(2) K-3 Illustrated by Floyd Cooper. Through the eyes of a formerly enslaved ten-year-old boy, Henderson recounts the story of what some consider to be the first celebration of Decoration Day, currently observed as Memorial Day. In 1865 in Charleston, South Carolina, Papa has been rising early to do "man's work." Eli, who would rather be with Papa than go to school, can only imagine what kind of important work Papa and the other men are doing. When pressed, all Papa says is, "We were diggin', and buildin', and paintin'." At last, Eli discovers that Papa and the men are converting a racecourse, once used as a Confederate jail, into a monument to the Union soldiers who had fought for freedom of the enslaved and died while imprisoned. Eli and his schoolmates help by painting a fence. The next day, a mile-long parade of neighbors, singing tributes to the unknown Union soldiers, marches to the site and spreads flowers among their graves. Henderson's affecting narrative resonates with reverence, and Cooper's prolific use of muted browns and yellows creates a solemn yet celebratory tone. An image of the family backed by an enormous setting sun conveys freedom and hope as Eli declares, "Me, Mama, and Papa can't never be sold away no more...we will never forget what [the Union soldiers have] given of themselves for the priceless gift of our liberty." This worthy title offers another little-known fact about African American contributions that are an imperative part of America's history and traditions. Back matter includes an author's note, a timeline, source notes (acknowledging the contested history of the holiday), and a bibliography.

Reviewer: Pauletta Brown Bracy | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2021

(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 Seeds of America series. In 1781, Isabel (Chains) continues her fraught journey with her companion, Curzon (Forge), to rescue her sister from slavery. After fleeing the plantation, the three are inexorably drawn toward Yorktown, the setting of the climactic battle of the American Revolution. Anderson takes full advantage of unfolding history--and the moral quagmire of colonial-American racial politics--to weave in a plethora of historical detail.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2016

(3) YA Callie has woken up from her coma, but getting on with her life and protecting those she holds dear from poltergeists may mean giving up the ghost boy she fell in love with while in the spirit world called the Prism (Ashes to Ashes). A controlled buildup and a sweet romance subdue the poltergeists' fright-factor, making the book a softer supernatural read.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) YA After a fatal car crash, Callie lands in the Prism and meets ghost Thatcher, who teaches her how to haunt and connect with her grieving loved ones. When Callie stops following the rules, she endangers both ghosts and the living. Callie can be overly stubborn, but once her love triangle picks up and the plot hits top speed, readers will race to the end.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Colin Bootman. This little-known and well-told true story describes how a Charleston, South Carolina, pastor founded an orphanage, solicited donations of musical instruments, and got the kids to perform "rag" (a precursor of jazz). The band became a sensation, traveling abroad and marching in President Theodore Roosevelt's inaugural parade. Bootman's plangent art captures two sides of life in an early-twentieth-century American city. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 With her father wrongly accused of theft and lying defenseless in a coma, Abbey Force and her new friend Bee seek to uncover the truth behind her father's "accident," the stolen jewels, and the mysterious happenings in Felony Bay. Despite a predictable plot, unexpected dangers hold interest, culminating in a reflective narrative on character, courage, and human motivation.

Reviewer: Andrea Curtis

(3) 4-6 Thirteen-year old Jameson Martin Cooper, the son of a printer, is orphaned and homeless in 1712 Charles Towne, Carolina Territory. Abducted by Queen Anne's privateers, he eventually earns back his freedom through bravery, hard work, and his skills as a printer. This undemanding yet diverting maritime adventure will engage middle-grade historical fiction fans.

Reviewer: Betsy Thomas

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Curtis James. This research-based narrative relates a family's escape from slavery in nineteenth-century Charleston, South Carolina. The quiet sensitivity of the writing is echoed by the warm, dark tones of the paintings, and the typeface mimics the look of a historical document. Endpapers display a map of historical Charleston Harbor, where the family began their flight to freedom. An author's note gives historical context. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Henrietta M. Smith

(3) YA This well-researched, attractively designed book tells the story of the first Confederate submarine to sink a ship. The Hunley mysteriously vanished after the 1864 attack and remained so until its rediscovery in 1995. Walker discusses theories about its disappearance, the painstaking efforts to preserve the vessel's remains, and modern archaeological methods used to learn about the Hunley and its crew. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Ed Spicer

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dan Nance. This book recounts how Confederate veteran George Dixon, carrying his sweetheart Queenie's good-luck coin, helped design, build, and ultimately command the submarine H. L. Hunley. The vessel bombed the Union Housatonic before sinking itself. Period art illustrates Dixon's story, which is followed by eight pages of photographs and text about the 2000 excavation of the Hunley. Timeline.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Three linked novellas, each starring a different boy, begin with the secession of South Carolina and end shortly before the first major battle of the Civil War. Reeder effectively and uniquely couples drama and history (most successfully in the last novella) and introduces young readers to the relentless chain of events that led to our nation's bloodiest conflict.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) YA Colbert vividly relates the momentous events that followed Lincoln's electoral victory in 1860, which led to the secession of the southern states, creation of the Confederacy, and the start of the Civil War. Although marred by some fictional dialogue, this account creates accurate, sharply etched characterizations of the major players in this real-life drama. Archival photos and drawings are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Abruptly uprooted from their comfortable plantation life, twelve-year-old Susanna and her brothers make a difficult journey to war-torn Charleston to find their father, a Confederate spy. The book provides a Southern perspective on the Civil War, with people and events seen through Susanna's eyes. Though somewhat unrealistic, the action is suspenseful and fast moving.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee