Secrets of a Civil War Submarine
Sally M. Walker
Walker, Sally M. 2005. Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mystery of the H.L. Hunley. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, Inc. ISBN: 1575058308.
Resting on the ocean floor for 131 years, the H.L. Hunley has finally resurfaced in Sally Walker’s award winning book, Secrets of a Civil War Submarine. With original photos and dialog, Walker recreated the Hunley’s last days and eventual resurfacing. The H.L. Hunley got its name from Horace Hunley, a financial contributor, Confederate, and inventor of the new vessel. The Hunley had a rough start from the beginning. It was never thought to be safe, but men were willing to keep trying if it meant loosening the Union blockade. While the Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship, it also disappeared with no one knowing what happened to it until 1995. Famed author Clive Cussler was one of the men to help make that discovery and bring the ship back to life. Over the course of the next several years, the submarine was lifted from the sea floor, excavated by many different types of professionals, and the men who died on board were identified and buried with full military honors.
Sally Walker is an avid writer and researcher of non-fiction books for children. In researching this book she corresponded with experts who had direct or indirect knowledge of the work done to bring the Hunley back to life. The facts are very clear in this book, and if something is not clear it is stated as such. No assumptions are made and the material is as close to authentic as it can be. The book includes source notes, selected bibliography, photo acknowledgments, glossary and an index for those that may be interested in learning more. Using actual photos and transcripts from the past and present lends to the credibility of the information being presented.
The organization of the book is laid out like a mystery novel. Starting with the history and building of the Hunley, the author then leaves the reader to speculate while the story moves on to the discovery. What happened? is a huge question throughout the book and the reader will have fun fleshing out theories with the author. There are many reference aids in this text heavy book. A table of contents at the beginning of the book and heading within the chapter help to break up the information and make it readable in small chunks.
The design of this book is probably more attractive to older readers. There is a lot of story to tell and the text is heavier than the pictures. The graphics, which are original copies of photos and drawings lend to the believability of the story. They are clear and present what the text is saying by being visually stimulating. They are also captioned with small amounts of information that also assist in telling the story. The pictures are large and just sporadic enough that the reader looks forward to them. They do not take over the page or detract from the story.
The style of this book clearly captures the authors fascination with the subject. She writes a captivating true life mystery with ease and poise. She encourages readers to question the mystery surrounding the sinking of the Hunley. Her vocabulary at times is quite scholarly, which is why a glossary was included in the back. With technical math, computer, and science speak a large part of this book the reader might have to slow down their reading and absorb the information before moving on. There is a lot of information to digest, especially after the Hunley is recovered and excavation begins. Overall, a great piece of non-fiction literature for children and adults.
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine has won numerous awards (justly so) such as: Robert F. Sibert Medal 2006, ALA Notable Book 2006, 2006 Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, and 2007 New Mexico Battle of the Books. Reviews of the book also depict the hard work and dedication that went into this book.
Starred review in School Library Journal
“This is a finely crafted account of the Hunley from its inception to the modern archaeological quest to exhume her from the water. It is divided into chronological chapters complete with pictures, maps, and primary sources. Half of the book discusses the construction and design of the submarine, in addition to its practice runs and its first and only mission. The second half consists of the process of locating and excavating the Hunley, as well as piecing together the puzzle of exactly what happened on that fateful night in 1864. The archaeological process is well documented in both words and pictures, and the conclusions are interesting and even surprising. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.” –Anna M. Nelson, Collier County Public Library, Naples, FL
Starred review in Booklist
“Walker begins with the history of the Hunley's design and construction as well as its place in Civil War and naval history. She really hits her stride, though, in explaining the complex techniques and loving care used in raising the craft, recovering its contents, and even reconstructing models of the crewmembers' bodies. Back matter includes a detailed author's note, source notes, a bibliography, and recommended Web sites. Thoroughly researched, nicely designed, and well illustrated with clear, color photos, the book will serve as an informative guide to anyone interested in the hunley or intrigued by archaeology.” Carolyn Phelan
This book lends itself heavily to other activities for individual readers or classrooms. Near the end of the book there is a section titled “Coming to Life”. This section tells about the work of a facial reconstructionist who gave faces to the men who perished so long ago. In groups or alone depending on class size, these 8 men who gave their lives for their cause can have a new lease on life. Students can create a biography for each of these men and what their life might have been like if they had survived. Alternate history is always fun to imagine and this project could be long or short.
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