Songs and Stories of the Civil War

Reach for this book when your child expresses a deep curiosity about American history but finds traditional textbooks dry, or when they are exploring how art and music can be used as tools for social change. By examining twelve pivotal songs from the Civil War era, Jerry Silverman provides a multi-dimensional look at a nation divided. The book covers the emotional spectrum of the period, from the patriotic fervor of political campaigns to the profound longing for justice found in spirituals like Free at Last. It is a sophisticated resource for middle schoolers that uses primary source documents and period artwork to ground historical facts in human emotion. Parents will appreciate how it facilitates difficult but necessary conversations about slavery, conflict, and the enduring power of the human spirit through creativity.