Sophia's Gift | Karen B. Kurtz

Sophia’s Gift

Intellect Publishing, 2020
ISBN 978-1-945190-97-1
32 pages, hardcover. Ages 8 and up.

“. . . utterly charming! I was most interested in the history behind Sophia’s Gift.”
— Her Majesty Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom

Sophia’s Gift is based upon the true story of Sophia Strauss and her mother, Jewish Confederates who ran a general store in Culpeper, Virginia, during the American Civil War. One day, a doll arrives in the store to sell. Sophia yearns for the doll but knows they can never afford her. She satisfies herself by naming the doll Grace Darling. Soon, Culpeper comes under attack; they take in a wounded soldier to nurse back to health. When the soldier is well enough to travel, he gives the doll to Sophia as a token of friendship. But their money troubles continue, and soon they’re faced again with the prospect of having to sell the doll. Sophia’s Gift is generosity and resilience in the face of hardship.

Historical Note at the back of the book contains additional facts about Grace Darling’s German manufacturing in the 1850s, the amazing life of the Victorian British icon Grace Horsley Darling, the tribulations of Sophia’s family, and how Grace Darling came to reside at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Sophia’s Gift is for children ages 8 and up, Junior Collectors ages 8 to 17, parents, grandparents, teachers, humanities scholars, museums and historic sites, devotees of children’s literature, and adults who are enthusiastic about doll collecting, Civil War, Jewish life, women’s studies, history, military, antiques, and more.

Sophia’s Gift Wins 4 Book Awards!

Gold Winner in Human Relations Indie Book Awards for cultural human relations in children’s books

Nominated for Eric Hoffer Book Award in Legacy Nonfiction, children’s books

Finalist in Canadian-based Independent Author Network’s (IAN) Book of the Year Award for children’s nonfiction

Short Listed in Chanticleer International’s Little Peeps Awards for picture books

FAQs about Sophia’s Gift

What age is Sophia’s Gift for?

Ages 8 and up. Families, grandparents, adult collectors / enthusiasts, historical sites and museums, bookstores, libraries, and schools buy it.

Is Sophia’s Gift based on a true story?

Yes! After Karen won UFDC’s Coleman Award to document the true stories of Civil War dolls with provenance, she discovered the old china doll that child Sophia Strauss named Grace Darling at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Museum staff also presented Grace Darling’s letter of provenance that was dated 1938, the year Sophia Strauss Morris gave her beloved Civil War doll to the museum before she died.

A copy of her letter of provenance is included in the book.

Immediately, Karen saw in her mind’s eye a complete children’s picture book with illustrations. Since book publication, she has published several magazine articles about her experience, including new research into the life and times of the real Grace Horsley Darling—the British Victorian icon.

What themes does the book explore?

The book explores themes that focus on American Civil War history (1850-1877), Virginia history and in particular Culpeper, VA, antiques & collectibles, dolls, Jewish history, women’s studies, and Grace Horsley Darling (1815-1842).

Is this book good for classrooms?

Yes. Virtually untouched!

Sophia’s Gift is also good for libraries and bookstores.

Do you offer author visits or virtual programs?

Yes, you can book Karen for both in-person author visits and virtual author programs.

How far in advance should we book?

Please book at least 3 months ahead or longer.

Can programs include a book for each student?

Yes! Every registered or actual participant receives one author-signed book at a discounted rate. More than one book per participant can be requested.

Where can I read reviews?

Right here on this site and Amazon.

Reviews

“. . . utterly charming! I was most interested in the history behind Sophia’s Gift.”

“Sophia's Gift is based upon the true story of a Confederate soldier's friendship with child Sophia Strauss in Culpeper, Virginia, amid the American Civil War in 1862. Few books provide a glimpse into the daily life of women and children during the American Civil War. Fewer still talk about Jewish Confederates.

Featuring vivid watercolor spreads, Sophia's Gift is a picture book for children and Junior Collectors ages 8 to 17, as well as adult enthusiasts of doll collecting, history, women’s studies, military, and antiques. Color photos in Historical Note recall Victorian times.

Sophia's Gift is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, middle school, and community library collections as well as Civil War History and Jewish History picture book collections for young readers.“

“This children’s book is based on a true story and offers a unique perspective on a difficult time in American history from one family’s perspective. The author uses creativity and skill to incorporate aspects of Jewish culture into the tale. She also handles delicate topics with care, ensuring that the story is age-appropriate for young readers. Kurtz accurately depicts the hardships of war and its impact on civilian families. Important themes include generosity, self-sacrifice, and joy during difficulty. Loran Chavez’s colorful illustrations bring the story to life. The book concludes with a powerful message of resilience, encouraging readers to see the beauty in life and dance in the face of adversity. This book is a wonderful example of trading beauty for ashes.”

“Sophia’s Gift is a window into the Civil War.”

“I really enjoyed this story. I liked how grateful everyone was and the kindness shown toward each other. Illustrations are beautiful, too.”

“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.”

A Gift of Friendship

“This children’s book is based on the true story of a little girl’s friendship with an injured Confederate soldier recuperating in her family’s house during the Civil War. Set in Culpeper, Virginia, in 1862, Sophia’s Gift tells the story of how the Strauss family struggles to survive as the Civil War rages around them. Sophia Strauss’s father is captured by Union soldiers and is taken away, leaving her mother to cope with trying to keep their shop open.

Sophia is captivated by a doll that is for sale in the shop. Though the doll is not to be played with, Sophia names her Grace Darling after her favorite story about the iconic real-life Grace Horsley Darling, who helped save nine people shipwrecked in a storm off the coast of England in 1838. Before the injured Confederate soldier returns to the battlefield, he buys the doll for young Sophia as a gift of thanks for her care.

The book ends with a description of Sophia and her mother sewing a dress for Grace Darling out of an old gown in their attic. In 1938 the adult Sophia Strauss Morris donated her childhood doll to the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia, and to this day Grace Darling still wears that handmade dress.

Sophia’s Gift is a reminder of the inevitable destruction as well as the possible compassion that can occur during a state of war.”

“Sophia’s Gift is a heart-warming tale of a young girl who finds comfort during the horrors of the American Civil War in a beautiful china doll that arrives unexpectedly in the family’s shop in 1862 Culpeper, Virginia.

As battles rage nearby, a cease fire is called to remove the wounded from the battlefield. Aid is enlisted from the townspeople. Sophia’s mother tells her to carry all fragile items to her bedroom, and, shortly after, a wounded Confederate soldier is brought to Sophia’s house and placed in her bedroom to recover.

One fragile item that has a place in Sophia’s heart is the china doll she calls Grace Darling. The doll sits in her bedroom, a silent witness to the days that follow, while Sophia keeps the soldier company and helps him recover. He realizes how important this doll is to Sophia, and when he’s ready to leave, he presents her with the gift of Grace Darling to call her very own as a token of appreciation for her many kindnesses.

Sophia’s Gift will pique a young reader’s interest in learning more about the lives of civilians during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and encourage them to see the importance of dolls as constant companions, through the best and worst of times. It shows, even in times of great struggle, kindness to others is a most welcome gift.”

“. . . illuminates friendship between the wounded soldier and a Jewish mother and daughter that nurture him back to health.”

“Kurtz and Chavez nailed the content in Sophia’s Gift; their words and paintings tell the same story. Additionally, Chavez’s illustrations provide more in-depth explanations, imparting a fuller meaning to the story.”

“. . . for the very first time, [Karen’s work] speaks to the everyday lives of women and children, not men and battles.”

“. . . a glimpse into a challenging time in America and how people endured their situation. Through the china head doll Grace Darling, we are reminded of the true friendships we have with our toys and how they help us through demanding situations. Sophia’s Gift brings Grace Darling, who resides at the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia, to life for visitors that see her and compels readers to want to visit her if they have not already done so.”

“This fast-paced picture book speaks to the universal truths of courage, compassion, and perseverance. Such a message is eternal and will survive any war.”

“. . . what a charming book and lovely way to pass along what was a footnote in American history to a new and more diverse generation in full book form.”

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 brightly illustrated picture book introducing children to the hardships of the American Civil War.”

“. . . Sophia’s Gift is a product of love and 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.”

“. . . a fascinating piece of history told with rich content, vivid language, and lively use of dialogue.”

“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.”

“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, bookstores, libraries, schools, magazines, and more.”

“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.”

“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.”

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 Civil 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.”

“. . . 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.”

“Exceptional story! Proud of Karen and the broad success of her work. Great gift!”

Historical Picture Book

“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. The author weaves in the character’s Jewish heritage through in-context vocabulary. This picture books offers an introduction to historical literature for young readers; the illustrations are true to period and add warmth to the text.”

Sophia’s Gift

Intellect Publishing, 2020
ISBN 978-1-945190-97-1
32 pages, hardcover. Ages 8 and up.

Award Winning Author

Where Dollology Meets History

Sophia’s Gift

Sophia’s Gift Wins 4 Book Awards!

FAQs about Sophia’s Gift

Reviews

Sophia’s Gift

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