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300 pp.
| Dial
| March, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7352-2798-9$16.99
(3)
4-6
An unlikely pair of seventh-grade misfits, Oliver and Ella must research and make a history-project documentary about Civil War soldier Raymond Stone. Oliver's lunch buddy Kevin assists as they unravel the mystery surrounding this (fictional) young soldier who never saw battle and died of dysentery at Gettysburg. The engaging narrative explores tween relationships and emphasizes that heroism has many forms beyond courage in battle.
(3)
4-6
Fact Finders: First-Person Histories series.
These slim volumes feature primary source accounts of the Civil War. Tillie Pierce helped nurse soldiers during the Battle of Gettsyburg, while Susie King Taylor, born a slave, worked with a troop of African American soldiers. The women's recollections are enhanced by an engaging, informative layout containing archival photos and illustrations plus relevant sidebars. Common Core–aligned questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Fact Finders: First-Person Histories titles: Memoir of Susie King Taylor and Memoir of Tillie Pierce.
(4)
YA
Graphic Planet: Graphic Warfare series.
Illustrated by
Ben Dunn.
Written by Joeming Dunn. The Civil War's deadliest battle is detailed in a graphic novel presentation that should appeal to visual learners, though context is limited. Major events, individual leaders, strategic battle sites, important skirmishes, and final results are appropriately depicted in panels dominated by blue and gray. Maps aid in understanding battle maneuvers. "Quick Stats" and brief information about two key military leaders are appended. Timeline. Glos., ind.
(3)
4-6
Left Behinds series.
This second adventure has Mel, Bev, and Brandon traveling back to 1863 with their time-travel iPhone app. The trio must ensure the iTime's nefarious inventor doesn't alter the Battle of Gettysburg so the Civil War ends as it should. This lively, techie approach to historical fiction should win over even genre-averse kids. Excellent back matter includes a historical note and recommended reading, websites, and landmarks.
(3)
4-6
Miller's engaging Civil War story follows three girls: thirteen-year-old Annie, disguised as a boy and marching with the Confederate Army; fourteen-year-old Tillie, tending wounded Union soldiers; and Grace, a free black girl forced into hiding while the battle rages overhead. A gripping read about the brutal realities of war that will pack an emotional punch with young readers.
96 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| April, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4677-0692-6$34.60
(3)
YA
Anderson uses Pierce's memoirs to render a vivid account of the fighting that unfolded around 1863 Gettysburg. The fifteen-year-old was inadvertently caught in the horrors of the Civil War as the farmhouse in which she was staying was used as a hospital, and she was called upon to help care for the wounded. Archival photographs accompany the engaging text. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| March, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4126-4$23.93 New ed. (2004)
(4)
4-6
Civil War Through Primary Sources series.
These broad overviews examine different aspects of the Civil War. The simplistic texts and brief excerpts from firsthand accounts are accompanied by color and black-and-white archival images (with "primary source" called out when applicable), maps, and photos of wartime memorabilia. The books' young-looking format seems at odds with the intended audience. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. This review covers these Civil War Through Primary Sources titles: The Civil War's African-American Soldiers, The Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln, and Slavery, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and the Battle of Gettysburg, An Overview of the American Civil War, The Underground Railroad and Slavery, and Women of the Civil War.
292 pp.
| Scholastic/Point
| June, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-545-42623-7$17.99
(4)
YA
After her parents move the family to Gettysburg to open a bed-and-breakfast, Lori discovers that the old mansion is haunted by the spirit of a Union soldier named Nathaniel. Lori soon falls head-over-heels for the young man, vowing to help him solve his own murder. A predictable story line and uneven protagonist's voice somewhat mar this otherwise engaging ghost story.
230 pp.
| Dutton
| February, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-525-42145-0$16.99
(3)
4-6
Boys of Wartime series.
Will Edmonds dreams of being a soldier like his brother. However, he remains home in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, too young at twelve to join the Union Army. To his surprise, Will finds himself amidst one of the fiercest battles of the Civil War. Throughout Calkhoven's accessible and exciting text, Will learns about the complexities and horrors of war. Reading list, websites. Glos.
218 pp.
| Harcourt
| November, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-38980-6$17.00
(4)
YA
Tacy's brother, David, cannot enlist in the Northern army. Consequently, he struggles with his role as caretaker for his mother and sister while others fight. With the Battle of Gettysburg raging around them, Tacy witnesses her brother's inner battle as he discovers his place among the soldiers. Although the book is fairly formulaic, the genuine characters and historical context will satisfy Rinaldi fans.
64 pp.
| National
| September, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4263-0706-5$17.95
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-0707-2$27.90
(4)
4-6
Beginning with Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, this account follows with a detailed narrative--from multiple perspectives--of the days before, during, and after America's bloodiest battle. Reproduced paintings, maps, sidebars, and photographs add further details, providing a welcome distraction from the small font (in both text and captions). The volume's scope may be off-putting to some readers, but others will devour the information. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.
(2)
4-6
In Pine Swamp, Maine, in the 1860s, Homer P. Figg and his brother Harold live with Squinton Leach--the meanest man around. When Squint illegally enlists Harold in the Union Army against his will, Homer decides to follow. Homer's facile narration, and a little laying waste of the truth, move the plot quickly and create a captivating read.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2009
394 pp.
| Bloomsbury
| October, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59990-105-3$16.99
(4)
YA
Two close cousins end up on opposing sides during the Civil War. The girls survive the Battle of Gettysburg and reunite to witness Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. It is difficult at the outset to believe pro-Union Lizzie's dedication to her simpering cousin, but character development helps bring the story to a pleasing, if predictable, end. An author's note and teacher's guide are appended. Reading list, websites.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| July, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-2903-3$23.93
(4)
4-6
What Would You Do? series.
These volumes present the challenging decisions confronting both common people and well-known figures from the Revolutionary War through the gold rush days. Archival photographs and maps add context to the multiple perspectives while sidebars pose the question, "What Would You Do?" The accessible texts target younger readers; however, the questions to ponder address a more sophisticated audience. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these What Would You Do? titles: The Battle of Gettysburg, The California Gold Rush, George Washington Crosses the Delaware, The Louisiana Purchase, and The Revolutionary War Begins.
32 pp.
| Walker
| April, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8027-8094-2$16.95
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-8027-8095-9$17.85
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Laura Francesca Filippucci.
High relates, in free verse, the story of the Thorn family as they witness the battle of Gettysburg and care for the fallen Union and Confederate soldiers during the aftermath. Detailed watercolor and ink illustrations enhance this tenderly crafted narrative. An author's note about the real Thorns and the text of the Gettysburg Address are appended.
48 pp.
| School
| July, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-7696-4707-3$14.95
|
PaperISBN 0-7696-4652-2$6.95
(4)
4-6
Stories from History series.
The most successful of this series, this comic book presents the history leading up to Gettysburg, and a day-by-day account of the battle itself. The shorter duration of the event lends itself better to this format, where speech bubbles and text boxes contain spare print. Lifeless illustrations do little to add to the drama of battle. Timeline. Glos., ind.
(4)
K-3
Tales of Young Americans series.
Illustrated by
Robert Papp.
Set during the Battle of Gettysburg, this story tells of Gabe, a young bugler for the Union Army. In the heat of the three-day battle, Gabe, having lost two brothers already in the war, is torn between his concerns for his remaining brother's safety and for his new Confederate friend. Papp's paintings add depth and beauty to the sometimes dense text.
48 pp.
| Atheneum
| March, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-689-83964-2$14.95
(4)
K-3
Ready-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Brian Floca.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, a family takes in a young deserter from the Confederate army. The dialogue is stiff, and Floca's watercolors do little to enliven things, but the basic story is compelling (and based on real events of 1863). A map opens the book; an excellent historical note closes it.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| July, 2004
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-2253-6$23.93
(4)
K-3
Civil War Library series.
Quotes, anecdotes, and historical tidbits (origin of the rebel yell) enliven the discussion of states' rights, slavery, and the preservation of the Union in these Civil War primers. Maps, sidebars, and color and black-and-white illustrations adorn sepia pages. Lincoln includes a facsimile (too small to be read) of the Emancipation Proclamation, and illustrations in this volume are particularly grainy. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Civil War Library titles: The American Civil War, The Battle of Gettysburg and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and Lincoln, Slavery, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
(3)
4-6
American Battlefields series.
Each book in the series highlights important battles in American history, dropping interesting tidbits that young readers might not have encountered yet (e.g., clarifying that Paul Revere's engraving of the Boston Massacre was inaccurate, but helped to raise support for the colonists' side). Maps, reproduced paintings and photographs, and other graphics complement the information. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these American Battlefields titles: Lexington & Concord, Gettysburg, Little Bighorn, and The Alamo.