Resources
Below are some informative, reliable books and websites for people of all ages! These resources have been approved by the MCHE staff, and are listed in no particular order. We've also given each book an age rating, with our rating criteria explained in-depth here. Did your favorite historical book or website not make our list? Contact us, so we can add it to our ever-expanding resources! Also, be sure to check out the video at the bottom of this page to discover more about our resources.
Pictured: An April 17, 1862, New York Daily Tribune newspaper
Kid's Books:
Pre-teen/Teen Books:
Blue, Gray & Crimson
Genre
Christian fiction
Author
Sarah Bierle
Ages
13+
Rebel Spirits
Sixteen-year-old Lori Chase is not excited about moving to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. When she moves into a historic inn, however, the history of Gettysburg becomes more personal--especially when she meets the ghost of a Union soldier who was killed during the Gettysburg battle.
Genre
fiction
Author
Lois Ruby
Ages
13+
The Seeds of American Trilogy
The Seeds of America Trilogy, written by Laurie Halse Anderson, is about two African-American's who have to decide the true meaning of freedom. Set during the American War for Independence, Chains, Forge, and Ashes are an amazing set for those with an interest in 1700s American history.
Genre
fiction
Author
Laurie H. Anderson
Ages
13+
Within These Lines
It's hard to imagine that less than 100 years ago Japanese-American citizens were relocated from their homes. But Taichi Hamasaki has found that's exactly what's happening to him and his family as he's driven away from his friends and Italian girlfriend, Evalina Cassano. Written from alternating perspectives, Within These Lines is a literary masterpiece that will leave readers reflecting on the past long after the last page.
Genre
fiction
Author
Stephanie Morrill
Ages
16+
The Lost Girl of Astor Street
Piper Sail lives in 1924 Chicago and her friend has recently gone missing. Determined to find the truth--and her friend--Piper embarks on a journey that will delve into Chicago's notoriously all while discovering love in the process.
Genre
fiction
Author
Stephanie Morrill
Ages
16+
Union Soldier of the American Civil War
Union Soldier of the American Civil War, written by Denis Hambucken and Chris Benedetto, discusses Civil War accouterments and the everyday life of a Civil War soldier. This book is not only good for teens, but also for adult beginner Civil War enthusiasts.
Genre
informative
Author
Denis Hambucken, Chris Bendetto
Ages
10+
Adult Informational Books:
Shiloh National Military Park (Images of America)
Shiloh National Military Park (Images of America), written by Brian K. McCutchen and Timothy B. Smith, is filled with photos featuring Shiloh's generals, veterans, and the park itself. This book is perfect for those who love to learn about the Battle of Shiloh.
Genre
informational
Authors
Brian McCutchen, Timothy Smith
Ages
all ages
The Civil War
The Civil War, published by JG Press, is wonderful for major Civil War enthusiasts. With around 800 pages, this novel is packed-full of information.
Genre
informational
Author
JG Press
Ages
all ages
Fierce Patriot
Fierce Patriot: The Tangled Lives of William Tecumseh Sherman is an interesting, information-packed book that studies perhaps one the most influential Union Civil War commanders. While this book is excellent for readers desiring to delve into General Sherman's life, it may not be suitable for younger readers due to profanity, adult content, etc.
Genre
informational
Author
Robert O'Connell
Ages
16+
Memoir Books:
Hardtack and Coffee
Hardack and Coffee, written by Union Civil War veteran, John D. Billings, is one of the finest Civil War novels ever written. The best way to learn history is to read first-hand accounts, and Billings doesn't disappoint in this book. He keeps the subject interesting by adding humor to his writings. A five-star novel, and an MCHE favorite.
Genre
memoir/biography
Authors
John Bilings
Ages
all ages
Company Aytch
Company Aytch is an informative, intriguing memoir written by Confederate Civil War veteran, Sam Watkins. Involved in major battles such as Perryville and Shiloh (to name a few!), Watkins offers invaluable first-hand accounts from the war. Laced with humor and stories, this memoir was a delight to read!
Genre
memoir/biography
Author
Sam Watkins
Ages
all ages
John Ransom's Andersonville Diary
John Ransom's Andersonville Diary is, in MCHE's opinion, one of the most informative books available to read. John Ransom wrote in his diary while imprisoned at Andersonville, so this book (published after the Civil War) was full of information that shed light on the horrors of the Prisoner of War camp. For history enthusiasts, this is a must-read!
Genre
memoir/biography
Author
John Ransom
Ages
all ages
Adult Fiction Books:
A Thousand Shall Fall (Shenandoah Valley Saga)
A Thousand Shall Fall is an exquisite first novel of the Shenandoah Valley Saga that follows the life of Carrie Ann Bell, an eighteen-year-old who lives in Virginia and determines to choose no sides in the War Between the States. When Carrie gets to know Colonel Petyon Collier, though, perhaps the best side to choose is the side of true love.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Andrea Boeshaar
Ages
adult
Too Deep for Words (Shenandoah Valley Saga)
In the second installment of the Shenandoah Valley Saga, life for Carrie isn't all that it started out as. Between dealing with a Confederate colonel, her younger sister, and fleeing south in hopes of finding Peyton, this second installment won't disappoint!
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Andrea Boeshaar
Ages
adult
There Is A Season (Shenandoah Valley Saga)
The final installment of the Shenandoah Valley Saga takes readers on a journey through the eyes of multiple characters (including Carrie) and explores life and issues that occurred after the Civil War's close.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Andrea Boeshaar
Ages
adult
With This Pledge
Elizabeth Clouston may live in the south, but that doesn't mean she values all of the south's beliefs. Yet, when the Battle of Franklin erupts in Elizabeth's hometown, the color of one's uniform seems irrelevant. While the Civil War rages around her, Elizabeth must care for wounded soldiers, assist with amputations, and decide what's more important to her--a seemingly "safe" marriage with a man she's known her entire life or true love.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Tamera Alexander
Ages
adult
A Beauty So Rare
Eleanor Braddock is, by late 1860s standards, a plain, practical woman. Eleanor--who's almost considered an "old maid"--is destined to be married off by orders of her wealthy aunt. When Archduke Marcus Gottfried comes to town, however, Eleanor must decide what's more important to her: a financially secure marriage or a relationship with a formerly trouble-making archduke.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Tamera Alexander
Ages
adult
To Whisper Her Name
Olivia Aberdeen is shunned by mid-1860s society because of her late husband's traitorous acts to the south. So when Olivia receives an invitation to temporarily reside at Belle Meade, she jumps at the chance. But Olivia may get more than she ever bargained for...she may fall in love with a former Union soldier.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Tamera Alexander
Ages
adult
Remembered
Veronique Girard is on a mission to find her father. Traveling from France to the Wild West may be a culture shock, but Veronique manages just fine. Until news flips her world upside down and she realizes that she may have found something different than what she originally sought.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Tamera Alexander
Ages
adult
The Inheritance
McKenna Ashford needed to escape her past, so traveling west with her trouble-making younger brother in tow seemed like a prime solution. But upon arriving at her cousin's home to start over, McKenna realizes that the past sometimes repeats itself.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Tamera Alexander
Ages
adult
Along a Storied Trail
Tansy Calhoun is helping her family through rough times by working as a packhorse librarian in Eastern Kentucky. Along the way, Tansy realizes that the perfect life she was seeking--had always read about--might not be so far away...
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Ann H. Gabhart
Ages
adult
Rosey Corner Series
Kate Merritt might be the middle child, but she's the one who's forced to be responsible for her older and younger sister. She also has to tend to her father and make sure her mother is all right. So when Kate finds a little girl on her church's steps, she's quickly dubbed the "Angel Sister." Kate isn't an angel, but she will fight to make sure her new little sister stays with her family. For lovers of Kentucky history and an enthralling tale that's hard to put down, the Rosey Corner Series is sure to delight readers. Also check out Small Town Girl and Love Comes Home, the next installments in the series!
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Ann H. Gabhart
Ages
adult
River to Redemption
Based on a true story, River to Redemption explores the cholera epidemic in the 1800s and the lives of those affected. Plus, one strong female character will fight to make sure the slave who saved her life finally finds the freedom he deserves.
Genre
Christian fiction romance
Author
Ann H. Gabhart
Ages
adult
Local/Kentucky Books:
My Last Day in Browder: Explosion of 1910
My Last Day in Browder: Explosion of 1910 is a wonderful book written about one of Kentucky's worst mine disasters, which took place in Browder, Kentucky. This book is perfect for those who love history, especially Kentucky mining history!
Genre
informational
Author
Barry Duvall
Ages
all ages
Hidden History of Kentucky in the Civil War
Hidden History of Kentucky in the Civil War discusses Kentucky's extensive role in the American Civil War. Not only does it mention Kentucky battles, but it also highlights some of Kentucky's historical people from the Civil War era and little-known history of the border states role in War Between the States.
Genre
informational
Author
Berry Craig
Ages
all ages
History of the 11th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry
This book is packed-full of information about one of the most well-known local regiments that soldiers volunteered with. This novel is great for those with ancestors who served with this regiment (as it has biographies of the regiment's soldiers), or for those with an interest in Kentucky regiments.
Genre
informational
Author
William Wilson
Ages
all ages