Particularly good because it is set during the War of 1812, an event sorely neglected in most grade school education.

Once On This Island is a very nicely done YA story about how one family was affected by the war of 1812. There are three children, the oldest a girl of sixteen, a brother, and the youngest sister, Mary, twelve, who is the narrator of this story. Their mother died giving birth to Mary, and now they and their father are working their family farm on Mackinac Island. But there was trouble across the ocean, and it was heading their way. Papa takes up arms to resist the British, expecting to leave his children in charge of the farm for the season.

The lilacs of Mackinac Island are now calling to me, and I must visit. ( )

It is the summer of 1812 and war has erupted between England and the United States, casting its dark shadow as far as remote, beautiful Mackinac Island. There, young Mary O'Shea suffers many losses. British troops conquer the island. Her beloved father joins the American army on the mainland. And her best friend Gavin, an Indian orphan raised by white settlers, leaves his adoptive home to return to his tribe.
-from the back cover of 'Once On This Island'

A great book if you're looking for a fun read mixed with history! Be sure to read the next two books in the series 'Farewell to the Island' and 'Return to the Island'

Good for any age. ( )

Signed by the author. ( )