On a summer break, Lou begins to dig into the past of her Civil War-era house, and develops a passion for historical preservation. The story chronicles battles against racism both in the present and in the past and illustrates the importance of fighting for what is right.

5 I don't even know where to start with this book! I loved it so much! I've never read a piece of historical fiction that was so great for middle aged kids that I know would love it too! Action, adventure, humor, love, family, church, and history! LOVED it! ( )

An interesting take on the civil war, for kids. The main character, Lou, is a fun, loving girl who has a wonderfully open-minded and inclusive family. I liked that she got so interested in learning about her family's history. I also liked that she found out that her ancestors owned slaves, and had to work through her feelings about that tough truth. There is some light religion in the book - Lou prays on a bible and promises to go to church if God will help her out, and the end of the book incorporates a bible passage.

Narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. Lou Mayhew's sketchy family history during the Civil War comes alive for her when she must find a way to save the longtime Mayhew home. The discovery of a letter and diary written by a namesake ancestor provides crucial info, but is historian George Neeley trying to block Lou's pursuit of the truth? Paralleling Lou's search is a white coach's denial of a college football scholarship to a talented black player. Savvy readers will figure out where the gold is hidden and the happy endings for all struck me as too convenient. But I did appreciate how Lou and her friends engaged in research on the Mayhew home and family. Blue puts on an entertaining presentation, distinctly voicing the various characters and accents for a lively listening experience. Families with older elementary children who enjoy audiobooks together will appreciate this title. ( )

The cover was a bit of a turn off for me. But once I started to read, I was drawn in to this story about Lou, her friends, and family. Louise prays on an old family Bible for an interesting summer. When she's looking at it she finds an old civil war era letter from her ancestors. And when she's eavesdropping in the hidden room behind the book shelf, she discovers that the family's home is being threatened for government take-over by eminent domain. Lou and her best friend Benzini start to investigate ways to save the house and find themselves solving a civil-war era mystery of missing gold, learning about the family, and taking on racism in their town.
Lou is a spit-fire and the characters who surround her (even the adults) are dynamic and engaging. ( )