This is a very, very fascinating book about the siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War. It's told by focusing on three children who were involved in one way or another in the siege. One is Lucy, who is ten, and who comes from a rather rich family. Another is Willie, who is eleven, and whose father is a minister. The last one is Frederick who is twelve and is Ulysses S. Grant's son.
The book tells what the civilians in the city had to do in order to survive, which was basically dig holes in hillsides or the ground and try to avoid the shells falling into the city. There were also major problems with food running out and injuries to soldiers and civilians.
The book goes into the build-up to the siege, how the various armies involved maneuvered around, the fortifications that that city had, and how one Southern general failed to come to the aid of the city.
There are also lots of extra information in the book.
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