 Because of Ms.Hecht's personal relationship with the "Lost Boys", she is able to portray their story intimately.In addition to Hecht's extensive research regarding the political and historical events surrounding the civil war between the North and South, are the heart-rending personal stories, photos and drawings of the boys themselves.The book took "first place in education" at the Promoting Outstanding Writers (POW) International Book Awards, earning Ms. Hecht the title "2005 Author of the Year".