A novel that provides a child’s-eye view of the most divisive conflict in American history was the topic of discussion on a recent edition of the “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Dr. June Hall McCash

Host Gina Logue’s interview with June Hall McCash first aired Dec. 14 on WMOT-FM (89.5 and www.wmot.org ). You can listen to their conversation above.

McCash, MTSU professor emerita of French and founding director of the University Honors Program, has penned “The Boys of Shiloh,” a Civil War novel aimed at 9- to 13-year-olds.

The story brings together Luke, a Confederate from Georgia, and Ethan, a Union drummer boy from Illinois, who become friends just before becoming embroiled in the Battle of Shiloh.

“I don’t talk down to children in this book,” McCash said. “The vocabulary is very much an adult vocabulary. The formatting is for people of the younger age. … I’m hoping that teachers will read it and consider it for use in their classes.”

McCash’s book also includes a map of the battlefield, a glossary of terms, an explanation of real historical figures mentioned in the text and a list of discussion questions.

McCash, who taught in MTSU’s Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, was named Georgia Author of the Year in 2011 and 2013 for her novels. She is a recipient of both the MTSU Foundation’s Distinguished Research Award and Career Achievement Award.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.