Shades of Gray

by Carolyn Reeder

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What genre is the book Shades of Gray?

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Shades of Gray is a young adult historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. It combines fictional characters with historical accuracy, focusing on Will Page, a twelve-year-old boy whose family was devastated by the war. The book explores themes of anger and reconciliation as Will is sent to live with relatives he considers traitors for not fighting against the Yankees, highlighting the personal struggles in a war-torn society.

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Shades of Gray is young adult historicalfiction about the aftermath American Civil War.

Historical fiction is fiction that contains historical accuracies.  Some of the characters are usually fictional, but there will always be mention of real historical people.  The book is considered young adult literature because it is geared toward adolescents.

The book describes Will Page, a twelve year old boy whose family was killed by Yankees in the Civil War.  William feels angry about the destruction he sees around him.  He is sent to live with his family, but he considers them traitors because his uncle did not fight the Yankees.

“She wrote out those instructions a long time ago.  That letter you showed me was dated before the war.  She’d never have wanted us—wanted me—to live with traitors.” (ch 1)

Will regrets the fact that his brother and father were killed, and his sisters died as a result of an epidemic that spread from the military encampment to the town.  His mother died of grief.

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