The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg – from the author of Freak the Mighty, a humorous and fast paced story about an orphan who is searching for his brother who has been sold to the Union Army. Set during Civil War time period and full of ‘boy friendly’ characters.
My Name is America: The Journal of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot – one of a historical fiction series recommended by several librarians as a good fit for 4th/5th grade readers. Here’s another one from that series.
Under Siege: Three Children at the Civil War Battle for Vicksburg – tells the story of a major battle from the perspective of 3 kids ages 10-12. Recommendation from several librarians for 5th-8th grade readers.
Hear the Wind Blow – coming of age story about a Yankee family that takes in a wounded Confederate soldier. Action oriented plot, good characters, lower level but engaging read.
Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy – true story of a young woman who pretends to be a man in order to support the Unionists as a spy.
Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud – easy read as it is a hardcover/picture book but lots of text, but funny and informative.