About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a sudden shift in family responsibility or feels frustrated by the restrictive expectations of others. It is an empowering choice for children coping with a parent's absence or those who feel they must step up to protect their home and loved ones during a crisis. The story centers on Valor, a teenage girl in the Civil War era North Carolina mountains who must manage her family farm after her father and brothers leave for war. When her mother falls ill and the farm is threatened by marauders, Valor chooses to defy 19th-century gender norms to ensure her family's survival. This is a story about the intersection of duty and identity, showing that bravery isn't about being fearless, but about doing what is necessary despite the fear. It is best suited for middle schoolers ready for a realistic look at historical hardships.
