The Blue Balloon: A Tale of the Shenandoah Valley

"The Blue Balloon: A Tale of the Shenandoah Valley" by Reginald Horsley is a late 19th-century story set during the American Civil War, about two young pals, Ephraim "Old Grizzly" Sykes and Lucius Markham, who prove that friendship and courageousness never goes out of style. Readers learn that the ambitious Ephraim, determined to make a name for himself in spite of his humble heritage, secretly constructs a balloon with the hopes that he and his best friend Lucius can watch the war from above and in safety. As the boys' exciting plan begins to take flight, the friends' contrasting personalities and life dreams are showcased.