Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley by Sally M. Walker

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Walker, Sally M.  2005.  SECRETS OF A CIVIL WAR SUBMARINE: SOLVING THE MYSTERIES OF THE H.L. HUNLEY.  Minneapolis, MN:  Lerner Publishing Group.  ISBN  9781575058306

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

In the summer of 1863, the H.L. Hunley was built as the first Confederate submarine whose mission was  to deliver a torpedo against Union blockades stationed in the Charleston Harbor.  After several failed test dives, Lieutenant George E. Dixon bravely volunteers to command the H.L. Hunley and a crew of eight sailors to bomb the USS Housatonic.  On the night of February 17, 1884, the H.L. Hunley successfully  sinks the enemy ship, but the submarine and her crew disappear and are never heard from again.  One hundred thirty-one years later, the submarine is discovered  and a team of scientists and archeologists work together to safely bring it up to the surface.  In this thrilling book, Sally M. Walker presents the history of the ship's planning and construction, and explores the artifacts found and the science used during the ship's excavation to shed light on what may have happened on that fateful February night.

3.  CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written in clear and concise language, this photo essay information book invites readers to learn more about this little known warship and the role it played during the Civil War.  By using proper terminology as well as short factual sentences, Walker is able to describe complicated scientific principles, such as water buoyancy and mitochondrial DNA, in a manner that is easy for the audience to understand.  She keeps readers' attention by posing thought-provoking questions that encourage curiosity and critical thinking throughout the text.  For example, she asks "How could an iron submarine that weighed thousands of pounds descend deep underwater and resurface?" and "Why had she sunk?  What happened to the crew?"  These stirring questions keep readers engaged as they quickly turn the pages to discover the answers that lie within.

Walker's thorough research on the Hunley is evident in her use of first-hand testimonies, personal interviews, and historical documents cited throughout the text.  She uses the testimony of Harry Pecorelli, the underwater archeologist who first discovered the ship's wreckage, to describe the euphoria and excitement he experienced at having found the long-lost ship.  Quotes from personal interviews with Maria Jacobson, the archeologist in charge of the ship's excavation, are included to further explain the crew's meticulous investigation to identify what sunk the H.L. Hunley.  Photographic images of original historical documents, such as principal financer Horace Hunley's handwritten request for submarine uniforms, not only capture the writing styles of the nineteenth century, but also add a human touch to the names cited within the text.  All primary sources are credited and listed in great detail in the "Source Notes" and "Selected Bibliography" sections located at the end of the book.  As an added bonus, "A Note From the Author" describes the vital evidence Sally M. Walker came across while conducting detailed research at the prestigious National Archives in Washington, D.C. and the educational information she received from submarine expert, Edgar McCollum.  These details not only reveal the author's dedication and enthusiasm for the subject matter, but also serve to validate the accuracy of the information found within this photo essay book.  

On nearly every page, stunning, full color photographs help to further validate the accuracy of the text.  As readers flip through the pages, they see vivid, amazing photos that capture the detail of the H.L. Hunley submerged underwater in the laboratory; the concentration and emotions on the excavation team's faces as they carefully work to protect the ship's integrity; and the intricate details found in some of the artifacts, such as the personal message inscribed in the captain's twenty-dollar gold coin.  Perhaps the most moving photographs are those of the crew's facial reconstructions, which serve as powerful reminders of the human lives lost.  Each photo is clearly captioned with useful information to help the audience better understand it's content.  Walker also includes labeled diagrams and colorful maps that allow readers to easily identify the parts of the ship mentioned as well as pinpoint the locations of the submarine's dives.  In addition to these visually appealing images and diagrams, Walker uses  rich colors, assorted fonts, and creative page borders to keep readers engaged as they delve further into the H.L. Hunley's true story.  

The book is organized chronologically, beginning with the ship's construction in 1863 and ending with the submarine crew's proper military funeral in 2004.  The information is presented in two sections, with Walker cleverly using cream-colored pages to depict the H.L. Hunley's historical journey during the nineteenth century, and white-colored pages to provide information on the ship's discovery and excavation in recent times.  A table of contents page reveals there are nine chapters, with the bulk of the these dedicated to the ship's subsequent investigation.  Clearly-marked subheadings allows readers to easily find and locate detailed information.  A glossary is also included and contains terms that are used extensively throughout the book, such as starboard, port, and aft.  Although the book is meant to be read cover to cover, an index completes this photo essay book to allow readers to  find  specific information quickly.  Readers in grades four and up will enjoy the stunning photographs as well as the author's stimulating writing style as they join the investigation to uncover the mysteries of the H.L. Hunley.

4.  REVIEWS:

A Robert F. Sibert Medal Book, 2006

ALA Notable Book, 2006

BOOKLIST: "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."

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "This fascinating account of the development and ensuing disasters of the Civil War submarine is told with just enough detail and well-incorporated primary sources to capture good middle school readers... Maps, diagrams, photos of the Civil War participants, and photos of the actual ship and artifacts aboard are compelling."

THE LORGNETTE- HEART OF TEXAS REVIEWS: "Many scientific, archaeological, and anthropological procedures come into play, and Walker explains them with clarity. She clearly has a love of her subject and emphasizes how many disciplines came together to provide a glimpse into history. The reader feels like a member of the discovery team working on the expedition and exploration of the findings."

5.  CONNECTIONS

Incorporate books that encourage students to further investigate the H.L. Hunley:

Hawk, Fran.  THE STORY OF THE H.L. HUNLEY AND QUEENIE'S COIN.  ISBN  1585362182

Walker, Sally M.  SHIPWRECK SEARCH: DISCOVERY OF THE H.L. HUNLEY.  ISBN  0822564491

Allow students an opportunity to engage in hands-on activities that simulate the techniques used in archeological digs and excavations.  Ideas may be found in the following books:

Panchyk, Richard.  ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS: UNCOVERING THE MYSTERIES OF OUR PAST, 25 ACTIVITIES.  ISBN  1556523955

White, John.  HANDS-ON ARCHAEOLOGY: REAL-LIFE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS.  ISBN  1593631626