1862, Fredericksburg

Gr 4—6—War is hell, as evidenced by this narrative about one of the most devastated sites of the Civil War. Fredericksburg, VA, and its vicinity saw battle four times over the course of the conflict. Realistic, full-color pictures of modern-day re-enactors mix with clear language to bring the action to life. The text is interspersed with personal accounts, such as those from slave John Washington, an unknown soldier from the Second Wisconsin regiment, and a white woman named Jane Beale. Fredericksburg was almost completely destroyed, but was reborn after the ruin and by the end of the 1800s had a few new industries. Brief chapters tell the war's story from the perspective of what happened at Fredericksburg in a concise manner. A chronology from fall 1862 to spring 1865 is appended. A valuable resource for classrooms, libraries, and travelers to Fredericksburg and the surrounding area.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI