chaos of the war around her?
5
The book is titled Cast Two Shadows. What do you think the 'two shadows' represent for Caroline?
