The Split History of the Civil War: Confederate Perspective/ Union Perspective

Perspectives Flip Books

by Stephanie Fitzgerald, Mark Snell (Consultant Editor)

In 1861 the United States was at a crossroads. People in the Southern states believed that Northerners were trying to change their way of life. People in the North were upset that Southerners wanted to govern themselves. The issue of slavery was caught in the middle. As the events of the Civil War unfolded, each side fought for what they believed in.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, Civil War

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Ewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stefanie Fitzgerald’s The Split History of the Civil War is a flip type book which shows the perspective of the Union on one side and of the Confederates on another. The book presents the Civil War theatre with people, places and dates with an aid of a very dynamic narrative. The text itself is accompanied by the poster-like vibrant illustrations, watercolor paintings and black and white daguerreotype photographs which bring the history to life. The book is written in a very descriptive language and supplies the reader with lots of details about the battles of the Civil War. The book is appealing to the reader since its volume is very small. Additionally, it is divided in half yet the same battles are exposed from different points of view. Therefore the book can be used within the reading circles where one group would show Confederate standpoint while the other would present the Union’s.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is incredibly boring. Reads like a textbook. It goes through each battle telling you where it was fought, which general was in command, and the number of casualties. Back and forth. The Union wins one. The Confederacy wins one. Flip it around to get the opposite perspective and you'll find yourself reading almost the exact same story. Disappointing to say the least.

[Sara Evraets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward and too the point. I love the double perspective part of this book. A good quick refresher on the important dates and events.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the well known saying goes "There are two sides to every story." Stephanie Fitzgerald explores both sides of the Civil War in her nonfiction book in order to expose the beliefs each group of people had during such a monumental part of American history. The prints and photographs threaded throughout the book give readers a variety of mediums to explore. Since cameras had not been as readily available during the Civil War people had to rely on artists who witnessed the events or who spoke with witnesses in order to capture moments in a visual. With an image that complements the text on about every other page readers are easily able to visualize and better comprehend events that happened so long ago.

There are large and small headings as well as sub headings located throughout both perspectives. The print in which the headings are written in help set the mood of the storyline. Located in the middle of the book are two indexes, a bibliography, a list of further readings, as well as a timeline of events. These aspects help the reader further explore the Civil War and deeper understand it.

The book cover as well as the text inside is situated so that the reader can literally flip the book over and read from either side of the book, there is not a front or back to this book. One side of the book is the story of the Civil War told from the perspective of the Union and the other side of the book is the story of the Civil War told from the perspective of the Confederate. Unlike most books, the text of either perspective is facing the opposite direction of each other. By constructing this two sided book the author allows a mind clearing process to take place as the reader flips the book. When a person flips any object to a new side, they now have a different perspective of the object. Like an object being flipped, Stephanie Fitzgerald prepares the reader to take on a new perspective as they flip her book, one they may not have thought of before.

This book can be paired with other books about the civil War, in a Civil War unit as well as a unit about perspectives.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Civil War divided the nation, sometimes separating families and parts of states as the southern states left the Union. Like many things in life, your take on the war often had quite a bit to do with which side you were on, as this unique book shows. From one side of the book, the author offers the Union perspective, describing the attempts of generals and President Lincoln to end the rebellion. Flip the book, and readers will be able to read the Confederates' points of view on the same war years and battles. Interestingly, the battles often had two different names with Union forces naming them after nearby rivers and the Confederates naming them after local crossing points. Filled with illustrations and photographs and interesting descriptions of the various battles, this book will appeal to anyone with the slightest interest in the Civil War. One thing that interested me was the fact that the citizens of Vicksburg did not celebrate the Fourth of July again until the 1940s since that was the day the city surrendered after a long siege.

[Mason.b · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was really good. Told both sides of the story equal. There was a good amount of descriptions there are maps there are also paragraphs with info about the war. What were some of the bad things that happen during the war. It was says stuff about the war. There also maps on where they attack there plans. The Pictures also really clears up what there saying about that war. The details in the book are very good I feel like I am there. There are captions on the war there are talking about the battles they fought.

[Ms. Mielke's Class Make sure you post how your sheets tell you to!!!! · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1864-1865 the Battle of the Spotsylvania took place on May 12 and continued until May 18 with neither side a clear winner. On May 31 the battled at the crossroads of Cold Harbor, Virginia. On April 12, 1865 the battle finally ended and the Civil War was finally over. This was a really good book and I liked it a lot. I would recommend this book to people who like books about war. My favorite part was when the Union soldiers charged with bayonets at the Battle of Spotsylvania. I hope you read it. RA

[Rachel Barnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informational

This flip book gives the perspectives of the two sides of the civil war. The author explores both sides of the civil war; one being the north, the other being the south. The prints and photographs threaded throughout the book give readers a variety of exploration for the reader.

[April Suter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this non-fiction book with two views of the civil war and even learned a few things.