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

Bibliographical citation:  Walker, S. M. (2005). Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley. Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. 112 pages. ISBN: 1575058308.

Awards:  ALA Notable Children's Books (2006), Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal (2006)

Author's website: http://www.sallymwalker.com/home.html

Annotation:  This narrative thoroughly documents the history of the Civil War submarine, the H.L. Hunley, and describes in detail the challenging project of raising the Hunley 136 years after it sank along with the meticulous study and investigation of its remains.
 
Personal Reaction:  There are so many mysteries surrounding the Civil War submarine, the H.L. Hunley.  Finally raising the ship would shed some light on these questions, wouldn't it?  Well, Sally M. Walker has created a very interesting tale of the history of this submarine.  Not only does this narrative provide so many details about how the Hunley came to be, but also provides specific explanations of how this submarine was built.  The first few missions of the submarine are described along with the crew that was on each of these missions.  Walker clarifies the scientific principles that allow a submarine to dive and then rise in water in very simple terms that are easy to understand.  Additionally, Walker simplifies the scientific methods utilized to study and remove artifacts from the submarine.  These methods, if not properly explained, would be very confusing for readers. I think that is key, especially since this title is aimed at young readers.  The Hunley's excavation was done in such a methodical and painstaking manner since scientists had to make sure to properly do things in order to avoid damaging the Hunley.  It took five years to complete the task, and the group involved had to be very careful since they had not only scientific responsibilities to this archaeological site, but also moral ones, since the H.L. Hunley was considered a war grave.  Photographs alongside the text showing the various stages of the excavation, artifacts from the submarine, and reconstructed skulls of the crew, help to tell this very fascinating and mysterious story.

Front/Back Matter: Table of Contents, Prologue, Note from the Author, Source Notes, Selected Bibliography, Websites, Photo Acknowledgements, Glossary, Index.

*Bibliographical citation information, award information, as well as image retrieved from www.bwibooks.com (Titletales)