The Brothers' War: Civil War Voices in Verse

The wonderful wordplay of J. Patrick Lewis breathes new life into the speeches of Lincoln, the letters of Grant and Lee, and the moving human drama of our country's Civil War. Lewis' poignant poetry gives young readers a vivid insight into the brutal conflict that tore America apart. The author draws on primary-source books and articles to inspire each poem, bringing the ordinary and extraordinary voices of the Civil War to light. The book also includes a note from the Photo Editor on the authentic period images used throughout. Readers experience history directly as it was lived by Americans in the 1860s.

"This heartrending collection of original poems paired with photographs by Civil War photographers makes real what statistics about war cannot — that the casualties of any war have human faces. Lewis (Monumental Verses) writes poignantly and lyrically: 'In the bloody Battle of Seven Pines,/ a young soldier, Absalom Flowers,/ whose mother baked the most delicious cobbler/ in Roanoke, whose father was nothing really,/ stopped a Union bullet with his face' (from 'Boys in a Brothers' War'). An elegant design of gold, silver and black handsomely frames the text and the photographs, declaring the importance of the subject and setting a respectful tone. An introduction, detailed photo captions and back matter ground readers in the historical context, while the poems and photos recreate the emotional reality. The poem 'Passing in Review,' for example, is juxtaposed with a photograph of a soldier amputee who stares into the camera's lens. The poem's narrator comments, 'A war churns boys to men./ Remember them/ Today, deceased,/ Young men-at-arms who would increase/ By inches some foothold on peace.' Lewis includes supposed accounts by John Brown and Frederick Douglass, letters from soldiers to their families, and a narrative by a runaway slave. An exemplary work. Ages 10-14." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

J. Patrick Lewis is a full-time writer and poet, and a former professor of Economics. He has published numerous children's books, many in verse. His poems have appeared in various children's magazines and in over 70 anthologies. He reviews children's books for the New York Times, presents teachers' workshops on teaching poetry, and visits numerous elementary schools each year. He lives in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and his online address is www.jpatricklewis.com.