52 pages 1 hour read

Ann Rinaldi

Numbering all the Bones

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2002

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Numbering All the Bones by Ann Rinaldi follows Eulinda, a formerly enslaved girl living near Andersonville Confederate Prison in the mid-1860s. As the Civil War ends, she witnesses the prison's horrific conditions and grapples with her family's struggles, including her brother's disappearance. Eulinda ultimately works with Clara Barton to properly honor the soldiers who died at Andersonville. The book discusses slavery, racism, and death.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ann Rinaldi's Numbering all the Bones receives praise for its compelling historical context and well-researched depiction of the Civil War era. Critics appreciate the strong, relatable protagonist and the emotional depth. However, some find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it offers a poignant, educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Numbering all the Bones?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction about the Civil War and young protagonists' personal growth will appreciate Ann Rinaldi's Numbering All the Bones. Fans of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor or Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson will find this book compelling and educational.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

670L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Children's Literature

Auto/Biographical Fiction

Period

American Civil War

Topics

Race / Racism

History: U.S.

Military / War

Themes

Relationships: Family

Life/Time: Mortality & Death

Relationships: Siblings