Reviews
Since the idea of Memorial Day began during the Civil War, it makes sense to pick up some books set during the same time period. A unique choose-your-own-adventure format puts middle grade readers right in the middle of the battles, from Gettysburg to Chancellorsville; few things bring home the reality of a situation like being asked to make tough choices yourself, plus there is a lot of room for rereading and new discoveries in Doeden's book., One of ten books in the "You Choose" series, this title focuses on the Civil War allowing readers the opportunity to explore three story paths as they learn about four important events in the war. An overview of what led to this crisis in our nation's history introduces the book. Somewhat confusing at first, this approach to historical events presents a far more realistic and problem solving scenario for young readers than the time line approach. After the brief overview surrounding the beginning of the Civil War, the reader is plunged, one by one, into four important events, including the battles at Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and must make a decision about what side to favor and what action is taken. The text is written from a young person's point of view, drawing that aged reader into the action. The approach realistically provides the complexity of decision making and emotional demands necessary at the time not only by the president and generals but the average citizen as well. Period photographs, contemporary illustrations, and maps enhance the text, and a time line puts it all into perspective. A glossary, an index, and sources for further study are included. A perfect approach to get the classroom involved in history beyond memorizing dates and events., Struggling and reluctant middle grade readers will be drawn into the "Choose Your Own Adventure"- style series, but with multiple shorter scenarios. When one path is finished, the reader can choose to go back and read the other for another adventure. Ancient Egypt opens up with "About Your Adventure," which helps to establish what the reader is about to experience, events that actually happened to real people. Readers can travel to Giza and join the pyramid builders in 2550 BCE or maybe join Queen Cleopatra and Mark Antony, or the battle of the Roman dictator Octavian in 31 BCE and more. The Civil Rights Movement starts in the late 1950s, and the author sets the scene to show that African Americans didn't have the same rights as other Americans, especially in the South. Will the participant on this journey help desegregate bus lines as a Freedom Rider or get involved in the Project C protests in Birmingham, Alabama? No matter what choice the reader makes, he or she will learn a lot about the struggle for equal rights. Included in this series is a timeline, books for further reading, Internet sites, a glossary, and an index. Other features include a controlled vocabulary, short and direct sentence structure, precise photo-text matches to aid comprehension, and clear chapter headings.
