In the book , written by Ann Rinaldi, there are two main characters whose names are Maria and Oscie. These two girls are sisters that live in a house that is being divided by the civil war. Their stepfather (Will McLean) is from the north and is known as a Yankee in the south. Most southerners disagree with his beliefs on slavery, but nevertheless, he is still a respected town leader on the school board and is head of the volunteer fire department. Maria, fifteen and more a southern belle, tries to get along with people and stays out of ....