I wish this book has included more of Tillie's narrative. While it was interesting and informative, the few quotes by Tillie made me want to read her book instead of this one. Overall very good design and information, great for any youth interested in the Civil War. ( )

This is an interesting book on Tillie Pierce's perspective on the Battle of Gettysburg. The supporting pictures provide more detail to the story, helping the reader to dive into her perspective. I enjoy visiting Gettysburg and this story is a great addition to the history of the battle. ( )

Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg by Tanya Anderson gives a very interesting perspective of the battle of Gettysburg. As the title indicates, Tillie was a teenager at the time the Confederates invaded her state (Pennsylvania) and thence ended up at her hometown of Gettysburg. As the danger grows Tillie's parents allow her to go with a neighbor who desires to flee, with her two children to a safer spot at her own parents farm. Ironically, their refuge ends up being a not-so-safe place with war taking place around them and nearby on the Round Tops. Tillie and her friends accept the situation in which they are placed and end up helping with the wounded and helping give water to active soldiers and in so doing she meets various soldiers participating in the battle (including General Meade) all the while worrying about her own family back in the main town.

The book is filled with interesting facts about the Civil War and many photographs, some of which may be disturbing as they are of dead soldiers. One of the facts that they bring out is how an account that Tillie's father gave has been confirmed by forensic evidence, about his neighbor's house being used by a Confederate soldier to fire at the Union and subsequently being killed in that room.

All in all I thought that the book is well written and that Tillie's story was well edited and explained throughout and will probably be interesting enough to induce readers to look up her full account of her experiences.

I received a free copy of this book as a part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers Program: Many thanks! (My review did not have to be favorable) ( )

I wondered why I was getting an "Early Reviewer" copy of a book that was originally published in 2013. Quindaro Press has reissued the book as a paperback with "French flaps" - sturdy,gatefold flyleafs. They keep the original dust jacket information available, they can be used for bookmarking, and they make the book sturdier.

Tillie Pierce is a short and compelling account of a week in a life of a teen girl who lived in Gettysburg during the Battle of Gettysburg. Author Tanya Anderson uses many of Tillie Pierce's own words*, but mixes them with a more modern-style narrative, and includes photographs, maps, and background information. Words that are archaic or might be unfamiliar, e.g., caissons, consumption, accoutrement, are defined parenthetically. (I prefer footnoting, but parenthetical makes for easier reading).

As you might expect from writer Tanya Anderson, the research is commendable. The book includes: Bibliography, Black-and-White Photographs, Further Reading, Glossary, Index, Photo Captions, Source Notes, Table of Contents, Timeline. There are even step-by-step instructions to use Google Earth to follow the exact path that Tillie took from her home to a neighboring farmhouse which became a de facto military hospital.

If you haven't read Tillie Pierce yet, take advantage of this new edition to read or purchase it. You won't be disappointed. You can check out its many starred reviews and awards here: Reviews and Awards for Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg If you're a history teacher, I can't think of a more exciting way to interest teens in history than to let them experience it through the eyes of another teen.

Finally, a note on the publisher, Quindaro: After more than ten years in the publishing business, Quindaro has a new mission. They have committed to focusing on the YA market, publishing nonfiction designed "to engage the next generation of readers in history." I look forward to seeing their future offerings, and am hoping to review a copy of the upcoming Gunpowder Girls, also by Tanya Anderson.

*Tillie wrote her own book titled, At Gettysburg or What a Girl Saw and Heard of the Battle: A True Narrative.

My copy of Tillie Pierce: Teen Eyewitness to the Battle of Gettysburg was provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers program

http://shelf-employed.blogspot.com ( )

This book is one of my favorite styles.
I love reading about historical events from an eyewitness perspective!
This book does not disappoint, informative, educational and entertaining all at once! ( )