American Civil War Book List

Uncle Tom's Cabin remains a landmark classic that's never gone out of print. Highly controversial throughout its long life, Uncle Tom, Sambo and little Eva have come into the American language as bywords and as human portraits of the injustices of slavery. Featuring the first African-American hero in literature, the heart wrenching tale of slavery, being "sold down the river" and the breakup of families presents a stirring look at the 19th century's white views of "the peculiar institution" of slavery. 511 pages, softcover with introduction by Alfred Kazin.

This is the unforgettable story of young Jethro Creighton who comes of age during the turbulent years of the Civil War. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. A 1965 Newbery Honor book.

This classic novel looks at a young civil war soldier's struggle with the horrors of war. Crane's precise prose portrays the physical atrocities of war, as well as its psychological affects, in this American standard. First published in 1895, The Red Badge of Courage features clear realism and masterful depictions of the emotions felt by the soldiers in the thick of it.

The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history.

At age six the sharp bite of a whip taught Harriet Tubman what it meant to be a slave. The other slaves scoffed when Harriet resolved to escape north someday. Little did they know that this girl would one day lead hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad.

For ages 10 and up.

Brady could never be trusted with secrets. His family knows that he cannot keep quiet when he should.  But when Brady discovers an Underground Railroad station near his family's farm, it becomes more important than ever before that he does not say a word, because now lives are at stake: his family, friends, and the men, women, and children they are helping.  As Brady is confronted with the slavery controversy, he is forced to make his own decision about what he believes. Can he earn his father’s respect and trust? From Newbery Honor-winning author, Jean Fritz. 224 pages, softcover. Ages 8 and up.

My Bondage and My Freedom represents ten years of Frederick Douglass' reflections following his legal emancipation in 1846, and captipulted him into the spotlight as the foremost spokesman for American blacks--free and slave. 364 pages, softcover.

The Landmark Book Series is well revered for its simple storytelling style that's packed with historical information. Read of the fateful battle of Gettysburg, it's major players, and the aftermath that spawned the Gettysburg Address. 149 pages, softcover. Grades 6 & up.

Winner of the Newbery Medal * An ALA Notable Children’s Book * Winner of the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award

A captivating and richly detailed novel about one young soldier who saw the Civil War from both sides and lived to tell the tale.

Earnest, plain-spoken sixteen-year-old Jeff Bussey has finally gotten his father’s consent to join the Union volunteers. It’s 1861 in Linn County, Kansas, and Jeff is eager to fight for the North before the war is over, which he’s sure will be soon.

But weeks turn to months, the marches through fields and woods prove endless, hunger and exhaustion seem to take up permanent residence in Jeff’s bones, and he learns what it really means to fight in battle—and to lose friends. When he finds himself among enemy troops, he’ll have to put his life on the line to advance the Union cause.

Thoroughly researched and based on firsthand accounts, Rifles for Watie “should hold a place with the best Civil War fiction for young people” (The Horn Book).

A strong choice for independent reading and for sharing in a classroom and for homeschooling. As a homeschool cooperative teacher commented: "The book has launched many discussions in our class. When a person is on one side of a conflict, it is important to remember that people on the other side are also people. Jeff is a perfect model for how treating people with respect can happen even in war." 

Thirteen-year-old Jessie Bollier earns pennies on the docks of New Orleans playing his fife. He suddenly finds himself thrown aboard a slave ship when he is kidnapped! His job on the ship is to provide music while shackled slaves "dance" to keep their muscles strong and their bodies profitable. Jessie grows increasingly sickened by the greed, brutality, and inhumanity of the slave trade. But nothing prepares him for the ultimate horror he will witness before his nightmare ends--a horror that will change his life forever. Recommended for ages 11 to 14. The 1974 Newbery Medal winner.

Louisa May Alcott shares the innocence of girlhood in this classic coming of age story about four sisters-Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.

In picturesque nineteenth-century New England, tomboyish Jo, beautiful Meg, fragile Beth, and romantic Amy are responsible for keeping a home while their father is off to war. At the same time, they must come to terms with their individual personalities-and make the transition from girlhood to womanhood. It can all be quite a challenge. But the March sisters, however different, are nurtured by their wise and beloved Marmee, bound by their love for each other and the feminine strength they share. Readers of all ages have fallen instantly in love with these Little Women. Their story transcends time-making this novel endure as a classic piece of American literature that has captivated generations of readers with their charm, innocence, and wistful insights.

A powerful and heartwarming look at a moment in American history--from master storyteller Patricia Polacco, author of Thank You, Mr. Falker.

This Kindness Edition features discussion questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through conversations about its story and message! Perfect for classrooms and more!

When Sheldon Russell Curtis told this story to his daughter, Rosa, she kept every word in her heart and was to retell it many times.
I will tell it in Sheldon's own words as nearly as I can.

He was wounded in a fierce battle and left for dead in a pasture somewhere in Georgia when Pinkus found him. Pinkus' skin was the color of polished mahogany, and he was flying Union colors like the wounded boy, and he picked him up out of the field and brought him to where the black soldier's mother, Moe Moe Bay, lived. She had soft, gentle hands and cared for him and her Pink.

But the two boys were putting her in danger, two Union soldiers in Confederate territory! They had to get back to their outfits. Scared and uncertain, the boys were faced with a hard decision, and then marauding Confederate troops rode in.

In this Civil War story passed from great-grandfather to grandmother, to son, and finally to the author-artist herself, Patricia Polacco once again celebrates the shared humanity of the peoples of this world.

Now with questions at the back of the book to help guide readers through discussions about the ideas featured in the story, this kindness edition of Pink and Say brings celebrated author-illustrator Patricia Polacco's work to a new audience of young readers who can be inspired by its message.

Clara, a slave and seamstress on Home Plantation, dreams of freedom, not just for herself, but for her family and friends. When she overhears a conversation about the Underground Railroad, she has a flash of inspiration. Using scraps of cloth from her work in the Big House and scraps of information gathered from other slaves, she fashions a map that the master would never even recognize. From the award-winning author-illustrator team of Deborah Hopkinson and James Ransome, this fictional tale of the Underground Railroad continues to inspire young readers decades after its original publication. 40 pages, hardcover. Ages 3 and up.

A 2021 Newbery Honor Book

In a moving, lyrical tale about the cost and fragility of freedom, a New York Times best-selling author and an acclaimed artist follow the life of a man who courageously shipped himself out of slavery.

What have I to fear?
My master broke every promise to me.
I lost my beloved wife and our dear children.
All, sold South. Neither my time nor my body is mine.
The breath of life is all I have to lose.
And bondage is suffocating me.

Henry Brown wrote that long before he came to be known as Box, he "entered the world a slave." He was put to work as a child and passed down from one generation to the next — as property. When he was an adult, his wife and children were sold away from him out of spite. Henry Brown watched as his family left bound in chains, headed to the deeper South. What more could be taken from him? But then hope — and help — came in the form of the Underground Railroad. Escape!

In stanzas of six lines each, each line representing one side of a box, celebrated poet Carole Boston Weatherford powerfully narrates Henry Brown’s story of how he came to send himself in a box from slavery to freedom. Strikingly illustrated in rich hues and patterns by artist Michele Wood, Box is augmented with historical records and an introductory excerpt from Henry’s own writing as well as a time line, notes from the author and illustrator, and a bibliography.

A young slave teaches himself to read, eventually reading Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to fellow slaves imprisoned during the Civil War.

Ben, a young slave, uses every chance he gets to teach himself to read, practicing with the words he sees on street signs and in shop windows and even in cast-off newspapers he finds in the gutter.

But after the Civil War breaks out, his master leaves town and Ben finds himself in a slave prison. One night, the prisoners bribe a guard to get their hands on a newspaper, and to the applause of his fellow slaves, Ben reads aloud the momentous news of Mr. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation — surely one of the most remarkable readings of that document ever.

Author Pat Sherman’s stirring text, based on the true story of Benjamin C. Holmes, pairs with memorable illustrations from Coretta Scott King medalist Floyd Cooper to honor the power of freedom and the written word. Awarded the Once Upon a World Children’s Picture Book Award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center / Museum of Tolerance, Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation is part of Eerdmans’ Incredible Lives for Young Readers series.

We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. As Araminta she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom. This lush, lyrical multiple award-winning biography in verse begins with a glimpse of Harriet Tubman as an old woman, and travels back in time through the many roles she played through her life: spy, liberator, suffragist and more. 32 pages, softcover. Ages 4 and up.

Sojourner Truth had a tough childhood. She was born a slave, and many of the families she worked for treated her poorly. But when she was finally freed, Sojourner used her life to teach others about women's rights and the power of freedom.

Here is a History Reader about a great man and his famous speech. Now available in Step into Reading, the premier leveled reader line.

Abraham Lincoln was one busy man. He had a country to run. And a war to win. And a family to care for. But when it came time to honor all the soldiers who had died in the great battle of Gettysburg, President Lincoln still took time to say a few words. Two hundred and seventy-one to be exact. 

Step 4 Readers use challenging vocabulary and short paragraphs to tell exciting stories. For newly independent readers who read simple sentences with confidence.

The woods are dark and dangerous. Slave catchers are out with their dogs. But high above the trees, the North Star shines down. Harriet Tubman is glad to see the star. It points the way to freedom. Tonight Harriet is helping slaves escape on the Underground Railroad. Will they make it? Find out in this exciting true story. Recommended for ages 7 to 9, grades 2 to 3.

This is the untold story of Sallie, a dog whose life as a soldier began in a basket and ended as a Civil War hero.

During the Civil War, Sallie came to the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as a gift from a townsperson, but she quickly became a favorite among her men. She marched with them from battle to battle, always guarding the unit's colors, and even met President Lincoln. And over three long days at the battle of Gettysburg, Sallie stayed with the dead, guarded their bodies, and nearly died herself from hunger and thirst as the conflict raged on. Though she fell in battle, her loyalty was rewarded years later when her men met again on the battlefield at Gettysburg to erect her likeness in bronze so that she might eternally guard them. This beautiful story about a dog's dedication and loyalty shows that bravery comes in all shapes and forms!

40 pages, hardcover. Ages 6-9 / Grades 1-4.

Buck Summerhill is a young soldier from West Virginia. He faces the horrors of the battle of Gettysburg knowing that his two cousins, Custis and Mason, may be fighting against him in the Army of Northern Virginia. The Slopes of War is a fast-paced, panoramic story of a family divided in loyalty but equally affected by the dangers and sometimes senseless brutality of battle.

Born Arminta Ross, young Harriet Tubman (named after her mother when she was full-grown) was a faithful strong girl growing up in the late 1800's as a slave in the south. Her faith was at the center of everything she did and she was tested at every turn. The story of her childhood is a record of courage and bravery. Even more, it's the story of God's faithfulness as he prepares her to eventually lead more than 300 people out of slavery through the Underground Railroad. For ages 8-12.

The Heroes of History series chronicles the true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history.

Known during the Civil War as the "Angel of the Battlefield," remarkable Clara Barton risked everything to save countless lives on the frontlines of battle. Once a painfully timid child, Clara was as bold as a lion when it came to helping others, whether wayward schoolboys, natural-disaster victims, or dying soldiers.

For ages 10 and up.

A 1959 Newbery Honor Book

The heartbreaking, bitter view of the Civil War as experienced by Chris Brabson, whose brother is fighting for the "wrong" side.

In To Be a Slave by Julius Lester, A Newbery Honor Book, tweens will hear the words of several slaves and ex-slaves, that tell the story of their forced journey from Africa to the United States, where they worked in the fields and homes of their owners, while remaining passionate about freedom. Paperback, 160 pages. Ages 10-14

Taut free verse tells the little-known story of the first contraband camp of the Civil War—seen by some historians as the "beginning of the end of slavery in America." One night in 1861, three escaped slaves made their way from the Confederate line to a Union-held fort. The runaways were declared "contraband of war" and granted protection. As word spread, thousands of runaway slaves poured into the fort, seeking their freedom. These "contrabands" made a home for themselves, building the first African American community in the country. In 1863, they bore witness to one of the first readings of the Emancipation Proclamation in the South—beneath the sheltering branches of the tree now known as Emancipation Oak.

The year is 1861. Civil war is imminent and Tilly Pruitt's brother, Noah, is eager to go and fight on the side of the North. With her father long gone, Tilly, her sister, and their mother struggle to make ends meet and hold the dwindling Pruitt family together. Then one night a mysterious girl arrives on a steamboat bound for St. Louis. Delphine is unlike anyone the small river town has even seen. Mrs. Pruitt agrees to take Delphine and her dark, silent traveling companion in as boarders. No one in town knows what to make of the two strangers, and so the rumors fly. Is Delphine's companion a slave? Could they be spies for the South? Are the Pruitts traitors? A masterful tale of mystery and war, and a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact one person can have on another.

Discover the childhood of prominent abolitionist Frederick Douglass in this inspiring installment in the illustrated middle grade series Childhood of Famous Americans.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery. He was separated from his family when he was young, worked day and night, and was beaten for no other reason than the color of his skin. How could anyone ever overcome such overwhelming odds?

But Frederick eventually became a famous abolitionist, author, statesman, and reformer. Read all about how one of the most prominent figures in African American history triumphed over impossible obstacles and paved the way for others to achieve their own freedom!

In To the Front!: Clara Barton Braves the Battle of Antietam Claudia Friddell, readers will learn about the heroic efforts of Clara Barton during the Battle of Antietam. She and her team went onto the battlefield and nursed the wounded and dying, and also provided lanterns and medical supplies to the doctors on the battlefield. She continued on her path to be one of our country's greatest humanitarians and founder of the American Red Cross. Hardcover, 40 pages. Ages 7 to 10 years old.

Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet was strong-willed and courageous. "Some day," she said, "I'm going to be free."

When she finally did escape North, by the secret route called the "Underground Railroad," Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.

Freedom Train is the exciting, true story of Harriet Tubman's bold and daring life. Recommended for grades 6 to 9, ages 12 and up.

Follow the adventures of two orphaned teenage brothers who grow up as Confederate soldiers during the War Between the States. Challenged to defend their homeland against overwhelming odds, they learn a great deal about themselves and the faithfulness of God as they realize the terrible price the South will have to pay for its beliefs.

This contemporary classic explores the role of boys who fought in the Civil War. No reader’s vision of America’s most brutal and bloody war will be the same after reading this book.

“This wrenching look at our nation’s bloodiest conflict through the eyes of its youthful participants serves up history both heartbreaking and enlightening.” —Publishers Weekly

Some Union and Confederate soldiers were as young as twelve when they went off to fight in the Civil War. It is thought that as many as ten to twenty percent of all Civil War soldiers may have been under sixteen.

The Boys' War follows these young soldiers through the rigors of camp life and drilling, right into the chaos of the battlefield. Jim Murphy skillfully weaves together firsthand accounts and personal letters of these countless young men with historical context to paint their portrait—young soldiers who, either seeking escape from the drudgery of farm work or embracing fantasies of glory, participated in the Civil War.

Handsomely produced with numerous period photographs and drawings, The Boys' War is a winner of the Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults.

“Making extensive use of the actual words—culled from diaries, journals, memoirs, and letters—of boys who served in the Union and Confederate armies as fighting soldiers as well as drummers, buglers, and telegraphers, Murphy describes the beginnings of the Civil War and goes on to delineate the military role of the underage soldiers and their life in the camps and field bivouacs. Also included is a description of the boys' return home and the effects upon them of their wartime experiences. An excellent selection of more than 45 sepia-toned contemporary photographs augment the text of this informative, moving work.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

“This well-researched and readable account provides fresh insight into the human cost of a pivotal event in United States history.” —The Horn Book (starred review)

Avery and his dog, Gunner, have a good life in the Kanawha Valley. But when the Civil War begins, Avery's peaceful world is shattered. His father, brother, and uncle leave home, each drawn away by the war. Soon Avery and Gunner must begin a dangerous journey that will take them across the paths of people on both sides of the struggle. 188 pages, softcover.

Avery's skills as a doctor, along with his dog Gunner's friendly personality, make the pair a welcome sight to the soldiers in the Civil War hospitals. But mending wounds is not the only challenge Avery faces. Dwindling supplies, insufficient medical facilities, and local troublemakers add to the stress of the war. Avery realizes that the real wounds of the war-the wounds of the soul-will take years to heal. But he finds hope for the future in his deepening friendship with Claire, a girl from back home who shares his passion for helping the wounded. 240 pages, softcover.

The 1940 Newbery Honor title, Abraham Lincoln's World sets American history into a world context. Short, beautifully written stories explain what was going on during the years of Abraham Lincoln's birth, childhood, employment as a storekeeper and lawyer, and finally during his years as president. Discover that when Abe Lincoln was a boy romping the woods of Kentucky, Thomas Jefferson was completing his eighth year as president, George III reigned in Great Britain and Napolean was about to meet his Waterloo. By the time Lincoln was old enough to help his father chop wood, Harriet Beecher was reading anything she could get her hands on, Charles Darwin was collecting toads, crabs and shells, and the impoverished boy Dickens was working in a shoe blacking factory in London. Have fun as you learn all about the intersections in history we often don't see! 345 pages, softcover. Ages 9 & up.

Originally published as The Landmark History of the American People from Plymouth to Appomattox, which came out in 22 chapters from 1968-1987, this edition features new text alongside updated and revised text and new, colorful illustrations, timelines, and maps.

The second in a 2-volume series, this book covers the Civil War, industry during the 1800s, reconstruction, the growth of cities, new inventions, immigration, the roaring '20s, oil barons, World War I & World War II, Civil Rights, and the moon landing. Engaging, lively chapters are filled with the dramatic true stories of history, giving students a unique perspective into the lives of people whose actions continue to impact the character of our nation. Image-rich chapters feature numerous archival photographs, annotated maps, and helpful graphics. Readers will gain an understanding of the trajectories of historical events and the people who influenced the course of history through this unique history text. 254 pages, indexed, softcover. Grades 6 & up.

Discover the people, battles, and politics of America's bloodiest conflict, and explore its causes, chapters, characters, and consequences

With a topic on every page, Civil War Visual Encyclopedia tells the story of the war using simple explanations and stunning photographs. Profiles on decisive battles, strategic maps, political leaders, military commanders, naval vessels, uniforms, weapons, and equipment shine a light on the key events and other turning points during the five years of fighting. 

Inside the pages of this children’s civil war book, you’ll discover:

   • Full-page profiles about key figures and battles
   • Civil War-era photography and illustrations depicting important events and artifacts
   • Accurate historical information, faithful presentation of African American history in the context of the Civil War
   • Unusual and remarkable stories such as the Thanksgiving drummer boys and accounts of the war through personal letters

Children will be excited to learn about famous figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Robert E. Lee, battles such as Gettysburg,  and gain insight into reasons for the war and the viewpoints of the opposing sides. This book also provides children with a fascinating history of how railways, the telegraph were used to fight the war and literature and music that this conflict produced.

More lives were lost in the Civil War than in any other in American history. Filled with vivid insights into this historic conflict - from a day in the life of a plantation worker in the south to a personal diary entry of a Union soldier on the action-packed front lines - Civil War Visual Encyclopedia invites young readers to witness the war unfold in a striking new way. This is the ultimate guide for children to the war that changed the USA forever.