The Powder Monkey is a fascinating book for young readers. The author has combined history with fiction in such a way as to create a magical window for today's youngsters into that era and place that still leaves its mark upon our nation today. A significant portion of The Powder Monkey is the true account of the two-day battle between the Confederate ironclad Virginia and several Union warships, including the famed USS Monitor. Ms. Campbell has skillfully woven into this history the tale of a young boy, Tad Lynch, who, having been inaddvertly left on board, becomes a powder boy and a helper with many of the chores on the Southern ship. Scorned at first by some of the crew, Tad wins their affection and admiration by the way he performs his duties and attends to them when they are injured. Every young boy should read this book. Not only is it interesting and fun, but the underlying example of courage and devotion to what is right is something badly needed among many of our young people of today. I highly recommend The Powder Monkey.

This teacher's guide has excellent reading and writing activities which give students oportunities for combining the curriculum subjects in connection with the historical fiction book, Window of Time, about youngsters during the Civil War. A plus is the overall synopsis of the story as well as the historical background aids for the teacher. Creative pre-, during, and after reading activities are suggested and explained throughout. Reproducible worksheets are handy for those who wish to use them. Teacher's answer keys are helpful.Easy to use, but could stand to have a table of contents.