Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War (Young Reader's Hist- Civil War) [Paperback]

Delia Ray (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Young Reader's Hist- Civil War

Black-and-white photos.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-- This sequel to A Nation Torn: The Story of How the Civil War Began (Lodestar, 1990) is the story of the Civil War as seen from the perspective of common soldiers who served in Union blue and Confederate gray; coverage is from the first shots fired upon Fort Sumter to the long trek home at war's end. Ray is an excellent narrator and has chosen many informative, perceptive personal accounts upon which to base her work. The fears, horrors, boredom, and simple, transitory pleasures of these young men are brought into sharp focus by the many first-person writings. Especially moving is the chapter concerning medical care--primitive at best--and the prisoner of war camps--inhumane at worst. Readers may learn for the first time of the many Native American volunteers; all-black regiments; and the large number of German, Irish, and other foreign-born soldiers who fought in the war. Black-and-white historical photographs and reproductions flesh out this highly readable volume that should whet the appetite of readers and inspire them to delve further into a this period. --David A. Lindsey, Lakewood Junior/Senior High School, WA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

A continuation of the ``Young Readers' History of the Civil War,'' begun in A Nation Torn (1990). Here, Ray discusses the soldiers' personal experiences: their early enthusiasm; the conditions they found in the armies on either side; their tempering under war's ordeals; roles played by diverse national groups; the hardships of hospitals and POW camps; the feelings of returning veterans. Ray's writing is vivid, if undistinguished, and aided by memorable photos of the period. Chapter notes would have been useful for tracing the origins of generalizations about the soldiers' feelings, and chronological information might have been better integrated. Nevertheless, an intense portrayal of the military experience, with resonance for today. Bibliography; index. (Nonfiction. 10-14) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140383042
• ISBN-13: 978-0140383041
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > Other
  • #31 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Military & Wars
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > United States > 1800s

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not a book...it's a journey, September 4, 2000

By 

Margaret M. Martin (Auburn, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War (Young Reader's Hist- Civil War) (Paperback)

After reading several adult books on the Civil War for research, I began this book by Delia Ray (I like to read children's books as well). I simply need to say that this book is excellent. Civil War reading can be very dry, but not this book. Delia Ray takes us on a soldiers journey beginning with enlistment and ending with a soldiers life after the war, using quotes from actual letters and diaries strategically placed throughout the book. She covers such interesting items as what soldiers ate, how they drilled, their various living quarters, what they did for enjoyment, their attitudes toward their commanders, soldiers of other nationalities, and the enemy. She discusses individual battles, medical treatment, hospital and prison life, with such empathy that when you finish this book you will actually feel as if you were there yourself. The photographs in this book each tell a story in themselves, as well. They are some of the most moving photos I've seen of the Civil War. I simply couldn't put this book down onced I picked it up. I highly recommend this book to both children and adults because like my title says, it's not a book... it's a journey. An all inclusive journey that seems to leave no question concerning the Civil War soldiers life unanswered.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for the Faint of Heart, August 9, 2009

By 

LME "The Discerning Viewer" (Central CA, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War (Young Reader's Hist- Civil War) (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, really illuminating as to what the Civil War soldiers endured. I disagree with the recommendation for 7th grade and up. Boys of that age may like it but it is truly more appropriate for the high school years. We study the Civil War in 11th grade (for the third time, there are so many good books available) and that is definitely when this book will be read.
There are grisly photos and the text, which is very well written, covers many of the sickening details of war as well. These things are of value and should not be forgotten. However, I see no need to rub younger children's noses (and minds) in the mire of war. Let the unpleasantries of life unfold at an age where there is more discernment.
It is a pity that the words across the top read "Young Readers' History of the Civil War". That phrase is misleading and should be struck from the cover. The book Fields of Fury is a far better choice for grades 4-8.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Behind the Blue and Gray, February 11, 2010

By 

Mark Twain "adnilenaj" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Behind the Blue and Gray: The Soldier's Life in the Civil War (Young Reader's Hist- Civil War) (Paperback)

This is a great book. A perfect book for a 12 year old. My grandson has to read this and make a report for his class. It gives a general overveiw of the war and the effects of that war.