A set of four (4) historical novels for teens (12 and up), newly reissued by Tor Books (March 2007), and signed by the author.
     The books include: 1609: Winter of the Dead -- Nathaniel Peacock, loner and street orphan from London, joins the adventurers who settle Jamestown in search of gold and land. Nathaniel soon discovers that life is even more difficult than it was in England. Fear, starvation, violence, and illness plague the settlers. Nathaniel learns that there are times when having a trusted friend is as crucial to survival as is food and shelter. 1776: Son of Liberty -- Caleb is a free black living on a Quaker farm in Maryland. War breaks out between the Colonists and the army of King George III. Caleb hears that Lord Dunmore, a British commander, has promised freedom to any slave who runs off to join his army. Caleb helps his enslaved friend, Gaddi, escape to the Virginia shore to become part of Dunmore's Ethiopian Regiment. But then, on the eve of the Battle of Gwynn's Island, Caleb learns that Dunmore might have lied. 1863: A House Divided -- Teenaged twins Stephen and Suzanne Blackburn live on a farm outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. War is raging between the Union and the Confederate States, though the Blackburns have not seen any fighting. Stephen, frustrated with farm life, runs off to join the Army of the Potomac. Susanne is left behind. As the war progresses, Stephen and his fellow troops find themselves turned back toward Gettysburg -- toward home. 1870: Not With Our Blood -- Patrick O'Neill's family moves north after the Civil War and the death of Patrick's father. They find work in a textile mill in Massachusetts. Life as a mill worker is dangerous and exhausting. Patrick has always wanted to be a writer, but can see no hope for himself as he toils day after day. Some daring mill workers want to strike for better conditions. One of Patrick's young friends has become a thief in order to survive. Patrick must decide what is best for himself, his family, and his future.