Shades of Gray

Shades of Gray is a work of middle grade historical fiction set in the South during the period of Reconstruction after the Civil War. It was written by Carolyn Reeder and published in 1989. The book won numerous awards, including the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and the Jefferson Cup Award from the Virginia Library Association. Reeder has written numerous books for adults centered on the Shenandoah Valley, where this novel’s protagonist, Will, hails from. She has also written numerous works for children. Shades of Gray follows the story of Will as he leaves his hometown after the Civil War to go live with his uncle, who Will believes is a traitor because he refused to fight for the Confederacy.

The novel explores numerous themes, including how other people’s opinions contribute to a person’s self-awareness, how there are different definitions of courage, and the value of hard work. The necessity of seeing gray rather than just black and white is intertwined throughout the novel.

This study guide refers to the March 1991 First Avon Camelot Printing paperback version of the novel.