Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley. Sally M. Walker. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 2005. 112 pages. $18.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 1-57505-830-8. Grades 6-10.
Sally Walker promises readers “an amazing tale of bravery, mystery, bones, and gold” in the incredibly engaging and suspenseful prologue of Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley, and she delivers. The Union blockade surrounding southern ports, especially Charleston, SC during the Civil War put residents of the confederacy in dire straights. The blockade needed to be disbanded in order for commerce and economy to flourish, but the traditional torpedo attacks were futile. The financial support of Horace L. Hunley and engineering genius of William Alexander soon introduced a new player; the H.L. Hundley submarine. This innovative machine successfully sank the Housatanoic, but there were many losses and mysteries that came along with it. Walker immediately submerses readers in the who, what, when, why, why, where and how of submarines. Chapters are organized chronologically, telling the story of the Hunley’s creation, missions, disappearance, and discovery. The wealth of information within this book’s pages is guaranteed to intrigue the history, science, and mystery minded. The pages are filled with primary sources; photographs, maps, charts, letters, and artifacts; giving readers a well rounded view of the Hunley. Although some concepts introduced in this book are complicated, Walker explains them in an easy to understand manner. She skillfully keeps readers begging for more by posing questions and appealing to their curiosity. Highly Recommended
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