Andrew Round and Brian Raimondi Book Pass The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War Author:

Michael Shaara

Summary of Book: Killer Angels, the historical fiction novel based on the events surrounding the American Civil War written by Michael Shaara, is the story about the bloodiest three days of the conflict that took place in Gettysburg on July 1, 1863. Detailing the battle from the perspectives of both sides, Shaara brings to life the honor and respect carried by each of the armies and the admiration each had for the other, as the battle was not two forces fighting each other, but rather friends and family. The story begins with a spy rushing to see a general in the confederate army, Longstreet, to inform him of the Union armys movement. Surprised by the close proximity of the Union forces, the confederate military maneuvered through the mountains toward the town of Gettysburg. However the union army is aware of the confederate presence and begins establishing fortification on top of the surrounding hills such as Little Round Top. Longstreet, knowing that they had lost the advantage of choosing where to fight, tries to convince General Lee to take a defensive position cutting off the Union Army from Washington DC. But in a fatal error, Lee refuses; ordering instead to attack the union forces head on in the hopes to illuminate the forces in one stroke. Attempting to overwhelm the union flanks, Lee sends waves of confederate troops up the steep slopes that house the union forces, including the regiment lead by Major Chamberlain that were stationed on Little Round Top. After several offensive strikes, the last of which was scared off by union troops storming down the hill with bayonets, Lee was still unable to break through the lines. Believing that his attacks on the flanks had weakened the forces in the center, the next day Lee attacked the union forces directly with complete failure. In one charge alone, Lee lost sixty percent of an entire regiment. This massive loss of life caused the confederate forces to pullback and retreat and the bloodiest battle of the war came to an end. Target Readers: 11-12th Grade

Reading Strategy:

Book Pass

The book pass consists of a three column format, which will allow the students to examine several books, novels, diaries, primary sources, and poetry related to a specific topic. This specific topic can be an event, theme, or time period. The students are to skim through the book examining pictures, chapter titles, graphics, and other items they may deem important. After approximately five minutes the teacher will say Book Pass, and this cues the students to switch their book with a partners book. The students are to chart any questions, newly learned information, or general comments they may have about the resource. Modifications: This can be used in small groups or even as a class overall. Students could also do this with newspaper or web articles as well. This can also be done on an individual basis, where you could have each student, instead of small groups, examining a resource. Pictures, and short highlighted texts can be used for students with cognitive disabilities or are ELLs. Additional Activities: Students could do this individually, and then pair with a partner and share their thoughts and comments on the resource they used. Thematic Units, Topics, Or Literature Units: The Book Pass strategy can be used with any theme, topic or style of literature. The strategy allows for adaptations to fit a teachers needs.

Student Name: _________________________________________________ Topic or Theme: _________________________________________________

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