Wisler, G. Clifton. Kings Mountain.

HarperCollins. 159p. map. illus. 06-881-78138. $15.89. J

The colonial families settled in the mountains of western North and South Carolina were caught up in the Revolutionary War, which was almost a civil war in that region because so many families were Tories on the side of King George.

Little towns even on the frontier were caught in vicious cycles of violence. Wisler's narrator is young Frank, who is a good artist and not at all keen about killing. He first tells of the events of the war with the Cherokee Indians on the frontier, especially troubling to his family because they are related to the Cherokees, and his reluctance to take up arms then. He and his sister Kate travel down onto the flat lands to help an aunt out at her tavern. There the young people are caught up in the fights between the Patriots and the Tories. British troops are in the area, but they aren't as prone to terrorism as the Americans on either side of the fight. Frank's narrative is filled with traumatic decisions, escapes, and witness of horrific events. He and his sister return home only for Frank to join the local men, including his father, as they march south again to meet the Tories and the British in the decisive battle at Kings Mountain.

Wisler conveys the difficulty of the times, especially for a sensitive boy who has no desire to kill or be killed. Frank is thoughtful and intelligent. He has a lot of responsibility and a lot of skill for one so young. This adds to the fine collection of YA fiction about the Revolutionary War. Claire Rosser, KLIATT