Smithsonian's History Explorer

Home ยป Shades of Gray
More Sharing Services Share Share on email Email this Page Share on print Print

Shades of Gray


By Carolyn Reeder

Reading Level: Late Elementary School, Middle School
Genre: Fiction
Awards: Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award
Publisher: Aladdin 1999

Find this book in a library near you, using WorldCat.org.

Orphaned, angry, and bitter, twelve-year-old Will arrives in the Virginia Piedmont immediately after the Civil War to live with relatives he has never met. Now, Will lives with his uncle who didn't fight in the war that robbed him of his entire family and come to terms with his feelings regarding his uncle's decision to not to fight.

Award Key

Caldecott Medal

Most distinguished American picture book for children (annually).

Coretta Scott King Award

Distinguished books by authors and illustrators of African descent which promote an understanding and appreciation of the American dream (annually).

Golden Kite Award

Outstanding examples of text, illustration, fiction and nonfiction (four awards annually).

Newbery Medal

Most distinguished contribution to American literature for children (annually).

Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award

Outstanding work of historical fiction published by a U.S. publisher set in the New World.

National Museum of American History

Verizon Foundation

Support for Smithsonian's History Explorer is provided by the Verizon Foundation