School Library Journal Review
Gr 6-10-History and science combine in a fascinating account of the submarine developed to break the Union blockade of Charleston. Documents, maps, and diagrams illustrate the Civil War section while photos enhance explanations of the 1990s work of divers, engineers, and geologists to locate and raise the H.L. Hunley in order to learn why she sank. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
This well-researched, attractively designed book tells the story of the first Confederate submarine to sink a ship. The Hunley mysteriously vanished after the 1864 attack and remained so until its rediscovery in 1995. Walker discusses theories about its disappearance, the painstaking efforts to preserve the vessel's remains, and modern archaeological methods used to learn about the Hunley and its crew. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Gr. 7-10. The author of Fossil Fish Found Alive0 (2002) now discusses a different sort of discovery, the Confederate submarine H. L. Hunley0 . After sinking a Union sloop near Charleston, South Carolina, in 1864, the Hunley0 did not return to port. Although divers searched for more than 130 years, the sub was not found until 1995. Over the last 10 years, archaeologists have carefully raised the Hunley0 and painstakingly sifted through the 20,000 pounds of sediment it contained for artifacts and human remains and, ultimately, clues to why, when, and how the vessel sank. Walker begins with the history of the Hunley0 '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 Hunley0 or intrigued by archaeology. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2005 Booklist