Visual Dictionary of the Civil War
Dorling Kindersley Visual Dictionaries Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Text and illustrations present information about various aspects of the Civil War, including the infantry, artillerymen, horse soldiers, sailors, weapons, medical treatment, armored ships, leaders, communications, transportation, and more. A stunning visual history of the American Civil War provides a closeup, photographic study of period artifacts, weapons, uniforms, personal equipment and gear, and other items belonging to Union and Confederate soldiers, all accompanied by helpful labels, detailed captions, and an authoritative text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Abraham Lincoln
Ulysses S. Grant
Robert Lee
Jefferson Davis
Discussion points
What are some of the key differences between the armies of the North and the South during the Civil War?
Why do you think the Civil War is such an important event in American history?
Can you imagine what daily life was like for a soldier during the Civil War? What would have been some of their challenges?
How do you think the inventions and strategies from the Civil War era have shaped modern warfare?
What role did civilians play in supporting the war effort on both sides?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely without fear of right or wrong answers, fostering a comfortable environment for discussion.
Relate the historical events discussed in the book to current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the leaders and soldiers in the Civil War with current leaders and soldiers they might know about.
Encourage them to think critically by asking how they think the outcome of the war shaped the United States today.
Use a map to trace significant battles and movements during the Civil War, providing a visual way to connect with the content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Conflict and Resolution
Explanation: This book provides a detailed exploration of the Civil War, helping children understand the complex reasons behind the conflict and the ways in which it was resolved.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to identify the root causes of conflicts in their own lives and exploring peaceful solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and descriptions, the book shows the importance of knowing historical events to better understand the present and influence the future.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious about history in their school subjects and understand how past events shape our society.
Example Lesson: Value of Diversity and Unity
Explanation: The book discusses the diverse perspectives and roles of different groups during the Civil War, highlighting the strength found in unity despite differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and work collaboratively with others, regardless of differences, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The 'Visual Dictionary of the Civil War' covers various strategic errors made during the war, teaching readers about the consequences of these mistakes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to understand that mistakes are a part of learning and growth, inspiring them to take risks and learn from their own errors in daily activities.