There was no moon and only intermittent flashes of cannon fire lighted the way. “Stay close,” Jim said. “Give me your hand.” Lili put her hand in Jim’s, a little uncertainly. She had never held a boy’s hand before, and his hand felt strong and reassuring. He seemed an unlikely hero, but she felt safe with Jim by her side. They edged their way through the maze of fallen trees and shell holes. As they traveled deeper into the no-man’s land dividing the two armies, Lili’s heart began to pound. “Where are the soldiers?” Lili whispered.

Twelve-year-old Lili has an unwanted gift, the power to heal. She doesn't understand her gift and it keeps getting her into trouble. Her father is missing and presumed dead at the Civil War Battle of the Wilderness in 1864. Lili’s mother cannot support the family on the meager wages of a seamstress and entrusts Lili and her brother to a Philadelphia orphanage. After a daring escape, they follow their father's trail to Clara Barton’s “flying hospital” on the battlefield at Petersburg, Virginia, and from there into the besieged city. In Petersburg, Lili must come to terms with her healing gift.

“A compassionate story full of adventure that portrays loving sacrifice during our nation’s most troubled times. A valuable resource to be used in any intermediate classroom.”

Mrs. Kari Stohler, Fifth Grade Teacher, Hampton, Virginia

“A story that is both educational and entertaining. History and fiction are woven together to create both a page-turning tale and a Civil War lesson. The primary source photographs and prints scattered throughout the book along with the accompanying lesson plans make the volume a great resource for both educators and students.”

Laura Willoughby, Curator of Collections, The Petersburg Museums