Yankees On The Doorstep: The Story of Sarah Morgan [Paperback]

Debra Smith (Author), Joyce Haynes (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

This novel incorporates Sarah Morganís actual diary entries into a story of Civil War survival.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-7-Based on an actual Civil War diary, this historical novel depicts the civilian experience in and around Baton Rouge during 1862-1863. Sarah Morgan, 20, is one of many upper-class Confederate loyalists living through the occupation of Louisiana by Union troops. With her father deceased and her brothers away fighting, Sarah, her mother, and sisters must cope independently when they are forced to evacuate their home and seek passage to New Orleans. As she adjusts to unaccustomed deprivations, her main consolation is writing in her journal, which is always among the limited possessions she can carry with her. Unfortunately, this promising material falls flat despite the author's meticulous research and faithful adherence to the original diary's contents. Though the third-person narrator describes Sarah's actions and feelings, neither she nor any of the other characters come fully to life as distinct individuals, and their virtually identical speech patterns make it difficult to differentiate among them. In contrast, direct quotations from the real Sarah Morgan scattered throughout the book are lively and compelling, but there are not enough of them to make this a candidate for first purchase.

Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

Smith very cleverly blends the diary entries with the story, successfully adopting Sarah’s voice without so much as an accent. -- Laurinda Joenks - The Morning News - May 7, 2001 [e-mail]

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (July 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565548728
• ISBN-13: 978-1565548725
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,814 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.