This juvenile biography of Robert E. Lee focuses on the man as one of the most distinguished and respected generals in U.S. history. The fact that this military service was done in service to the Confederate States of America, and therefore in support of the institution of slavery, is ultimately explained by the words beneath Lee's statue in the Hall of Fame in the United States Congress: "Duty then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less."

Marian G. Cannon begins this study with Lee's decision to refuse President Lincoln's offer to take command of the Federal armies at the start of the Civil War because of Lee's loyalty to his native Virginia. This speaks to one of the hardest issues for young students to understand: the idea of putting your state above your country. Consequently, the book begins with Lee being born as a Southerner the goes on to cover his marriage, early military career during the Mexican War, and then his leadership of the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War.

This is a solid biography of Lee, that covers all of the basics in a fairly objective manner. The book is illustrated with historical photographs and paintings of the life and times of Robert E. Lee. Younger students assigned to do a research project on Lee will find this a good place to start. Other First Books on the Civil War look at Ulysses S. Grant, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the battle of the ironclads.