In 1861 the United States was at a crossroads. People in the Southern states believed that Northerners were trying to change their way of life. People in the North were upset that Southerners wanted to govern themselves. The issue of slavery was caught in the middle. As the events of the Civil War unfolded, each side fought for what they believed in.

Stephanie Fitzgerald has been writing nonfiction for children for more than 10 years. Her specialties include history, wildlife, and popular culture. Stephanie is currently working on a picture book with the help of her daughter, Molly.