Her Majesty Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom ". . . utterly charming! I was most interested in the history behind Sophia's Gift." Sophia's Gift is based upon the true story of Sophia Strauss and her mother, Jewish Confederates who ran a general store in Culpeper, Virginia, during the American Civil War. Sophia yearns for a doll in their shop but knows they can never afford her. She satisfies herself by naming the doll Grace Darling after her favorite story about the iconic real-life Grace Horsley Darling, who helped to save nine people shipwrecked in a storm off the coast of England. Soon, Culpeper comes under attack; they take in a wounded soldier to nurse back to health. When the soldier is well enough to travel, he gives the doll to Sophia as a token of friendship. But their money troubles continue, and soon they're faced again with the prospect of having to sell Grace Darling. Sophia's Gift is generosity and resilience in the face of hardship. Historical Note at the back of the book contains additional facts about Grace Darling's German manufacturing circa 1850s, the amazing life of the Victorian British icon Grace Horsley Darling, the tribulations of Sophia's family, and how Grace Darling came to reside at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Sophia's Gift won four book awards: Gold Winner in Human Relations Indie Book Awards for cultural human relations in children's books, Short Listed in Chanticleer International's Little Peeps Awards for picture books, Finalist in Canadian-based IAN Book of the Year Award for children's nonfiction, and Nominated for Eric Hoffer Book Award in legacy nonfiction, children's books. Sophia's Gift is for children ages 8 and up, Junior Collectors ages 8 to 17, teachers, humanities scholars, museums and historic sites, devotees of children's literature, and adults who are enthusiastic about doll collecting, women's studies, Jewish history, military, antiques, and more. Worldwide market includes North America, Europe, and Australasia/Oceania. www.sophiasgiftbook.com Midwest Book Review, Gale Cengage Learning Interactive Series. Few books provide a glimpse into the daily life of women and children during the American Civil War; fewer still talk about Jewish Confederates. Sophia's Gift is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, middle school, and community library collections as well as Civil War History and Jewish History picture book collections for young readers. www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/nov_22htm#Picturebook US Review of Books, RECOMMENDED by Joslyn Vann. A unique perspective on a difficult time in American history from one family's perspective. The author uses creativity and skill to incorporate aspects of Jewish culture into the tale. She also handles delicate topics with care, ensuring that the story is age-appropriate for young readers. Kurtz accurately depicts the hardships of war and its impact on civilian families. Important themes include generosity, self-sacrifice, and joy during difficulty. Chavez's colorful illustrations bring the story to life. A powerful message of resilience that encourages readers to see the beauty in life and dance in the face of adversity. Sophia's Gift is a wonderful example of trading beauty for ashes. https: //www.theUSreview.com/reviews-1/Sophias-Gift-by-Karen-B-Kurtz.html "I really enjoyed this story. I liked how grateful everyone was and the kindness shown toward each other. Illustrations are beautiful, too."--Taylor Barnett, age 10 " Sophia's Gift piques a reader's interest to learn more about civilian lives during the American Civil War and encourages them to see dolls as constant companions, through the best and worst of times." -- Antique DOLL Collector, Monica Bessette. "Kurtz nailed content in Sophia's Gift! Chavez's illustrations impart a fuller meaning to the story."-- Doll Castle News, Editor Dorita Mortensen. "Sophia's Gift brings Grace Darling to life for visitors at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia."-- DOLL NEWS, Editor Linda Holderbaum. "a fast-paced picture book that speaks to the universal truths of courage, compassion, and perseverance. Such a message is eternal and will survive any war." -- Paperdoll Review, Editor Jenny Taliadoros. ". . . illuminates friendship between a wounded soldier and the Jewish mother and daughter who nurture him back to health."-- Southern Jewish Life, Publisher Lee Green. ". . . what a charming and lovely way to pass along what was a footnote in American history to a new, more diverse generation in full book form!"--Elizabeth Ann Coleman, dollology expert and author. "Readers enjoy doll stories, especially those that portray antique dolls accurately, and Sophia's Gift will not disappoint. Wonderful gift for children and collectors alike!"--Jan Foulke, antique doll specialist and author. "Sophia's Gift stirs imagination, curiosity, and emotion. Sophia's doll, named after the real-life hero Gr