(2) 4-6 Shang (coauthor of Not Your All-American Girl, rev. 3/21) takes the little-known fact that several Asian American men fought in the Civil War and works it into a contemporary story about bullying, cultural acceptance, and forgiveness. Evan Pao, twelve, is the new kid in (fictional) Haddington, Virginia. His family has relocated from California for a fresh start after his father's get-rich-quick scheme nearly bankrupts them. Although Evan makes some new friends, he is constantly harassed by a classmate. He also wonders about his place in this small, mostly white, Southern town where many students take pride in their Confederate ancestors. While preparing for "Battlefield Day," a Civil War reenactment celebration, Evan excitedly shares information with his class about Chinese Union soldiers. His house is shot at the next day, seemingly in retaliation. In the aftermath of this harrowing event, the characters explore any possibility of reconciliation. The novel's strongest parts occur when Evan questions why "the whole history" of the Civil War isn't widely represented: Shang includes short passages on glossing over slavery in the classroom, honoring women who fought in the Civil War, and debating the removal of a Confederate statue.

Reviewer: Michelle Lee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2022

(3) YA Miller explores Lee's life and times in this accessible and thorough biography for middle- and high-school students. Moving beyond the myths (both positive and negative) associated with Lee, Miller examines and unpacks his complicated and tumultuous family history and fills in details about his life before and after the Civil War. Black-and-white archival images help provide a sense of time and place. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Spy on History series. Illustrated by Tony Cliff. This historical thriller--enhanced by engaging graphic novel–style illustrations and thoughtful design--tells the true story of Mary Bowser. An African American spy for the Union, Bowser worked as a maid in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. A sealed envelope affixed to the book contains code-cracking tools readers can use to solve a mystery hidden within the text. Biographical and historical notes appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Monica Wyrick. In the midst of the Civil War, Charleston was under siege. To break the blockade and destroy Union ships, Horace Hunley designed and built an ironclad submarine for the Confederacy. This book relates the true story of the failed endeavor and the recent raising and restoration of the Hunley. The unsolved mysteries and archaeological insights will fascinate young history buffs. Full-color illustrations are included. Reading list.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Tim Robinson. Sheinkin's entertaining histories cover the Revolutionary and Civil wars. George (originally Storyteller's History: The American Revolution) begins with thirteen ways to start a revolution. Miserable opens with thirteen ways to rip a country apart. Each book includes personal, frequently irreverent, accounts of the participants. The layouts invite browsing: bold subheadings, short exposition, numerous pen-and-ink cartoonlike illustrations, and plenty of maps. Bib., ind. Review covers these titles: King George: What Was His Problem? and Two Miserable Presidents.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2008

(3) YA Milestones in American History series. Short, clearly written chapters explore significant events in American history. The curricular-support titles are amply illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs and reproductions and supported with biographical sketches and excerpts from primary documents. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Milestones in American History titles: The Donner Party, The Oregon Trail, The Pony Express, The Prohibition Era, The Outbreak of Civil War, and The Emancipation Proclamation.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) 4-6 American War Biographies series. Three Revolutionary war heroes (one turned traitor) and three Civil War figures are featured in these generally well-written, though repetitive, biographies. Timelines are featured in each copiously illustrated chapter, and sidebars cover such related topics as prisoners of war and other important persons. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these American War Biographies titles: Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, and John Paul Jones.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) YA Historical American Biographies series. The lives of six famous figures are profiled in clear prose and illustrated with black-and-white photographs, reproductions, and maps. Information boxes provide diverting sidelights to the well-documented texts, and each volume ends with a chapter reiterating the achievements and historical legacy of the subject. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta