A Month of Seven Days

Zoe, 13, her little brother Jim Henry and their mother are all horrified when Captain Hetchera hated Yankeesets up temporary military headquarters in their home. Putting up with the bullying captain's constant orders is bad enough, but Zoe and her mother share a worrisome secret: Zoe's father, on leave from the Confederate Army, may arrive home any day, and that means he'll fall into the hands of the Yankees. Determined to prevent this, Zoe comes up with a plan to get rid of the captain and his troops. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this well-researched depiction of life in rural Georgia during the Civil War. But some readers may be disappointed that likable Zoe is never given the chance to become a truly compelling character. Her growing self-reliance, a confusing flirtation with one of the captain's young aides and her realization that Yankees aren't always inhuman monsters are just a few of the tantalizing issues that are brought to light but never satisfactorily resolved. Ages 10-up. (November)