I loved Lisa Lewis Tyre’s debut novel, Last in a Long Line of Rebels. It’s such a funny summertime read, perfect for this time of year. My aunt gave me a copy of the book as a Christmas gift since she knew the author. (I know, I’m so late reading this! But hey, my procrastination paid off, because the start of my summer vacation was a great time to read the setting of this story.)

This is a middle grade story about twelve-year-old Lou who is praying for an exciting summer vacation. When she and her friends begin to uncover the mysteries of her 175-year-old house, they end up on a thrilling goose chase for Civil War gold! (Umm can my summer please be that fun?!)

Right away I was swept up in the setting: a hilarious small Tennessee town based upon the author’s own experiences as a child. Its history and people were so fun (and reminded me of my own crazy Southern family – ha!) Lou’s family was well-meaning and lovable, and I fell right into place with them; it was so easy to be drawn into the story.

Lou’s home plays a major role in the story, and was so fascinating. It had been in her family since the 1860s and when it is condemned, she decides to do everything she can to save it. (Understandably so!) All the descriptions – the secret hiding places used for loot, gold, diaries, slaves – had me craving for a house with rich history such as that myself!

What I most loved were the history tie-ins. When Lou finds her namesake’s Civil War-era diary, she discovers more than she bargained for. I absolutely loved the moral lessons in the story: though Lou’s ancestry held both abolitionists and slave owners, she learned that it was important to remember her history so as not to repeat it.

Mrs. Tyre combined a fun summertime children’s novel with history, race, and prejudice and I was impressed! 🙂

four stars! ★★★★✩