Robert E. Lee

School Library Journal

Gr 7-9This objective and personal biography examines the man behind the heroic image. Kerby shows readers how Lee's love of honor, reverence for his Virginia heritage, and sense of duty influenced his character and the decisions he made. She uses primary sources to detail his childhood, education, marriage and family life, and long military career. Although the author provides some background about the Civil War and its causes, as well as considerable details about the major battles Lee directed, her main focus is on revealing how her subject was affected by the obstacles and burdens he faced. Kerby is objective about Lee, explaining that the qualities that made him a great leader were also at times his greatest weaknesses, and that he should be remembered as much for his character as for his military leadership and ability. She also discusses his often tortuous feelings about slavery and the equality of blacks. This is an attractive book with wide margins and numerous black-and-white photos, illustrations, and battle maps. Although Albert Marrin's Virginia's General (Atheneum, 1994) offers more background and detail about the Civil War and Lee's military campaigns, this book is well written and interesting and will give readers a closer look at the man behind the reputation.Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO