The Battle of Antietam Book

Examines the events preceding, during, and after the Battle of Antietam in 1862.

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10Reger opens with an overview of the causes of the Civil War, followed by a brief account of the days leading up to the infamous battle. The main focus of the text is on the events of September 17, 1862, the "bloodiest day" of the war. Each arena and position is carefully examined: the action at Bloody Lane; at Burnside's bridge; and at Sharpsburg Ridge. The narrative is well written and easy to follow. Sidebar sketches show the key figures involved in the action. Readers learn about the wounding of Capt. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., later a Supreme Court justice; of the bravery of future President William McKinley, a commissary sergeant who served coffee to his men; and of the saddle invented by General George McClellan. These human-interest stories bring this episode alive, as do the many maps, archival photographs, and reproductions.Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN