Juliet's Moon

Rinaldi, A. (2008). Juliet's moon. Orlando, FL: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Juliet is 12 years old, and lives near Kansas City, Missouri in 1863 during the Civil War. Instead of doing activities a typical 12 year old girl would do during this time period, Juliet witnesses her father being shot and her house burned to the ground by Union soldiers. She is taken prisoner by Union soldiers and kept in a dilapidated building in Kansas City which collapses killing other young girls and women she knew. She is kidnapped by a man she trusted, and gave away her deceased mother's pearl necklace in order to obtain a cow that would provide milk for baby pets and a mother-to-be family member. She then must face her own private dark side of her "moon" when she is confronted by a Union soldier. After reading this book you to will agree with the comment Juliet's brother says to her, "The best part of your life is being wasted in war".

Discussion Questions

1. This book views the Civil War from the Confederate's perspective. From what you have learned about the Civil War in class and in this book, compare and contrast the Confederate and Union perspectives of the Civil War.

2. Juliet relied on her brother, Seth, for support when faced with some very traumatic events in her life. Who have you gone to for support during difficult events in your life, and how did this person provide support for you? Compare the list you develop for Juliet to your list. Any similarities? Any differences?

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