Book excerpt: Eleven fascinating historical articles (four or five pages long, and reproducible so teachers can hand them out to students) summarize main points and deliver colorful, memorable details about "everyday life" during the Civil War. Following each illustrated article, three or four reproducible worksheets test comprehension and spark deeper engagement through creative writing, arts and crafts projects, research starters, critical thought questions, what-if scenarios, and other activities. Topics include background and causes, advantages of each side, first battles, the leaders, the soldiers life, the home fronts, innovations, unusual facts (youthful, foreign, and female soldiers), African Americans, hospitals and prisons, and the aftermath. Grades 4-8. Suggested readings. Answer keys.