A Nation Torn: The Story of How the Civil War Began (Young Readers' History of the Civil War) [Mass Market Paperback]

Delia Ray (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

A wonderful introduction to the events that led up to America's Civil War. Ray successfully puts the confusing events of 1860 and 1861 into clear focus and, by using primary-source material, adds a human perspective. She covers all the familiar causes of the war--states' rights, free state vs. slave state--in language and tone that is appropriate for a juvenile audience. Even students reading about these events for the first time will be able to have an understanding of the reasons for the war. For the most part, the black-and-white illustrations and reproductions are good. The bibliography is excellent, and will be helpful to those wishing to read further on the subject. This will become a well-used resource in any library. --Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140381058
• ISBN-13: 978-0140381054
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,292,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful foundation for the roots of the Civil War, June 14, 2005

By 

Heather Johnson "The Zany Zookeeper" (Wild and Wonderful West Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Nation Torn : The Story of How the Civil War Began (Library Binding)

A Nation Torn gives readers a solid background to the animosity between the North and the South. The text is interesting, the illustrations (often primary documents) capitivating, and the storyline illuminating. By giving details on the people involved, Ray helps readers understand the emotions driving the key players. As homeschoolers, we appreciated the sequential events. She did a particurally good job of tying in the importance of the Western Territories. Many of the illustrations are primary documents. My seven year old was blown away by the newpaper illustration depicting the caning of Senator Sumpter. The cruelty of slavery really hit home when we came to the picture of a slave whose back was scarred from whipping. Ray does a good job presenting a balanced view. She did a good job of making my son understand why Southerners believed in and justified the need for slaves. Unlike some books about this period, Southerns were not depicted as heartless. It is a well written book. Wonderful illustrations and high interest stories made this our favorite book for researching the story behind the Civil War. We checked it out of the library twice before we decided that this one was simply worth purchasing!