Guts & Glory: The American Civil War

By: Ben Thompson, C. M. Butzer

Narrated by: Will Collyer, Brian Delaney

History comes alive for kids like no textbook can in this epic account of the American Civil War that's perfect for history buffs and reluctant readers!

From courageous cavalry rides deep into enemy territory to harrowing covert missions undertaken by spies and soldiers, the events of the American Civil War were filled with daring figures and amazing feats. This exhilarating overview covers the biggest battles as well as captivating lesser-known moments to entertain kids with unbelievable (and totally true) tales of one of America's most fascinating conflicts.

History buff, Civil War reenactor, and popular blogger Ben Thompson uses his extensive knowledge and vivid storytelling style to bring the Civil War to life in this first book in a thrilling new series featuring incredible people, events, and civilizations. Get ready to learn just how awesome history can be!

Critic reviews

Praise for Guts & Glory: The American Civil War:
A 2015 International Literacy Association Teachers' ChoiceA 2015 National Parenting Publications Silver Winner
An Amazon Best Book of the Month

"The book's greatest strength is its colloquial storytelling.... Thompson's passion for his subject is infectious.... An easy, breezy series opener that should help create a few new history buffs."—Kirkus Reviews

"Action-packed.... Thompson adopts an urgent and sometimes humorous tone that conveys infectious enthusiasm.... A rousing introduction to this defining conflict that makes the history appealing and relatable." —Publishers Weekly

"Thompson displays a solid knowledge of the Civil War.... He ably covers major battles, campaigns, and figures...mixing informational passages and fact boxes with colorful action sequences."—School Library Journal

"An entertaining overview.... What brings these events to life, particularly for reluctant readers, is Thompson's spirited, conversational narration.... Should keep students engaged."
—Booklist

Praise for Guts & Glory: The American Revolution:
"Thompson's books are a meaty delight. Digestible chapters are packed with info, one-page bios hit the highlights of their subject's lives, and sidebars full of interesting tidbits are all part of the appeal of the nonfiction Guts & Glory series.... A very satisfying read that even adults will find useful."—Booklist

Exactly what you'd expect

The series paints the American Civil War in the over the top, badass style Ben Thompson is known and loved for. Every character is badass and their awesomeness is inflated, whether they deserve to be or not.

I loved it!

how'd everyone else like the book it was awesome read this book again if you like it

well balanced entertainment

A well-balanced entertaining book Ben Thompson is quickly becoming one of my favorite office absolutely wonderful gifts

Disappointed by the narrator liked WW2 a lot better still a good book

Very informative. If the civil war is your thing, get this. If WW2 is your thing, definitely get Guts and Glory: World War 2.

A great book

Every single chapter should be a movie! The events are super cool and are so good you might think there out of a action movie than from the pages of a history book.