When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson, Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864 (Dear America Series)
#10 of 55 in Dear America Series
on Goodreads (4,833)
What’s inside...
The diary of a fictional fourteen-year-old girl living in Virginia, in which she describes the hardships endured by her family and friends during one year of the Civil War. A Confederate girl in Gordonsville, Virginia, in 1864, Emma Simpson writes about the hardships of growing up during a turbulent time, as the Civil War tears her family and her nation apart. A Confederate girl growing up in the South during the Civil War reveals the hardships of Southern life as the war tore her family and the nation apart. Emma can't bear the ravages of war — disfigured and defeated soldiers returning home, the threat of disease, the Yankee soldiers who rob and burn their homes. But Emma gains perspective on what is truly important and vows to never waste another precious day of life.
Character compass
Emma Simpson
Mrs. Simpson
Discussion points
How do you think Emma felt during the Civil War, and what would you have done in her situation?
What are some differences and similarities between Emma's life and yours?
How did the people around Emma cope with the challenges of the war?
Why is it important to learn about historical events like the Civil War?
How do you think the experiences shared in the diary might have shaped Emma’s view of the world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the key stages of the Civil War to provide background context before diving into Emma’s personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of personal diaries in understanding historical events, emphasizing how personal narratives contribute to our understanding of history.
Encourage your child to compare their own daily life to Emma's, discussing both hardships and moments of joy.
Ask your child to imagine and write a short diary entry as if they were living during the Civil War, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the resilience shown by Emma and her family, and relate it to overcoming challenges in your child’s life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Emma Simpson’s diary chronicles her experiences during the Civil War, showcasing her ability to remain hopeful and strong despite the hardships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain hope and strength during challenging times, such as during a family move or difficulties at school.
Example Lesson: Historical empathy
Explanation: Through Emma's eyes, readers gain an understanding of the personal impacts of the Civil War, fostering a deeper empathy for people who lived through historical events.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and understanding for those who have different experiences and live in different times or places.
Example Lesson: The importance of expressing oneself
Explanation: Emma uses her diary to express her thoughts and emotions about the war and her life, serving as a therapeutic outlet.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their own thoughts and feelings through writing, which can be an effective emotional outlet.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about war
Explanation: The book presents the complexities of war, encouraging readers to think critically about the causes, effects, and moral implications of conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in educating children about current events and teaching them to analyze and question the world around them responsibly.
Example Lesson: The value of historical documentation
Explanation: Emma’s diary offers a unique first-person perspective that brings history to life, underscoring the importance of personal narratives in understanding history.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to learn more about their own family histories or to document important events in their lives for future reflection.