Civil War Unit: Book and Internet Resources

Emily Yurasek
Internet Sites
1. www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm Gettysburg National Military Park website
Lists links to history, has resources for teachers as well as students.
2. Civil War Trust website
http://www.civilwar.org/education/students/kidswebsites.html
Includes many resources and activities for kids as well as adults.
Including maps and primary sources. It also includes links to other
websites.
3. http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/cvl_war/cvl_war1.htm Facts about
Floridas involvement in the Civil War made by University of South
Florida.
Apps
1. Civil War: 1864 Free Edition
This is a game that has missions and historical facts intertwined.
Great way for students who like video games to become
interested in the Civil War. (Apple)
2. Civil War Lite: History Challenge
This app is a quiz game that asks facts about the Civil War. Fun
way for students to test their knowledge and learn new facts.
(Apple)
Book List
1. Girl in Blue by Ann Rinaldi
Childrens historical fiction about a sixteen year old girl who disguises
herself as a male and joins the Union army and later becomes a spy.
2. The Killer Angels Michael Shaara
Novel about the Battle of Gettysburg from various viewpoints. Author
used historical documents to compose this vivid depiction of the battle,
making the names from history books come alive.
3. Gods and Generals Jeff Shaara
Novel about the beginning part of the Civil War. Many interesting facts
are included that are not common knowledge.

4. The Passing of the Armies Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Account of the final months of the Civil War from Colonel Chamberlains
personal recollections. This reveals that military officials in power often
misconstrued facts that have ended up in history books. Very insightful
and interesting read.
5. Through Blood & Fire at Gettysburg Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Colonel Chamberlains personal accounts of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Eloquent language and revealing of the minds of the men who fought
there.
6. Gettysburg the film
While the entire film is unnecessary to show to students certain
speeches or clips from the film would be helpful in showing students
the clothing worn during that time. It also gives students an experience
of what life was life during this time.
7. Watcher in the Piney Woods Elizabeth McDavid Jones
American Girl novel about a young girl who meets a soldier hiding near
her home.
8. The River Between Us Richard Peck
Childrens historical fiction about a young girl form New Orleans living
during the Civil War.
9. Pink and Say Patricia Polacco
Great picture book depicting the relationship of two Union soldiers.
Emotional and moving tale that captures the feelings of the time.
10.
Ghost Cadet Elaine Marie Alphin
Childrens historical fiction about a young boy who meets a ghost form
the Civil War. The two become friends and the boy helps the ghost
solve a problem and the reader learns what it means to be a hero.
11.
Bull Run Paul Fleischman
Childrens historical fiction story told form sixteen different voices, all
of whom had their lives changed by the Battle of Bull Run. The people
are male, female, slave, soldier, so students will gain an understanding
of the many different perspectives.
12.
The Civil War for Kids: A History with 21 Activities by Janis
Herbert
Activity book with recipes, costumes ideas, and tons of informational
facts.
13.

Ghosts of the Civil War by Cheryl Harness

This is a graphic novel about the civil war, great for ESOL students.
Little girl goes to a reenactment and meets the ghost of Willie Lincoln
who takes her on an adventure.
14.
Fields of Fury: The American Civil War by James M. McPherson
Informational book for kids with fun facts, pictures and easy to follow
information.
15.
Civil War by John E. Stanchak
Part of the eye-witness nonfiction series. Great pictures and activities
that keep students engaged.
16.
Soldier's Heart by Gary Paulsen
This is the story of a young man who joins the volunteer First
Minnesota volunteers. He comes home from the army very solemn and
questioning the reasons for fighting.
17.
My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier Lynda
Durrant
The true story of a woman who dressed like a man her entire life and
fought during the Civil War. Great lesson beyond that of history.
18.
The Girls of Gettysburg Bobbi Miller
Childrens historical fiction about three young girls and their
involvement in the battle.
19.
The Long Road to Gettysburg Jim Murphy
An account of the battle from two young soldiers, one Confederate and
one Union. Lincolns Gettysburg address is also mentioned.
20.
Dear Mr. President Abraham Lincoln: Letters from a Slave Girl
by Andrea Davis Pinkney
This book is about the corresponding letters of a young girl and the
President. While the letters are fictitious they are based on historical
research.