"Anni's Attic"
Click on Cover to read the First Chapter
In 1861, with the American Civil War escalating, motherless Jennine Parkington is taken from her home in New Orleans to live at a Georgia cotton plantation with her cousin Annise–a cousin she intensely dislikes.
During the more than three years she spends in Georgia awaiting the return of her father from his covert Northern military duties, Jennine finds her attitude changing about many things, in particular her attitude toward Negroes. As the South sinks slowly to its knees, the two cousins find themselves unwittingly caught in the family's dangerous espionage and Underground Railroad activites.
In spite of the horror of the surrounding war, Jennine comes to love and admire her independent and fearless cousin, finding comfort and joy in her company and in the mysterious treasures of a long-forgotten secret attic.
Reviews
“This is a powerful story. . . beautifully written. Stephen Mooser, Author ” - Stephen Mooser, Author
“There are a plethora of books on the market about the Civil War but Anni's Attic, by Anne Loader McGee, is one of the best. Written in the first person perspective about life on a Georgia plantation from 1861-1865, it shows the day-to-day experiences of Jennine Parkington and her cousin Annise Bouvoir. Anni's Attic is a novel all secondary school students must read to advance their understanding of the Civil War era.”
“I love nothing more than when an author makes history vivid and alive and that's exactly what McGee does in this wonderful middle-grade novel. Not only will readers learn a great deal about the Underground Railroad and the Civil War era, through the exciting adventures of two young cousins, they'll learn a lot about growing up, facing fears, and letting go of prejudice. The two conflicted young cousins at the heart of this story are unforgettable characters and the book's a treat from first word to last. ” - Rhonda Hayter, Author
“Anne McGee's attention to detail results in crisp, accessible prose that never bores. On the contrary, details of the setting and characters jumped off the page, pulling me in and shaking me to attention. My standards are high for young adult fiction, as are my expectations for Anne McGee's work. I am happy to report that she has written one of her best books to date, and I predict it will become a classic of its genre. ” - Barbara L. Jordan, Author
Awards
First Place
Historical Fiction
Purple Dragon Award
