In 1856, the abolitionist parents of Owen and Amos Bennington are murdered. Both of the brothers wish to continue their parents' work when they move to Kansas, but Owen prefers to use political, peaceful means, while a bitter Amos chooses to join the fiery John Brown when he sees the violence used by pro-slavery forces. Owen eventually moves to Illinois, where he works for Abraham Lincoln, while Amos stays with John Brown until he realizes, with the plans for attacking Harpers Ferry, that Brown might have gone too far. In 1858, Lincoln gave a speech in which he stated, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." This graphic novel in the Turning Points series illustrates a different aspect of that quote, as their small family unit falls apart over the disagreement of the fictional Bennington brothers. It also illustrates the conflicts in the years that led to the Civil War and how large national issues affected everyone's lives. Purvis' expressive black-and-white art should attract readers, especially those interested in American history and historical fiction.

Gr 5-7 When Owen and Amos Bennington's abolitionist parents are murdered in 1856, each brother takes a different path toward ending slavery. Owen goes to Springfield, IL, to work on Abraham Lincoln's election, while Amos joins John Brown's campaign. Scenes of violence against abolitionists effectively illustrate the risks involved in fighting slavery, and this fictional account helps to dramatize and highlight a part of history that needs attention. The dialogue is occasionally pedantic: definitions of political parties and the Fugitive Slave Law are awkwardly inserted into conversation. The illustrations are expressive and assured, however, and the handwritten lettering gives the story an informal feel. There is no bibliography to assure readers of the accuracy behind the story's history. Still, this is an accessible introduction to the period, and a light supplement to more substantial texts on the topic. Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NY