This short, touching, novel brings to life the experience of the French and Indian War for the settlers in the context of a real life story. 
 Sensitive students may be disturbed by the stress of looming conflict, the attack of the Indians, the tomahawking of mother and the bravery of the small 10 year old boy in shooting the heavy gun to kill 3 Indians and scare the other two away from their attack upon his home. 
 On the uplifting side, mother, boy and sister all survive and father returns from his service in the militia, reuniting the family. Father is unharmed and able to care for them as they recover. 
 Nonetheless, this book is rather gently told, and helpful in making clear the struggles of war as it impacts individual families. This is particularly useful for children who live in safety to contemplate, as they can get caught up in the outcomes of war (especially when they appear favorable) and miss the tremendous costs.