Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Bought this for my grandson. He was enthralled with it and it helped him get a "A" on his report.

Although photos were uncommon back in 1860 this book located dozens of them. The story is told in a vivid and fair portrayal.

I read this before giving it to my 11 year old grandson who is a young Civil War buff. Excellent book and tells the 'real' story and hardships of the soldier. The teacher reviews were extremely helpful.

Behind the Blue & Gray Puffin, 1996, 112 pgs., $9.99
Delia Ray ISBN-16:040383042

Given Information-war biography, mostly biographies in the biography, has to do with Civil War
Behind the Blue & Gray is a pretty good book, but it is boring for 2-3 pages. General McClelan & General Ulysses, both federal generals, always made sure there men stayed healthy all throughout the war the best they could. Confederate General Robert E. Lee signed the surrender documents and ended the war. The 16th president Abraham Lincoln finally put a complete end to the war by signing the Emancipation Proclomation on New Year's Day 1863.
You can easily connect with many of the soldiers throughout the book. I would recommend this book to people who like to read, or like biographies, because it is a really good book. The little boring parts mean nothing , they weren't even important.
Edward James Reed