From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7–An interesting and readable introduction to the Civil War. Drawn from primary sources, the seven short narratives reflect the experiences of people on both sides of the conflict. Two selections, those of William H. Carney, a volunteer in the Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry, and David Farragut, the naval commander who stormed Mobile Bay, have plenty of battlefield action. Three more, by Julia Ward Howe, who penned the words of the Battle Hymn of the Republic; Eugenia Phillips, who was imprisoned for her disrespect of Union forces in New Orleans; and Mary Jackson, who led a food riot in Richmond, reflect the experiences of women. The remaining two are snapshots of Lincolns second inaugural and Lees surrender at Appomattox. All of the stories will help students understand the passions and hardships that accompanied the war. There is some fictionalization, but the authors notes discuss sources and their veracity, including such tidbits as the fact that there is no credible evidence that Farragut actually shouted, Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! Maps and occasional black-and-white, pen-and-ink drawings add detail and drama to the narratives. The further-reading list includes nonfiction and fiction titles as well as Web sites. These accounts could be used for read-alouds or to entice students to do further research, making this title a good choice for most collections.
–Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Gr. 4-6. This companion to
Vic-tory or Death!: Stories of the American Revolution (2003) features seven accounts of individuals during the Civil War. Eugenia Phillips is unjustly imprisoned in New Orleans. Julia Ward Howe writes "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Mary Jackson joins other Richmond women in rioting for food. David Farragut leads a naval attack in Mobile Bay. William H. Carney raises the falling flag of the Massachusetts 54th Colored Infantry as they attack Fort Wagner. Noah Brooks observes President Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address. Lee surrenders to Grant. Thoroughly researched, though sometimes lightly fictionalized, and illustrated with ink drawings and maps, these stories often incorporate information from letters and diaries as well as historical accounts of the events. The lengthy acknowledgments section mentions documentary as well as human resources used in researching each chapter and sometimes separates fact from speculation. Also appended are a selected bibliography of published sources and a list of books and Internet sites for young people.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
