The Hollow Tree by Janet Lunn

This novel takes place during the Revolutionary War. It is a look at what took place in the homes of the citizens of America during it’s infancy. It portrays how neighbours turned against neighbours as they drew lines and forced people to decide who’s side they were on. Phoebe is a young girl in the midst of all the chaos. Her father strongly believes that they no longer need to be protected and taxed by a King thousands of miles away. He fights on the side of the rebels and is killed. Phoebe’s cousin Gideon is on the other side and goes to fight for the loyalists. Phoebe at this point can’t and won’t decide who’s side is better. All she knows is that no one will ever win. Everyone looses in a war. Gideon returns home and is killed by rebels. He has left a note for Phoebe in a tree that will send her on her own adventure. On her journey she finds within herself a power and strength she never knew she had. A great young adult fiction about a girl who does the rescuing instead of being rescued.