Historical fiction is such a great way to learn more about the amazing things that have happened in our past. And as homeschoolers, giving our children these kinds of books to read is such an asset to their education.

Blue, Gray, and Crimson, written by Sarah Kay Bierle, features a young girl who lives in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Along with her two younger siblings and parents, she lives on a small working farm. With an older brother serving in the Union army, Betsy feels she already has enough to worry about, until the horrific battle of Gettysburg unfolds upon her. With the sound of distant gunshots and artillery shells screeching overhead, Betsy is hard-pressed to protect her younger sister and brother while she cares for the sick soldiers that occupy her house. Betsy’s faith and trust in God is sorely tested and tried during and after the conclusion of the battle.

Ms. Bierle, the author of this book, is an historian, writer, and living history enthusiast. She first wrote a sketch of Blue, Gray, and Crimson at the young age of nine and has been improving the book ever since. Homeschooled since kindergarten, Sarah graduated from high school and then completed an accelerated learning program for college. She later graduated from the Thomas Edison State College with a BA in history. Throughout her life she has been studying the Civil War and has participated in many programs that pertain to the Civil War.

This book is meant primarily for ages 10-12. It is a 340 page book that is relatively easy reading. My oldest daughter read it and felt that the book really kept its reader entertained during this fascinating story. She also loved the historical details that appeared throughout the pages. We used this book as part of our study of history – it is a perfect assignment for middle school-age students. This book would also be a good supplement for a US history course or can also be used as a read-aloud literature book to the whole family.

This book is a fun book to read; it is full of descriptions and portrays Betsy’s emotions and thoughts in a personal way. This book is from a Christian perspective and so scattered throughout the book are testimonies of Betsy’s Christian faith and her struggles as she attempts to witness to the unbelieving soldiers. Although the book does focus on the Battle of Gettysburg, the book is not so gruesome that it is inappropriate for children to read.

 The book ends when Lincoln makes his famous Gettysburg speech. Although Betsy’s younger siblings and parents are safe, we do not learn if Betsy’s older brother survives the war, as the war is still continuing.

I really enjoyed this book, as did my children. The author did a fine job of describing the events of the Battle of Gettysburg and bringing this important historical event alive to younger readers. My daughter did express that she wished that the author gave more information about the families’ future, as the story ends with the fate of the older brother unknown. But this is a true, yet raw part of this war; the unknown of many young souls. I am thankful for authors that use their skills to bring events of history, even the hard ones, more alive for our children. Only by studying the past, can we change the future.

-Product review by Charlotte Gochnauer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July, 2016