Burgan, Michael. We the People: The Reconstruction Amendments.
Minneapolis, Minnesota.: Compass Point Books, 2006. ISBN: 0-7565-1636-6.
$ 25.26
The Reconstruction Amendments looks at an amazing time in our country’s
history. Beginning with the end of the Civil War, Michael Burgan tells the
story of the difficult times our country faced in bringing the Union back
together, as well as establishing equality of all Americans. He gives a
detailed summary of why the nation was divided, the freeing of slaves, and
the reasons why the 14th and 15th Amendments were passed. Readers also
are exposed to the importance of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson and
their roles during this period of time. This book covers a lot of material, but
remains easy to read and understand.
The illustrations are a combination of illustrations by Alfred R. Waud as well
as photographs from a variety of sources. The photographs emphasize the
events being told in the story. The photographs are also used to show true
illustrations of documents (ex. 15th Amendment proposal). Besides the
photographs in the book, there are also other parts to help clarify the
events. There is a glossary to review or check frequently used and
important words to better understand the text. There is also a “Did You
Know?” page which shares interesting facts. Another page offers a timeline
to show the sequential order of events, as well as an Important People page
with a short synopsis for those people listed. Finally, it also offers a “Want
to Know More?” page which gives suggested books as well as websites, and
places to visit to find out more about events and people during the
Reconstruction Era.
I would highly recommend this book to students in grades 4-6. The
Reconstruction Era is a part of the curriculum in grade 4, while the
implications of those events are again covered in grades 5 and 6. This book
allows the reader to read deeper into the events than what may be covered
in their classroom. The text itself is interesting, and the photographs show
the reality of what happened in our history’s past.
Highly recommended
Possible SOL uses:
Reading:
4.3
The student will read fiction and nonfiction with fluency and accuracy.
a) Use context to clarify meanings of unfamiliar words.
Virginia History:
Vs.4 The student will develop skills for historical and geographical analysis
including the ability to
a) identify and interpret artifacts and primary and secondary source
documents to understand events in history;
b) determine cause and effect relationships;
c) compare and contrast historical events;
d) draw conclusions and make generalizations;
e) make connections between past and present;
f) sequence events in Virginia history;
g) interpret ideas and events from different historical perspectives;
VS.8a The student will demonstrate knowledge of the reconstruction of
Virginia following the Civil War by
a) identifying the effects of Reconstruction on life in Virginia.
VS.8b The student will demonstrate knowledge of the reconstruction of
Virginia following the Civil War by
b) identifying the effects of segregation and “Jim Crow” on life in Virginia.
VS.9b The student will demonstrate knowledge of twentieth century
Virginia by
b) identifying the social and political events in Virginia linked to
desegregation and Massive Resistance and their relationship to national
history.
Reviewed by Kelly Prats
January, 2007