A House Divided

by Marshall Poe, Leland Purvis (Illustrator)

Overview

There are moments in every country's history when decisions are made and actions are taken that will change the course of that country's future. Turning Points historical graphic novels bring these moments in American history to life.

When Owen and Amos Bennington's mother and father, vocal abolitionists, are killed in 1856, the brothers are driven to continue their parents' quest. However, each sees a different path: The elder brother, Owen, volunteers to help Abraham Lincoln, while Amos is filled with fire and joins up with violent abolitionist John Brown. Ultimately, Amos and Owen reunite for a thrilling moment in Lincoln's personal and our country's political history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416950578
Publisher:	Aladdin
Publication date:	01/06/2009
Series:	Turning Points , #2
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	1,126,328
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Marshall Tillbrook Poe is an American historian, writer, editor, and founder of the New Books Network, an online collection of podcast interviews with a wide range of nonfiction authors. He has taught Russian, European, Eurasian, and world history at various universities including Harvard, Columbia, University of Iowa, and, currently, the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Poe is the author or editor of a number of books for children and adults.

Editorial Reviews

Gr 5-7

When Owen and Amos Bennington's abolitionist parents are murdered in 1856, each brother takes a different path toward ending slavery. Owen goes to Springfield, IL, to work on Abraham Lincoln's election, while Amos joins John Brown's campaign. Scenes of violence against abolitionists effectively illustrate the risks involved in fighting slavery, and this fictional account helps to dramatize and highlight a part of history that needs attention. The dialogue is occasionally pedantic: definitions of political parties and the Fugitive Slave Law are awkwardly inserted into conversation. The illustrations are expressive and assured, however, and the handwritten lettering gives the story an informal feel. There is no bibliography to assure readers of the accuracy behind the story's history. Still, this is an accessible introduction to the period, and a light supplement to more substantial texts on the topic.-Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY

School Library Journal