The Cemetery Keepers of Gettysburg by Linda Oatman High

A story of courage and strength in the wake of one of the worst battles of the Civil War.
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Resource: picture book
Time: 1862
Place: America

Summary:
The Thorn family, Peter, Elizabeth and their sons, were the caretakers of the Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  When the Civil War broke out Peter was called to fight and a pregnant Elizabeth became the caretaker with the help of her parents.  In the summer of 1862 the war came to them.  The Battle of Gettysburg took place across the cemetery.   In the wake of the battle the little family was called upon to bury the dead, hundreds of them.  On November 19, 1863 President Lincoln came to dedicate a new cemetery and gave a little speech, you may have heard of it. This is an amazing little book.  At this point in history the Civil War is just a sepia colored remembrance.  This book tells the story, from the point of view of the eldest son, in verse, of a courageous woman who did what she had to for her family and her country.  This is based on a true story.  Elizabeth Thorn was a real woman, who pregnant (she gave birth 3 months after the battle), with her eldest son, aged 7 and her father buried 100 solders after the battle of Gettysburg.  She got paid just $13 (one month's wages) for her effort.  There is a lovely historical note at the end of the book. It is illustrated in full color, with lovely maps on the front and end pages by  Lara Francesca Filippucci.  

Potentially Objectionable Content:
There are scenes of the battle and the aftermath with dead horses and men.

Reading Level: grade 3-6
Lexile Measure: not available
Guided Reading Level: not available


Format Links
Book

Additional Resources:

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