The True Story of the Civil War

Gr 3–6—There is nothing to interest readers in these watered-down versions of major historical events. The writing is choppy and the course of events is difficult to follow-there just isn't enough detail. There is an overlap of information between Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation. Each spread has a chapter heading with two or three paragraphs of text on the left and a full-page captioned illustration or photo on the right. The captions are well written and informative, but the illustrations will do little to engage youngsters. Each volume has a "What Really Happened?" page that informs readers that exact knowledge of the past is never complete but is based on written documents left behind. Declaration states that Jefferson presented the draft on July 28, 1776; it should be June 28. While they are not first purchases, these hi/lo titles might provide some basic facts for struggling readers.—Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, AL