Eight Southern and eight Northern characters speak about their involvement in the 1861 Battle of Bull Run. Their "voices" alternate in short chapters as they view the battle from different perspectives. A totally engaging way to study the Civil War, the book is also arranged to be used in a readers' theater style. Newbery Medal-winner Paul Fleischman makes an appearance as the voice of James Dacy and concludes this unique production with a personal author's note.