The American Civil War (Guts & Glory Series) by Ben Thompson –ESSENTIAL

Thompson, Ben The American Civil War 352 pgs. Little Brown, 2014. $17.00 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG Violence: PG13

This book features a series of short chapters on the various battles of the civil war and some short biographies loosely organized from the beginning of the war to the end. Interspersed between are facts boxes and illustrations.  Examples chapters include the clash of the ironclads, the first battle of bull run, and even famous women of the civil war.

I have zero interest in reading war books, I am just too saddened by the epic violence of this world. So I started to review this book with deep reluctance, but I was surprised by the easy and fun writing style and was instantly hooked. This is a book that cannot be put down. Its incredibly humorous, intensely interesting, and explains complex situations with ease. History teachers might as well forget teaching curriculum and just read these books aloud to students. Complexity, some suggestive elements, and many of the humorous references would be better suited for middle school and up.

MS, HS  –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.