Ordinary Heroes

VOYA

Given the plethora of series nonfiction books devoted to the Civil War, it is a pleasant surprise to find a fresh approach. This book is part of a new six-part Civil War Chronicles series, with each title dedicated to a single aspect of the Civil War. The writing style is engaging and lively, and each book is studded with fascinating period anecdotes, whether the eccentricities of Stonewall Jackson or the quiet heroism of African American teacher Charlotte Forten. Each book also supplies ample historical photographs—many by famed Civil War photographer Mathew Brady—which complement the text nicely. In addition to the pleasing text and photo layout, the books also feature quick facts sidebars and battlefield maps. Extraordinary People gives the reader brief biographical sketches of some of the famous heroes of the Civil War, both military and civilian. The reader is provided with a glimpse of the extraordinary lives of such people as photographer Brady, Walt Whitman, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Although these books do not cover each topic comprehensively, they contain much useful information that would be helpful to students doing short reports, and they are wonderful for browsing. The photos and text do not attempt to sanitize the horror of war, and the language is not "dumbed down," a problem plaguing much of the mass-produced series nonfiction. This series would certainly appeal to intermediate and middle school readers and is a well-designed and useful addition to both public and school libraries. Glossary. Index. Photos. Maps. Further Reading. VOYA Codes: 4Q 2P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; MiddleSchool, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2003, Creative Education/Smart Apple Media, 48p. PLB
— Jan Chapman

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-An identical introductory page in both books describes how this war affected nearly all U.S. citizens; it is followed by a well-labeled, full-color, double-page map of the war's major battles. In the first title, Ashby profiles figures who sided with the Union and the Confederate causes. She includes military heroes such as Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Stonewall Jackson, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., Sam Watkins, and William H. Carney and civilians such as Dorothea Dix, Mathew Brady, Robert Smalls, Rose O'Neal Greenhow, Charlotte Forten, and Walt Whitman. Mediocre-quality photos and reproductions appear throughout. Gettysburg explains how the Union and Confederate troops crossed paths in Gettysburg and details the three days of battle. The final chapter describes its aftereffects, and the text and photographs give readers a sense of the horror that was endured. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is included. After reading this volume, students will have a better understanding of our country's battle to survive as a union. Both books would be useful for reports.-Deborah Rothaug, Pasadena Elementary School, Plainview, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.