Confederate Commander: General Robert E. Lee
Mary Englar, Sue Vander HookOverview
When the Civil War began, Robert E. Lee was torn by conflicting loyalties. Although he had served in the U.S. Army for 36 years, he could not bring himself to fight against the rebellious South, his native region. Lee resigned from the Army and joined the Confederate cause as commander of Virginia's military forces. Although he eventually surrendered, ending the war, Lee is remembered as a brilliant general and a man of great dignity and steadfast principles.Synopsis
When the Civil War began, Robert E. Lee was torn by conflicting loyalties. Although he had served in the U.S. Army for 36 years, he could not bring himself to fight against the rebellious South, his native region. Lee resigned from the Army and joined the Confederate cause as commander of Virginia's military forces. Although he eventually surrendered, ending the war, Lee is remembered as a brilliant general and a man of great dignity and steadfast principles.
Children's Literature
Robert E. Lee had served the U.S. Army for 36 years when the Civil War began. After serving his country loyally, he found he could not fight against his loyalty to his home and resigned to command Virginia's military forces for the Confederacy. This biography tells his story respectfully, showing his personal conflict as well as the conflict facing the country. Both the language and the page format make this book easy to read, and the inclusion of stories from Lee's childhood and from the family he raised make this historic figure relatable. Hook is able to show clearly the hardships Lee faced as a child, the clash of loyalties during the Civil War, and the difficulties of being away from his family as a member of the military. Illustrated with historic artwork and current photographs, the pages are attractive yet simple. The "We the People" series of biographies features a page of additional interesting facts and brief descriptions of other important people. The text also includes a glossary, maps, timeline, historic sites, index, and relevant websites at www.Facthound.com. Reviewer: Jennifer Lehmann
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Robert E. Lee had served the U.S. Army for 36 years when the Civil War began. After serving his country loyally, he found he could not fight against his loyalty to his home and resigned to command Virginia's military forces for the Confederacy. This biography tells his story respectfully, showing his personal conflict as well as the conflict facing the country. Both the language and the page format make this book easy to read, and the inclusion of stories from Lee's childhood and from the family he raised make this historic figure relatable. Hook is able to show clearly the hardships Lee faced as a child, the clash of loyalties during the Civil War, and the difficulties of being away from his family as a member of the military. Illustrated with historic artwork and current photographs, the pages are attractive yet simple. The "We the People" series of biographies features a page of additional interesting facts and brief descriptions of other important people. The text also includes a glossary, maps, timeline, historic sites, index, and relevant websites at www.Facthound.com. Reviewer: Jennifer LehmannSchool Library Journal
Gr 4-6
As in the "We the People: Revolution and the New Nation" series, these books distinguish themselves from other biographies of the same subjects for the same audience by virtue of profuse and thoughtful illustrations, coupled with an uncluttered, readable layout. Fine art, photos, engravings, cartoons, and archival material enhance texts that are written in a clear, friendly style. Similarly, the only hiccup here is in the poorly proportioned and sometimes incomplete maps.