I've adored Ann Rinaldi ever since I first discovered her works in 8th grade. She writes fascinating YA history. Sarah's Ground is no exception.

Sarah is a great character. She's a woman who is sick of having her family decide her fate, regardless of whether or not it is tradition. She feels that her family deciding which family member she lives with, or even which man is suitable husband material, is not that different than selling a horse at auction. So Sarah takes matters into her own hands and applies for a job as caretaker for George Washington’s house, which has fallen into disrepair since his death.

I thought that Sarah was such a strong character, and part of her appeal was that she doesn’t realize her own strength until much later. She just thinks of herself as stubborn and trying because that’s how her family had thought of her.

She not only has to deal with a meddlesome, prejudiced neighbor, but has to try to avoid scandal when her chaperone must go to attend her sick mother, just leaving Sarah with the servants and Mr. Herbert. But the real obstacles come when Sarah decides not only to keep her opinions neutral during the war, but to keep the grounds of George Washington’s estate neutral as well.

It’s an intriguing read that I finished rather quickly and loved every moment of. The endings of Rinaldi’s books are always the best part. They leave you satisfied and ready to read the next great adventure.

A unique look at the history of Mount Vernon and the Civil War. ( )

About Sarah Tracy, who watched over Mount Vernon during its early restoration and the Civil War. ( )