Genre 4 - Informational Books - Secrets of a Civil War Submarine

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Walker, Sally. 2005. Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. ISBN 1575058308

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The background history and excavation of the Civil War Submarine, H.L. Hunley.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A thoroughly researched book about a past era. The history of the H.L. Hunley deserves all the attention Ms. Walker has given it. Readers will be impressed with the personal details in the book. Many soldiers gave their life to H.L. Hunley and Walker treats the fallen soldiers with respect and dignity.
The information presented about the excavation of the ship is the strongest section. Walker discusses the technical details in a manner that’s easy to read and comprehend. “After cleaning and microscopic study, the next step was to stabilize each artifact to prevent further deterioration. Different materials require different methods of stabilization. For example, organic artifacts – a belt, a wallet, canteens – were stored in containers of water in a large walk-in refrigerated compartment.” By giving specific examples, the reader is able to understand exactly what the forensic scientists are doing. Overall, the science responsible for the excavation is extremely high-tech. An ordinary reader would be lost if it wasn’t for Ms. Walker’s easy-to-read style. The note from the author and the list of sources are further evidence of her comprehensive research.
The book’s design is attractive from the cover picture. A hazy, dim cover picture intrigues the reader and you can sense a mystery immediately. Children will like the magnified photographs of the retrieved objects. The pictures detailing the work of the scientists helps the reader understand some of the more complex tasks.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Thoroughly researched, nicely designed, and well illustrated with clear, color photos, the book will serve as an informative guide to anyone interested in the Hunley or intrigued by archaeology.”

Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Walker brings a little-known story of the Civil War to life in this fascinating book. The archaeological process is well documented in both words and pictures, and the conclusions are interesting and even surprising.”

5. CONNECTIONS
· Integrate book into unit of Civil War history.
· Browse book when discussing the scientific concepts of buoyancy and thrust.
· Visit H.L. Hunley website, http://www.hunley.org/, for more information.