Soldier Song: A True Story of the Civil War

by Debbie Levy, Gilbert Ford (Illustrator)

Amid the fearsome battles of the Civil War, both Union and Confederate soldiers were urged onward by song.

There were songs to wake them up and songs to call them to bed,
Songs to ready them for battle and to signal their retreat,
Songs to tell them that their side was right, and the other wrong . . .

And there was one song that reminded them all of what they hoped to return to after the war.

Defeated in the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, the Union soldiers retreated across the river. There, a new battle emerged as both armies volleyed competing songs back and forth. With the Christmas season upon them, however, Federals and Confederates longed for the same thing. As the notes of "Home, Sweet Home" rose up from both sides, they found common ground for one night.

Interwoven with soldiers' letters and journal entries, this is a true story of duty and heartbreak, of loyalty and enemies, and of the uniting power of music. Debbie Levy's moving text and Gilbert Ford's vibrant, layered illustrations come together to create an unforgettable tale of American history.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Music, Civil War, Childrens, War

72 pages, Hardcover

First published February 7, 2017

About the author

Debbie Levy is the author of more than thirty books for young people, including the New York Times bestselling I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark; A Dangerous Idea: The Scopes Trial, the Original Fight Over Science in Schools; This Promise of Change (with Jo Ann Boyce); The Year of Goodbyes; and Becoming RBG. Debbie is the recipient of a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor, Sydney Taylor Award, and the National Jewish Book Award, among other honors. Before she started writing books for young people, she worked as a newspaper editor and a lawyer.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Talk about a well-researched book!

This is a history of a specific battle (Fredericksburg, VA) during the Civil War, but more specifically, the author looks at the music played / sung during this time. I knew that many of the songs (just like the battles) had different words, depending if you were from the north or the south, but I did not know that there were alternate words for Yankee Doodle Dandy!

I LOVED reading the quotes from real soldiers and the information about the song, "Home Sweet Home," was most interesting.

At the end of this book is a list of websites where you can go to listen to the various songs mentioned in this book. There is also a timeline of the entire Civil War, a Selected Bibliography that included Primary Sources, Secondary Sources, and a small list of Further Reading for Young People, and finally, a detailed list of "Quotation Sources."

Fabulous!

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful and fully comprehensive look at America's civil war.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout history during times of war heroism can assume different forms. Some acts are so small they are swallowed up by time only known by a select few. We are indeed fortunate when individuals are able to document those moments so decades later they can be remembered. Other incidents are on a much grander scale. Even these can be lost in the larger surrounding events.

During the American Civil War a fierce battle at Fredericksburg, Virginia was fought during the month of December 1862. Soldier Song: A True Story Of The Civil War (Disney Hyperion, February 7, 2017) written by Debbie Levy with illustrations by Gilbert Ford focuses on happenings after the battle. This story reveals the greatest truth held in the hearts gathered at Fredericksburg.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly researched, with end notes about the history of the song (Home Sweet Home) and the Battle of Fredericksburg, as well as a time line of the civil war, this story, about the power of music and the emotions it generates that unite us all, is more important than ever in these divisive times.
I was reminded of the power of the famous soccer game between "enemies" at the battle front in WWI. Including notes from soldiers on both sides, to those at home, many of these soldier young boys, adds to the poignancy of the narrative. And this is a reminder that there are still stories to tell, even when we think we know everything there is to know about a subject. The story seems simple, a read that can appeal to even those who are "particular" (rather than reluctant) but the depth of the experience and meaning should resonate with all readers and reveal what we have in common rather than what divides us. Well done.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging story about songs of the American Civil War interwoven with soldiers' letters and journal entries and vibrantly illustrated by Gilbert Ford.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Levy has written another fascinating nonfiction picture book that is sure to make history come alive for the young readers.
And Gilbert Ford's recognizable illustrations are perfect for the time period of the book.

[Joan Arbogast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though many books have been written about the Civil War, this one is unique in covering the music and songs that were a part of that miserable war. Buglers, fife players, and drummer boys kept the military camps on schedule from sun up to sun down. But this book also talks about one winter night, right before Christmas when the Union soldiers were defeated and retreated to the opposite side of the Rappahannock River while the Confederate soldiers held firm. Feeling miserable & missing home, a "battle of the bands" sounded, ending with Home, Sweet Home. That song united soldiers from both sides, if only for a short time. Back matters fills in the details of the Battle of Fredricksburg; information about Home, Sweet Home; a time line of the Civil War; and a selected bibliography.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great way to teach children about the civil war in a way they can understand, the book also features fantastic illustrations and sings that the soldiers sang- songs they had first learned when they'd been a unified country and songs they now played as they fought one another.

[Maggi Rohde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focuses on the musical impact of one song to help heal the rift created before and during the Civil War. Includes extensive quotes from primary sources, a resource seldom found in picture books, as well as a musical bibliography and links.

[Cindy Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In December of 1862 America was in the midst of fighting the Civil War. Union and Rebel troops squared against each other near Fredericksburg, Virginia, then hunkered down for the winter. The soldiers of both sides felt demoralized because of their losses, and the conditions they lived in were dire. Music provided a main source of entertainment.

Each camp could hear music played by the other, and they often competed with patriotic songs supporting their cause. But one night, a single song spoke to the hearts on both sides.

That simple story is beautifully told in Debbie Levy’s book, Soldier Song: A True Story of the Civil War. Levy is great at presenting nonfiction in a way that reads fluidly, weaving a tale that fascinates as it educates about history. She combines quotes taken from soldiers’ letters home and lyrics from songs of the times with historical fact to capture readers’ interest and hold on to it until the last page is turned. Then she follows up with a historical background that fills in the details of the Battle of Fredericksburg and the notable people who were there.

Levy also includes historical information about the song that inspired both sides, “Home Sweet Home,” a timeline of the Civil War, a selected biography listing more books about the war for young people, and info on the quotes she uses. It all comes together in a way that should appeal to young readers who like to read nonfiction and satisfy fiction lovers as well.

Gilbert Ford’s illustrations fit the mood of the text perfectly. Sometimes his drawings look cold and bleak, other times they flow softly like musical notes, and they capture well the fact that both young boys and older men fought the battles in the Civil War.

It’s not easy to tell a story about that period in U.S. history without coming down firmly on one side or the other, but Levy has achieved that with this focus on something that united both armies: the thoughts of home and loved ones waiting there.

I highly recommend Soldier Song for readers aged 8 to 10.

The publisher provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Brendan White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nonfiction book titled Soldier Song: A True Story of the Civil War is written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Gilbert Ford. It is appropriate for children ages 9 and older. The book was recently published on 2/7/2017. The true story is focused on the contribution of music to both the Union and the Confederate soldiers. Each side played songs to communicate almost everything: waking up, battle time, retreat, and ready for bed. Because the two opposing groups sometimes camped so close to one another, they could often hear the songs being played by the other side and would occasionally compete through music. One night in December 1862, both sides played the same song, “Home, Sweet Home.”

This book is unique in that I do not ever remember reading or even hearing too much about the Civil War music that was so meaningful to the daily lives of the troops. From this book, children could learn from the common ground that each opposing side had with the other. Despite war, each soldier was a person who longed for home and his loved ones. I think this is an important message for children, as is finding the commonality that we all share. Inside the book, there are Civil War songs that kids would also enjoy hearing and singing. Also, there are quotes by real soldiers which give the people who fought in the war a human element, making them relatable to kids. Additionally, children can read the many important historical facts and timeline included in the book. This book is rated 5 out of 5 stars for the many important messages that it conveys plus the unique take it offers on learning about the Civil War. Reviewed 8/9/17

[swimmy winny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is chock-a-block with interesting historical bits about the civil war, with a focus on music, which will appeal to some readers. I love Gilbert Ford's illustrations and how the book actually includes a lot of sheet music (the contrasting versions of "Dixie" are especially interesting and effective). I may be too cynical, but I struggle to appreciate stories that tell about moments of peace, humanity, and reconciliation during wartime. These are feel-good moments we can tell about wartime, but what are the political stakes of such stories that normalize and equate "both sides" of a war? Especially now? As I read this book, I kept thinking of Charlottesville, Trump, ("good people on both sides",) etc. That's all to say that this book opens up some very interesting issues via the music of the civil war that I think can be productive discussion starters for some readers. I think the book contextualizes this with ample end notes and historical context, and hope readers will take the time to soak that in as well. Despite this reservation about this book, Ford's illustrations really steal the show.

[Kari Gunderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, it's really hard to do the Civil War freshly and I went into it with the usual textbook expectations (even despite it being a children's book), but then was turned on my head with the way that it actually played through. A unique unheard of (to me) story that captures your attention straight off and is friendly for kids. A strong setting on the banks of the Rappahannock River/Fredericksburg, VA puts you right there with the soldiers in winter. Excellently researched and carefully chosen quotes from soldiers add substance to the story and gave me pause to reflect. A beautiful theme that if nothing else, if our differences are insurmountable, by this we are united in song and music.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd love to teach an American history unit using music of each era and this would serve well! this could also be use when discussion primary and secondary sources. Extensive notes on the war and Battle of Fredericksburg included. I was thrilled to see "Franklin Thompson" in the list of notable people as I read "Nurse, Soldier, Spy : the Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero by Marissa Moss to my fifth graders.
Shades of red, white and blue in the illustrations, lots of silhouettes, and some text presented on irregularly shaped white boxes resemble sheets of paper.

[Etta · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book uses the Battle of Fredericksburg to illustrate the role of music in the Civil War. After the battle, Union and Confederate soldiers camped on opposite sides of the Rappahannock River and initially traded patriotic songs back and forth, but as Christmas approached, both sides found common ground singing "Home, Sweet Home". The book interweaves soldiers' letters and journal entries with narrative and illustrations to show how music served both to divide and unite the soldiers, highlighting their shared humanity.

[Bmack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wonderful book about the Civil War. It portrayed each side equally and noted how they were all sons, husbands and fathers. It also wove in how music played a roll in helping the soldiers cope with the awfulness of war. This would be a great book for middle elementary students as it reads like a picture book but is longer. It also has wonderful, simple illustrations. You know soldiers die but it is not graphic in any way.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot say enough about this book! I met Debbie Levy and the Letters About Literature award ceremony. She researched primary resources from the library to create this masterpiece. Soldier Song takes on both sides of the Civil War and reminds us that all the soldiers were sons and brothers; they all sang the same songs to deal with being far away from home and at war. The illustrations are AMAZING! It has my vote for this year's Caldecott! Gilbert Ford is my all time favorite illustrator!

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great true story about music bringing soldiers together during the Civil War. So interesting to think about different sides having their own lyrics to songs, being so close that they could battle back and forth between musicians etc. I loved Gilbert Ford's illustrations, they seemed to suit the history well.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to tell what the book was about in the mixed up, non-linear telling of a piece of the Civil War. Civil War songs were noted as well as "Home Sweet Home" which, apparently, was a song sung to (and by) both sides during a momentary lull in fighting. Each section was had a tidbit of a letter home from a young soldier.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting! I'd never heard this story before - it reminds me very much of the "Christmas Truce" of WWI that seems to have gotten a lot more publicity.
I like the layout, with letters from soldiers and musical notations interspersed throughout the text. It really gives a good "weight" to the story.

The backmatter is excellent - bibliography, quotes, timeline, and more.

[The O'Neal Kids Goodreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging narrative on a subject that interests lots of elementary kids. I nice choice for an informative third or forth grade read aloud and an excellent choice for classrooms studying the civil war .

[Tina Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book, but more than that it recounts a fascinating incident in the Civil War, when both sides came together to sing a sad and touching song together. It's an excellent book.

[Deb Thom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, try this book. Little nuggets of interesting Civil War history. Great use of actual letters. An interesting play list of songs at the end to check out. I called up my grandson and shared it with him by phone. He wanted the music list. It was a fascinating story.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories about the importance of music for soldiers in the civil war.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be reviewed this week at A Year of Reading.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get what this was trying to do, but not sure it achieved it without romanticizing... hm.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and research book featuring the Battle of Fredericksburg in the Civil War.

[Laura Salas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-breaking and lovely!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic illustrations, interesting story, and a well balanced narrative between North/South.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good artwork, great use of quotes and inclusion of all sorts of resources and additional information in the back. Excellent example of what nonfiction for kids can be.