United States - 19th Century - Civil War - History, United States - History - General & Miscellaneous

Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities

Name: Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities
Author: Janis Herbert
ISBN: 9781556523557

by Janis Herbert

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Overview

History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nation's history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops, and friendships between enemies. The resource section includes a glossary, index, short biographies of important figures from both sides, listings of Civil War sites across the country, and pertinent Web sites.

Teaches about the Civil War from the secession debates to Appomattox, by means of activities like making butternut dye, decoding wigwag, and baking hardtack. Includes a resource section with a glossary and pertinent web sites.

Synopsis

KLIATT

This title offers students a crash course on a subject that has spawned countless books and movies, and it's fun as well as informative. For instance, kids can create a code, play on a coffee can drum, or scout for a Civil War veteran, an activity which encourages the practice of genealogy. As with all activities mentioned in the book, the authors clearly indicate if adult supervision is needed for a project; most projects require readily available materials. Numerous sidebars in the work mention interesting facts such as the existence of women and children soldiers, the titles of Civil War-inspired songs, and also brief glimpses of famous personalities such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Famous personages such as Abraham Lincoln and Stonewall Jackson are also quoted in sidebars. This book includes many photographs, illustrations, and maps. Other helpful features include a timeline covering the years from 1619-1865, a glossary, and a Guide to Officers. The introductory paragraphs of the book focus on an all-important topic—why exactly the Civil War was fought. This title is useful for inclusion in a unit study on the Civil War as well as for a resource for reports or projects. KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 1999, Chicago Review Press, 145p, illus, bibliog, index, 22cm, 99-20826, $14.95. Ages 13 to 15. Reviewer: Tricia Finch; Youth Scvs. Libn., North Port P.L., North Port, FL, May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)

About the Author, Janis Herbert

Janis Herbert is the author of The American Revolution for Kids, Leonardo da Vinci for Kids, Lewis and Clark for Kids, and Marco Polo for Kids.

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Editorials

KLIATT

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck

While there are many fine historical works for children dealing with the Civil War this particular publication is truly unique. Combining a wonderful historical account of the Civil War years with detailed activities related to that era, this book takes young and older readers into that time period. The author does a fine job of tracing the momentous events of the struggle that helped shape our nation's modern history. The historical events of the war are described in a manner that allows students to grasp the key battles, issues, and experiences of the Civil War. Additionally, specific chapters are geared toward developing a social history of the war through a description of the lives of soldiers on the march, in camp, on the battlefield, and in the hospital. The writing in these sections of the book is particularly noteworthy and does provide the reader with an insightful look at the lives of the common folk who lived through the war. The most engaging element of this fine work rests in the twenty-one activities that are included throughout the book. Readers are given plans for the building of a soldier's "lean to" shelter, a recipe for baking hardtack, a process for creating butternut dye, a means of crafting raspberry ink, and many other fascinating projects. Each activity includes clear directions, illustrations, and extensions. All in all this is a great book for children and adults interested in learning about and recreating the Civil War era.

Library Journal

Gr 4-8-Using a clear style and lively tone, this book provides a look at the Civil War and its leaders and includes activities such as battle reenactments and recipes for soldiers' rations. The contributions of women, African Americans, and even children are described. Sidebars provide biographical and other information about individual soldiers and events. Occasional quotes provide a humanistic view of the war. Antislavery is offered as the main reason for the war, with only a brief mention that other reasons even existed. Maps and black-and-white reproductions are scattered throughout. A lengthy resource list of historical sites, museums, and Web sites is appended. Most of the activities require adult supervision and are geared toward groups, making them ideal for classrooms.-Sarah Smith, Harrison Community Library, MI Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.