Luca, 12 years old and new in Civil War Petersburg, wants to fit in. No one, except Jim, the class brain, is friendly. Luca and Jim team up to investigate the mysteries surrounding the doll with no face, the Voodoo pouch, and the Trapezium House. They decide to share their suspicions with Luca’s grandfather on the day the Union army advances on Petersburg. Luca, his grandfather, and Jim, join the old men and young boys defending the city. Luca and his wounded grandfather take cover in a ravine as the Confederates retreat.

Luca leveled the rifle, pointing it directly at the soldier’s chest. He hoped that Haines hadn’t noticed he was shaking. “He’s my grandfather,” Luca blurted out. “He’s an old man. If he’s taken prisoner, he’ll die.”

“If you shoot me,” Haines said, “the others will be on you in a minute.”

“And you’ll be dead,” said Luca.

About: Phyllis Hall Haislip

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