Robert E. Lee

School Library Journal

Gr 6-9 Weidhorn accomplishes the difficult task of bringing to life the great southern generaldifficult because Lee is the subject of so many legends and because he has been nearly canonized in parts of the south. Here Weidhorn presents Lee not only as a brillant military strategist, one capable of inspiring great loyalty in his men, but also as a leader whose tragic flaw is his inability to truly order his subordinateshe merely ``urges'' various battle plans. Although Lee's pre- and post-Civil War life is discussed, the primary focus is on his years as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, the main southern force. The book is filled with anecdotes about Lee, all of which are presented in a fashion that is readily accessible to young readers. The black-and-white photographs are appropriate to the age level and subject matter. They are all the more valuable, however, because of the excellent captions containing additional information that accompany them. This is an excellently written, objective introduction to a great man, as well as to a turbulent period in American history. It will be a popular addition to the collection, especially for young Civil War buffs. Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, Tenn.