Catherine is a nine year old girl, who lives in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Her family was very wealthy until the beginning of the Civil War, and now everything has changed. Her dad and oldest brother, William, were recruited to join the army. Now, Catherine's family is very poor, and they have to survive the war. Catherine is very scared, and now the Civil War has come to her town, Gettysburg. Catherine learns that she has to love when times are hard and always be there for her friends and family.