“. . . utterly charming! I was most interested in the history behind Sophia’s Gift.”
“Beautiful book centered around the joy received from a doll. Sophia’s Gift shows the importance of a doll particularly in war times. The doll provided a source of strength for a young girl and a wounded soldier in recovery. Sophia’s Gift is a MUST READ that reminds us of the simple pleasure a doll can provide in trying times.”
“I really enjoyed this story. I liked how grateful everyone was and the kindness shown toward each other. Illustrations are beautiful, too.”
“What a lovely way to pass along what was a footnote in American history to a new and more diverse generation in full book form.”
“A brightly illustrated picture book introducing children to the hardships of the American Civil War.”
“This story is well-told. The characters are based on historical personages and come across as real and sympathetic. Pacing is pleasantly swift. I loved the addition of German /Yiddish words and phrases. Details of description are fascinating: eggshells in cornmeal, thorns used for pins, Sophia’s tiny stitches for the lace. They really bring the story to life! Transitions are so important in a historical story that covers an extended period, and Kurtz has managed them with grace and fluidity. Sophia’s Gift appeals to history buffs and doll lovers of all ages, museums, magazines, and other publications, regionally and internationally.”
“Sophia’s Gift stirs imagination, curiosity, and emotion. Sophia’s doll, named after the real-life hero Grace Horsley Darling, embodies the love and bravery that Sophia and her mother need to survive a family-separating, heart-breaking war. Intertwining stories of the family, the china doll, and a young, wounded soldier show the difference made by caring and sharing.”
“Sophia’s Gift is a window into the Civil War.”
I Love This Book! “Sophia’s Gift is the poignant true story of the emotional relationship between a little girl, a wounded Civil War soldier, and an 1860s china head doll. It also gives a glimpse into the everyday life of women and girls during the war when families were left behind while husbands and fathers participated in the conflict. It is a delightful read not only for children ages 8 and up, but for anyone with a passion for dolls.
Doll collectors enjoy stories that feature dolls, especially those that portray antique dolls accurately, and Sophia’s Gift will not disappoint. The actual doll, which Sophia named Grace Darling, still resides in the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia, and still wears her original dress made by Sophia and her mother. As an educator, I also appreciate the Historical Note in the back of the book which details information or antique china head dolls, Grace Darling, Sophia’s family, and Civil War battles near Culpeper, Virginia, Sophia’s home. Wonderful gift for children and collectors alike!”
“. . . a beautifully written and illustrated book to share with children and introduce to clubs. It is inspiring; everyone should have this book in their library. I loved the quote from Margaret Atwood and the Jewish aspect of the story.”
“A product of love and of intellect.”
“I liked reading Sophia Strauss Morris’s 1938 donation letter to the American Civil War Museum; the historical information on Culpeper, Virgina; and seeing the photo of the actual doll wearing the replica of Caroline’s dress. Obviously, Grace Darling was a special and lovingly cared-for doll.”
“Karen Kurtz specializes in dolls. She’s published books about creative art, greeting cards, articles, and essays. Sophia’s Gift is a story based on a real 19th century doll and how it inspired a young girl to endure living in the Confederacy while her father was off in service. Sophia takes on responsibility to care for a wounded soldier, who, in gratitude, rewards her by paying for the doll. The story provides a true feeling for the times, the poverty, the loneliness, and the war anxieties.
Loran Chavez’s lovely watercolors provide a gentle backwash. Light blues and browns give a natural feeling of the minimal life necessary to those days, how a single toy can brighten up a whole room. Illustrations of the mother and child show their Jewish heritage, their general store displaying goods in stacks of rainbow colors.
Sophia’s Gift targets ages 8 and up with easy-to-read language. Yiddish words in the narrative reference Jewish culture. A satisfying ending rewards Sophia with the doll and the soldier surviving.”
“Sophia’s Gift is based on actual events during the Civil War. A much-loved doll helps a young girl cope with the harsh realities of that era. Sophia’s Jewish heritage weaves alongside in-context vocabulary. This picture book offers an introduction to historical literature for young readers. Information about Sophia and her doll is included, and the illustrations are true to period and add warmth to the text.”
A MUST READ for History and Doll Lovers
“Any child or adult will treasure Sophia’s Gift. Illustrations are wonderful; the characters just take you back in time. This is a special book—a MUST READ. I am a doll lover but you do not have to be, to appreciate the place dolls held in Civil War history. Karen takes you there with every turn of the page.”
A Treasure for Doll Collectors
“Sophia’s Gift is a true history of a doll in the collection of the American War Museum in Richmond, Virginia, which gives a glimpse of a child’s life during the Civil War. Doll collectors and enthusiasts will especially enjoy the historical information at the end of the book. There is also a photo of the doll and a 1938 copy of the letter written by the doll’s original owner (Sophia Strauss Morris) when she donated Grace Darling to the museum. Author Karen B. Kurtz began researching Civil War dolls and their provenances after receiving a grant from United Federation of Doll Clubs (UFDC) in Kansas City. Sophia’s Gift streams from part of this research. I’d love to see more stories about other dolls that Kurtz has documented.”
“Sophia’s Gift is a wonderful historical story, simply and straightforwardly told. And the illustrations, how perfect! An exceptional book for gift giving on holidays and birthdays!”
“There are conflicts inherent in this Civil War story, from war itself to mother-daughter survival, to teaching the soldier Jewish words. This is a story of survival with a beautiful doll interjected for a child’s enjoyment. Kurtz establishes era immediately, passage of time, and mood.”
“I just finished reading Sophia’s Gift and I absolutely love it because it is full of stories, history, and hope! I would love to have you come to our school to read and talk about it!”
“A wonderful account of a young Jewish girl named Sophia who lived in Virginia during the Civil War. It tells how she obtained her treasured best friend—a doll she names Grace Darling. It’s also a story about Sophia and her mother’s close bond and sewing a new dress for Grace Darling. It has pictures, historical notes, and a sprinkling of Jewish words written to easily understand their meaning. This beautifully illustrated and easy to read book is for collections now and to hand down to future generations.”
“Exceptional story! Proud of Karen and the broad success of her work. Great gift!”
