To accompany the exhibit "African American Military Portraits From the American Civil War", LAPL created this children's book list for young readers interested in learning more about African Americans and their role in the American Civil War.


Book cover for African Americans in the Civil War

African Americans in the Civil War

Brooks, Victor.
Call Number: x 973.7 B873

Grades 5-8.  Relates the experiences of Black soldiers who fought in the Union Army as well as of those who fought with the Confederate forces during the Civil War.

Book cover for African-American soldiers in the Civil War : fighting for freedom

African-American soldiers in the Civil War : fighting for freedom

Ford, Carin T.
Call Number: x 973.7 F699-4

Grades 4-6.  After a concise introduction to slavery and the Civil War, author Carin T. Ford paints a vivid picture of black soldiers on and off the battlefield—the obstacles they faced, the determination with which they fought, and their status in the aftermath of the war.

Book cover for Black, blue & gray : African Americans in the Civil War

Black, blue & gray : African Americans in the Civil War

Haskins, James, 1941-2005.
Call Number: x 973.7 H351

Grades 5-8.  An historical account of the role of African-American soldiers in the Civil War.

Book cover for From slave to soldier : based on a true civil war story

From slave to soldier : based on a true civil war story

Hopkinson, Deborah.
Call Number: xz IR

K – Grade 3.  A boy who hates being a slave joins the Union Army to fight for freedom, and proves himself brave and capable of handling a mule team when the need arises.

Book cover for The girls of Gettysburg

The girls of Gettysburg

Miller, Bobbi.
Call Number: x

Grades 4-6.  Pickett's Charge, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, is the climax of this Civil War adventure, told from the perspective of three girls: a Union loyalist, a free Black, and a girl from Virginia who disguised herself as a boy to fight in the Confederate Army -- Provided by publisher.

Book cover for Hope's gift

Hope's gift

Lyons, Kelly Starling.
Call Number: xz

K – Grade 3.  A runaway slave during the Civil War, Hope's father returns after the Emancipation Proclamation as a member of the U.S. Colored Troops.

Book cover for I survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

I survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

Tarshis, Lauren.
Call Number: x

Grades 2-5.  It's 1863, and Thomas and his little sister, Birdie, have fled the farm where they were born and raised as slaves. Following the North Star, looking for freedom, they soon cross paths with a Union soldier. Thomas and Birdie are brought back to his regiment, and suddenly it feels like they've found a new home. But then, the men are called to battle in Pennsylvania.--Publisher.

Book cover for I thought my soul would rise and fly : the diary of Patsy, a freed girl

I thought my soul would rise and fly : the diary of Patsy, a freed girl

Hansen, Joyce.
Call Number: x

Grades 3-6.  Twelve-year-old Patsy keeps a diary of the ripe but confusing time following the end of the Civil War and the granting of freedom to former slaves.

Book cover for Li'l Dan, the drummer boy : a Civil War story

Li'l Dan, the drummer boy : a Civil War story

Bearden, Romare, 1911-1988.
Call Number: xz

K – Grade 4.  When a company of black Union soldiers tells L'il Dan that he is no longer a slave, he follows them, and uses his beloved drum to save them from attack.

Book cover for Pink and Say

Pink and Say

Polacco, Patricia.
Call Number: xz

K – Grade 3.  Say Curtis describes his meeting with Pinkus Aylee, a black soldier, during the Civil War, and their capture by Southern troops. Based on a true story about the author's great-great-grandfather.

Book cover for Silent thunder : a Civil War story

Silent thunder : a Civil War story

Pinkney, Andrea Davis.
Call Number: x

Grades 4-7.  In 1862 eleven-year-old Summer and her thirteen-year-old brother Rosco take turns describing how life on the quiet Virginia plantation where they are slaves is affected by the Civil War.

Book cover for Slaves to soldiers : African-American fighting men in the Civil War

Slaves to soldiers : African-American fighting men in the Civil War

Black, Wallace B.
Call Number: x 973.7 B627-1

Grades 4-6.  Explores the circumstances of African-Americans who fought in the Civil War, including slaves, free southerners, and northerners.