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Description
This book relates the overall events and chronology of the Civil War, examining why the conflict was so devastating and how the American people became so divided.
Quick Summary
Rees packs the major events of the Civil War into a readable narrative that feels more like a story than a textbook. You'll follow the path from the election of Lincoln to the final surrender, meeting key figures and getting a feel for the everyday realities of soldiers and civilians through letters, maps, and sidebars. The book is especially good for readers who like to see cause-and-effect in action; each chapter explains why a decision was made and how it changed the war, and fans of the "I Survived" series will notice a similar fast pace even though this one sticks to real history. If you've ever wanted to know why the war was so devastating or how the country ever healed, this one gives you the answers without overwhelming you with jargon. The tone is straightforward but respectful, and while the subject matter is serious battle scenes, the horror of slavery, the loss of life it's presented in a way that's appropriate for middle-grade readers. It's a great match for kids who love history, especially those who enjoyed the "You Wouldn't Want to Be a Soldier" series or any other accessible war-history books.