‘Civil War for Kids’
This book will inspire youngsters
to discover, learn about the war

Reviewed by
ED FORD
Bugle Editor

“Civil War Kids 150: Fifty Fun Things to Do, See, Make and find for the 150th Anniversary,” Nicole L. Osier and Sheralyn Morehouse, editors; Lyons Press; 87 pages, paperback; $12.95.

One of the continuing goals of the Civil War Trust is to interest more young people about the history and significance of the Civil War. Its publication of this book certainly meets that criteria.

In four categories – Create, Perform, Find, Read/Watch – there is enough information and things to do to interest just about any youngster in the Civil War.

For example, there’s a section on how to construct a pup tent and how it was used and its utilitarian purpose. Then, readers will learn about the feared Rebel Yell and how to do it. Plus, there’s a section on how to be a History Detective and an exercise on completing a cryptogram. But perhaps the ultimate challenge is offered in category four – go to a re-enactment to learn how a real Civil War battlefield looked, sounded and smelled like.

In total, there are 50 activities in the book that provide youngsters a fun way to discover and experience what this period of American history really was like. The book’s copy is brief, to the point, well written and is interesting and understandable for its readers (youngster aged 8-12). Photos and illustrations are well done and enhance the written material.

As a Civil War writer and editor and active director of a Civil War battlefield association, I have always sought ways in which to involve more young people in the history and heritage of the War Between the States. They need to learn and know about a struggle that truly changed America and set its course for the future. This book accomplishes that.

Nicole Osier, co-editor of Civil War Kids 150, introduces the book with three sentences that “tell it like it is”:

“History is more than just reading facts and memorizing dates – history is about exploring the past, discovering the unknown, and solving mysteries. This can mean doing things the way they were done in the past, visiting historic places, or finding artifacts.

“This book is meant to be a way for you to discover the Civil War.”

Nicole is the senior manager of Education Programs for the Civil War Trust. I salute her and co-editor Sheralyn Morehouse. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job of inspiring youngsters to learn about the past.

Civil War for Kids 150 is available through a variety of bookstores and their websites. You won’t find a better bargain at $12.95. Buy it for your children and watch them discover that the Civil War is a story about people – their people and their country.