(3) 4-6 Fact Finders: First-Person Histories series. These slim volumes feature primary source accounts of the Civil War. Tillie Pierce helped nurse soldiers during the Battle of Gettsyburg, while Susie King Taylor, born a slave, worked with a troop of African American soldiers. The women's recollections are enhanced by an engaging, informative layout containing archival photos and illustrations plus relevant sidebars. Common Core–aligned questions are appended. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Fact Finders: First-Person Histories titles: Memoir of Susie King Taylor and Memoir of Tillie Pierce.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) 4-6 In My Own Words series. Illustrated by Laszlo Kubinyi & Laszlo Kubinyi. These abridged memoirs record the lives of ordinary people during historic times. Watkins's and Stewart's vivid personalities make those volumes particularly enjoyable, but all four offer an engaging history lesson (despite the offputting textbook-like covers and illustrations). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these In My Own Words titles: The Diary of Sam Watkins, a Confederate Soldier; The Letters of Elinore Pruitt Stewart, Woman Homesteader; The Diary of Susie King Taylor, Civil War Nurse; and The Diary of Elizabeth Bacon Custer.]

Reviewer: Becky Levine