Cassie's Sweet Berry Pie: A Civil War Story Book

For hundreds of children in both the United States and the Confederate States, war was an everyday way of life. They grew up without fathers, brothers, uncles and other relatives because those family members had gone off to fight. Many of these children had to take on new responsibilities in the absence of those family members and at times deal with the very real threat of soldiers from the other side raiding one's home. One children's book that tells of such an event is "Cassie's Sweet Berry Pie."

For children living in states where Civil War battles took place, the history of that awful time in America's history is perhaps more easily understood. For those living in places like northern California, however, oftentimes it is through books like this one that they learn of the many aspects of that historical time period. This book does a wonderful job of conveying what children when through without being too frightening for young readers.

The illustrations are done in oil paints and capture the colors of homespun cloth and rustic homes of the era. The children are realistic looking and even those not able to read yet will enjoy looking at the images of Cassie, Willie, Saralyn and their cat, Boots.

The text is not too difficult for beginning readers and the story could easily provide further discussion and related activities to educate children of all ages about the Civil War. Baking a pie, using berries to dye fabric or to draw with would be a great way for children to relate to the characters in this story.

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