Red Moon at Sharpsburg is mostly about the devastation that wars cause. It is a book of atmosphere: what happens to the families in the vicinty of battles with their men at the war fronts and social lives and issues during the American Civil War. Some of the events were based on real happenings. The gist of the story is India's tutoring by Emory Trimble, a young scientist she grew up near, after her school closes, and efforts to survive (and keep learning and keep her dreams alive) as the war moves near and through their town. It is a good book for understanding war better and a good selection for high school level study of the Civil War. The book was enjoyable, though perhaps not as memorable as others.

related-Civil War, 1861-1865, education of females in the 19th century, study of sciences (biology and chemistry), medical treatment during the Civil War, Southern opinions during the Civil War, Shenandoah Valley, senseless devastation of war
RL=YA