Cordelia Harvey: Civil War Angel (Badger Biographies Series)
Badger Biographies Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Cordelia Harvey: Civil War Angel tells the story of an iconic figure from Wisconsin's Civil War history. As the wife of a promising young governor, Cordelia Harvey seemed destined for great things. Then tragedy struck: her husband, Louis Harvey, drowned, and Cordelia found herself widowed and alone. Like Louis had, Cordelia cared deeply about the Wisconsin soldiers fighting in the Civil War, and she jumped at a job offer from the new governor: working as the sanitary agent for Wisconsin. In this position, Cordelia could fight for the well-being of the state’s men and boys wounded in battle. Young readers will follow Cordelia on her travels up and down the Mississippi to visit Wisconsin soldiers in military hospitals. In her efforts to make sure soldiers were well cared for, Cordelia wrote to the governor about their need for wholesome food, clean supplies, and fresh air. Eventually, she would travel to Washington to plead with President Lincoln for a Soldier’s Home hospital in Wisconsin. When Cordelia returned home after the war, she continued her humanitarian work by starting an orphanage for the children of fallen Civil War soldiers. Cordelia Harvey: Civil War Angel includes sidebars on medical care, early nursing, and military prisons. A timeline, glossary of terms, and suggestions for activities and discussion round out this spirited narrative.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cordelia A. Perrine Harvey
Louis P. Harvey
Abraham Lincoln
Discussion points
How do you think Cordelia Harvey's work during the Civil War made a difference in the lives of soldiers?
Why is it important to help others, even in difficult times like Cordelia did?
What qualities did Cordelia demonstrate that you admire the most?
If you were in Cordelia’s position, how would you try to make a positive impact?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Cordelia’s bravery and compassion. This sets a reflective tone for the discussion. Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the era, making the historical context more relatable. Use praise to reinforce their insights, which encourages deeper thinking and connection to the material. Lastly, connect the story’s themes to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: Cordelia Harvey's dedication to caring for wounded soldiers exemplifies deep compassion and empathy, as she works tirelessly to bring comfort to those in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting kindness and support in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite facing personal loss and the horrors of war, Cordelia remains committed to her mission, showcasing immense resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persevering through their own challenges, whether they're struggling with schoolwork or coping with loss.
Example Lesson: Importance of advocacy
Explanation: Cordelia Harvey advocated for better medical facilities and care, influencing significant improvements in the treatment of soldiers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the power of speaking up for what is right and learn to advocate for themselves and others in school and within their community.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Cordelia's role in establishing hospitals and her influence in healthcare reform during the Civil War demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking initiative in group settings and developing skills to guide others towards a common goal, such as in team sports or school projects.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book gives insights into the Civil War period, helping children understand significant historical events and figures.
Real-World Application: Knowing history enriches a child’s perspective of the world and their place in it, encouraging informed thinking and participation in cultural and community events.