To a young person today, what could be MORE mysterious than the life of Jim Limber? An African-American orphan who joined Jefferson Davis' household during the pivotal year of 1864, Jim lived in circumstances difficult to envision today. Ms. Klingel deftly draws the reader into Jim's exciting and complex world, balancing the stories of events which changed the nation forever, with well-told personal stories of real people caught in the whirlwind of events. The “alternate endings” encourage critical thinking and imagination in the young reader, and cleverly continue the legacy of this mysterious figure — while deepening understanding of our own true national story. Joe Long, Curator of Education, SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, Columbia, South Carolina
