1861 – 1865
The American Civil War was a major conflict between the Northern states (Union) and the Southern states (Confederacy) over issues like slavery and states’ rights. The war led to significant battles, such as Gettysburg and Antietam, and resulted in the abolition of slavery. The war had a profound impact on the nation, shaping its future and leading to a period of Reconstruction to rebuild the South and unify the country. You can find books about the end of slavery here, and more books about Abraham Lincoln here.
Picture books
Ben and the Emancipation Proclamation
Inspiring true story of an enslaved boy discovering his freedom
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Pink and Say
Story of two Union soldier boys in Confederate territory
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The Silent Witness
True story of a Virginia girl displaced by the Civil War
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The Last Brother: A Civil War Tale
Story of two boy soldiers on opposite sides
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Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero
Amazing true story of a woman in disguise turned soldier and spy
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Chapter books
Across Five Aprils
Vivid story of a boy growing up during the Civil War
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The Perilous Road
Story of the heartbreaking reality of war from the perspective of a boy whose brother is a soldier
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Iron Thunder
Story of a boy working in a Union shipyard
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When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson, Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864
Fictional diary of a Confederate girl experiencing the turmoil of the Civil War
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Bull Run
Brilliant retelling of the first major battle from the perspective of sixteen participants
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My America: My Brother’s Keeper: Virginia’s Civil War Diary
Fictional diary of a Gettysburg girl’s experiences
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Soldier’s Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers
Powerful novel, based on a true story, about a soldier boy’s experiences
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Turn Homeward, Hannalee
Exciting story of a girl making her way home at the end of the Civil War
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Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
Witty, award-winning novel about a boy’s adventures at the start of the Civil War
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A Light in the Storm: The Civil War Diary of Amelia Martin
Fictional diary of a Union girl at the start of the Civil War
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The Civil War: An Interactive History Adventure
Choose-your-own-adventure stories set during the Civil War
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Watcher in the Piney Woods
Story of a Virginia girl solving a mystery involving soldiers from both sides, at the end of the Civil War
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The Journal of James Edmond Pease: A Civil War Union Soldier, Virginia, 1863
Fictional diary of a Union boy soldier
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The River Between Us
Gripping story about a family at the start of the Civil War
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Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Novel telling the exciting true story of a female Union spy
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Non-fiction books
DK Eyewitness Books: Civil War
Comprehensive reference with great photos
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The Civil War Visual Encyclopedia
Another comprehensive reference with great photos
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The Boys’ War: Confederate and Union Soldiers Talk About the Civil War
Excellent primary-source exploration of life as a boy soldier on both sides of the Civil War
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What Was the Battle of Gettysburg?
Explanation of the Battle of Gettysburg and why it mattered
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Fields of Fury: The American Civil War
Excellent, accessible overview of the Civil War
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Big Bad Ironclad!: A Civil War Tale
Thrilling graphic novel about two ironclad Civil War ships and their roles in the conflict
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The Long Road to Gettysburg
Exploration of the famous battle through real diary excerpts from two participants, a boy solider on each side
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A Savage Thunder: Antietam and the Bloody Road
In-depth exploration of the Battle of Antietam
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Biographies
Who Was Abraham Lincoln?
Excellent introduction to the American president during the war
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Who Was Robert E. Lee?
Thorough introduction to the life of the Confederate general
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Who Was Ulysses S. Grant?
Thorough introduction to the life of the Union general
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Who Was Clara Barton?
Introduction to the famous nurse, including her role in the Civil War
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