Among the camps : or, Young people's stories of the war

A poignant glimpse into home front life during the Civil War, this collection follows a handful of children as they navigate the strain of a missing father and the ordinary joys of a holiday gone awry. Set in a modest farmhouse on Christmas 1863, the youngsters gather around a dim fire, trading makeshift gifts and heartfelt wishes while the war’s shadow looms larger with each passing day. Their small‑scale dramas—hatchets, broken knives, and a beloved doll—are told with a mix of youthful optimism and quiet resignation.

Through vivid scenes of snow‑kissed evenings, muddy horse‑back arrivals, and the simple comfort of family rituals, the stories reveal how even the youngest felt the conflict’s reach. The narrative balances humor and melancholy, showing how courage can be found in a child's grin as they imagine Santa’s delayed arrival and cling to the hope that father’s return may still come. Listeners are invited to share in the intimate, era‑specific world where innocence meets the harsh realities of war.