First published in 1975, this children's book focuses in on the battle of Gettyburg and the town through the eyes of a young girl named Tillie.  She watches as her friends and neighbors go off to fight for the Union, and then watches as the Confederates come to town.  She was excited to see the battle at first, but soon the reality of what is happening sets in and she ends up helping wounded soldiers.  The harsh realities of war soon seep into Tillie's mind and heart and she knows she is forever changed.

My seven- year- old son read this book and loved it.  It is in a very easy to read pattern and the context of the war wasn't overwhelming.  Although he did have trouble with keeping up with Union/Confederate - Blue/Gray - Yankees/Rebs part.  For a seven year old, he didn't know too much about the Civil War and so he kept asking me which one was which, why did they fight, and other questions.  If anything, it served to help him learn more about our country's history.  He loved the drawings in the book as well.  A great book for a beginning reader.