Gregory, Josh. Gettysburg Address.

Gregory, Josh.  Gettysburg Address.  Scholastic/Childrens Press  2013  64p    $13.51  ISBN 978-0-531-28204-5  series: Cornerstones of Freedom  ms  Nonfiction  E-BN  

     

This title in the Cornerstones of Freedom series focuses on the Gettysburg Address.  A brief history of the founding of the United States sets the background for the recounting of the events of the Civil War up to and including the Battle of Gettysburg.  The author describes the efforts of the governor of Pennsylvania to create and dedicate a cemetery at Gettysburg, the events of Dedication Day, the text of Lincoln’s speech, quotes from newspapers, statements by persons who were present, and the reactions of the crowd.  The five known copies of the speech are listed and preservation efforts are described.
The text includes a diagram of the layout of the cemetery, brief information on the assassination of Lincoln, identification of key people, and a timeline.  There is a full page of the primary documents available on the publisher-sponsored web site.  The glossary is adequate and the index is extensive.

This title provides all the information necessary for the reader to appreciate the importance of this speech, what brought it about, and why it is so famous.  An excellent resource for middle-school libraries.   

Summary: This title provides background and fleshes out the history of the Gettysburg Address.  Information taken from primary and secondary sources is highlighted.  It sets the event in history and helps explain why it is remembered today. 

Gettysburg Address                                                --Joan Theal