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Rinaldi, Ann.
SARAH'S GROUND
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2004.
IL YA
ISBN 0689859244

(2 booktalks)

Click on the book to read Amazon reviews
Booktalk #1

Sarah Tracy had a very unusual job during the Civil War.  She was hired as caretaker for Mount Vernon -- George Washington's home.  A rather large undertaking for a 18 year old from New York.  With the war raging all around her, Sarah does what she can to keep the home in one piece.  Meanwhile, Herbert Upton has been hired to take charge of the farm and renovations being done to the estate.  Together, they dedicate themselves to protecting the national treasure.

Booktalk #2

Sarah Tracy is ready to leave home and do something on her own. She is tired of the endless dinner parties and the constant efforts of her family to marry her off. When she sees an ad for a lady caretaker needed at  Mount Vernon , she realizes this is her chance to make a difference. During her interview with one of the Mount Vernon Ladies,  Washington breaks out in turmoil over the news that  Virginia has seceded. They hurry home to  Mount Vernon and begin their job of refurbishing. Ms. Cunningham leaves for  South Carolina when her mother becomes ill, leaving Sarah alone with the bachelor superintendent, Upton Herbert. Meanwhile, Sarah and Upton try to preserve the history and neutrality of  Mount Vernon . They force soldiers who visit to cover their uniforms with shawls in order to keep the grounds neutral. They also host Mrs. Lincoln as well as a prince from  France . This is the true story of a young lady who heroically protects and preserves  Mount Vernon during the Civil War years. While Ann Rinaldi is often considered a juniors author, this book does not limit itself to any age level, and is a very interesting telling of a part of American History that is not well known. (Prepared by: Mollie Carter , SCASL Young Adult Book Awards)

SUBJECTS:     Mount Vernon (Va. : Estate) -- Fiction.
                        Tracy, Sarah -- Fiction.
                        Herbert, Upton -- Fiction.
                        United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction.
                        Diaries -- Fiction.
                        Historical fiction.

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