About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask complex questions about history, conflict, and why people choose different sides in a disagreement. Through an interactive You Choose format, this book allows readers to experience the Civil War from three distinct perspectives: a Union soldier at Gettysburg, a Confederate soldier at Chancellorsville, or a civilian caught in the Siege of Vicksburg. It provides a safe yet realistic space for children to explore the weight of decision making and the reality of historical struggle. By placing the reader in the center of the action, it fosters deep empathy for the individuals who lived through one of the most difficult periods in American history. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers who enjoy gaming or agency in their storytelling, as the branching paths require active engagement with historical facts to navigate to different outcomes. The book balances the grim realities of war with age appropriate historical context, making it an excellent bridge for 8 to 12 year olds transitioning from simple history to more nuanced social studies.
