B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet
Grade 2–5—In this informative book, each spread features a short poem related to Civil War history superimposed on a large, well-rendered oil painting, with more-detailed text on the side of one or both pages. Bauer presents multiple points of view, listing the many names the war has been called, discussing how battle names varied in the North and the South, and providing a succinct but instructive explanation of why the war began. She strikes a balance between major historical points and intriguing details that will maintain interest. Many particulars of ordinary life, such as uniforms, food, pastimes, and medical care, humanize the conflict. The information is realistic but not harsh, and it maintains an age-appropriate tone. The text and images, which complement and expand upon each other, include Caucasian and African-American men, women, and children. No mention is made of Native American involvement. This title will be a good companion to Patricia Polacco'sPink and Say(Philomel, 1994), George Ella Lyon'sCecil's Story(Scholastic, 1991), and Susan Fletcher'sDadblamed Union Army Cow(Candlewick, 2007).—Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VAEND