"Gettysburg - The Graphic Novel" - Resistant Readers/Graphic Novels

Title: Gettysburg - The Graphic Novel

Author/Illustrator: C.M. Butzer

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers 2009

Genre: Nonfiction/Information book
Format: Graphic Novel

Awards: YALSA - Great Graphic Novels List 2009

Plot Summary:

Gettysburg - The Graphic Novel opens with an aerial view of the town and drawings of the outlying farmlands which feature and label the terrain and key topography of the region. This is necessary and acts as a revisited source of reference as the battle unfolds for the reader. Cartoon caricatures of the major Union and Confederate leaders as well as noteworthy Gettysburg locals are introduced to the reader in the "Cast of Characters" two-page spread of detailed drawings.

The action begins with the Union troops becoming anxious as they notice the Confederate Army amassing great numbers just outside the town limits of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. General Buford (Union Major Gen.) cautions troops to be calm until additional Union support troops arrive at Gettysburg, as they were presently outnumbered. The author takes the reader through the three day battle highlighting the key tactical decisions and tide-changing skirmishes. Also depicted are the troop movements and formations that would prove vital to the success of the Union's victory.

Following the depiction of the three day battle, Butzer allows President Lincoln to speak for himself as he features his 271 word Gettysburg Address, noting the conciseness yet relevance of each of his words. The author also was sure to point out Lincoln's modesty in his phrase, "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here" as Lincoln dedicated the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Finally, the author uses the last several pages to spell out the devastation of the war and the tragic and immense loss of life on both sides. Also mentioned are the casualties (dead or wounded) totaling in excess of 50,000 men and that the dead horses lined the streets and fields all the way to the outside of town. Finally the author informs the reader that despite the tremendous devastation felt by the armies, the real catastrophy was what the townspeople were left with following the departure of the masses. Gettysburg, once a small town and center of commerce, was left in ruins, houses looted for supplies and thousands of bodies and horse remains to bury.

My reaction:

To be perfectly honest, the graphic novel format is not my first choice when I select a book to read, but we have to remember, these books are for out students. This book has been very popular in our library, especially among reluctant readers and even students not that interested in history--just for it's welcoming cartoon format. I have been to Gettysburg several times and have read many books about the battle. In my opinion, I think the book is extremely well done, very accurate and the illustrations are a tremendous asset as they bring the characters and their personalities to life. I also liked the fact that Butzer emphasises the meaning of Lincoln's address by putting it into context which portrays it to be so much more than just a speech. Lastly, the history books do not often depict what the town of Gettysburg and the people of the region had to deal with following the battle. The author makes a point to let our young readers know that war is not a pleasant experience and the wake left by the occurrences at Gettysburg was an immense tragedy.

Recommendation:

Follett recommends the book for grades 4-8, and I would agree. I would not hesitate to put this quality book in a high school library, as my students seem to enjoy it. I also would not hesitate to put it in the hands of a young elementary student. Despite the details revealed of the bloodiest battle to have ever taken place on American soil and the necessary details of the aftermath, there is very little gore and violence involved in this very well-done graphic novel. I would strongly recommend this book for any reader, but the graphic novel format would most likely benefit the reluctant or struggling reader.

Book Talk Hook:

Most students will be drawn to the detailed illustrations within this book. I would show a few of the key illustrations as well as the "Cast of Characters" pages. Next I would set the stage for the importance of the battle from the perspective of both the Union and Rebel armies. "You can experience the heart wrenching details and view the stunning illustrations when you read, Gettysburg-The Graphic Novel. "