• 5 Star Reads
  • Audiobooks
  • Books on Screen
  • Children’s Books
  • Christian
  • Fiction
  • Giveaways

5 Minutes For Books

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Are We? Reviewer Bios
    • 5 Star Reads
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
  • Join In
    • 5 Minutes for Books Bookclub
    • Children’s Classics
    • Kids’ Picks
    • What’s on Your Nightstand
  • Link To Us
  • Contact
    • Advertise

Iron Thunder

August 4, 2008 by Lisa

The “I Witness” series transports young readers into a pivotal moment in history, as told through the eyes of an eyewitness to the events as they unfold. Iron Thunder by Newbery Award-winning author Avi is the first book in the series, and relates the story of the Monitor, the Union’s first ironclad warship, and her crucial Civil War sea battle.

Thirteen-year-old Tom Carroll narrates the story which begins with him taking a job to support his mother and sister after his father is killed fighting for the Union. Tom becomes an assistant to the Monitor’s inventor, John Ericsson. The first person account, though fictional, offers a fascinating glimpse not only to the Civil War era, but also to the new and completely untried naval technology of an ironclad warship. There are spies and near drownings, an exciting race to seaworthiness as well the intense battle with the Rebel ship, the Merrimac. One of the most fascinating features of the book is the actual photos and period drawings from the real Monitor, which add accuracy and realism to the story.

History is fascinating, as this novel gives proof. Iron Thunder is an exciting and interesting book that is sure to be enjoyed by middle grade readers, boys especially.

Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….

Filed Under: Historical, Lisa, Middle Grade Chapter Books

« On Reading: Challenge Yourself
Sew U Home Stretch »

Comments

  1. Carrie (Reading to Know) says

    August 4, 2008 at 1:12 am

    It sounds kinda like the “We Were There . . .” series. Have you heard of those and would you say that this is anything like that?

    Thanks for the heads up!

  2. Mocha with Linda says

    August 4, 2008 at 9:53 am

    This sounds really good. My son has been more into WWII than Civil War, but he HAS been intrigued by the Monitor & the Merrimac, so I think he would like this one, even though he’s probably outgrown it. He still enjoys sometimes reading an easier book, especially for a break during school!

  3. Michele says

    August 4, 2008 at 11:06 am

    Sounds like a good gift idea. This would be great for my nephew!

  4. Lauren Anderson says

    August 5, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Ooh! I can’t tell you how timely this is. My almost-10 year old son has been reading everything he can on the civil war. I think this sounds like a wonderful father-son read aloud!

  5. Crystal B. says

    August 5, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    Sounds like a great book. 🙂

  6. natalie says

    January 19, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    my freind kennedy is reading this for a lit circle group book im reading 11 birthdays its great!

  7. kfgmn says

    December 17, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    yeah its pretty good

Connect with us

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to 5 Minutes for Books. We are a team blog dedicated to sharing reviews and information about children's lit, fiction, memoir, and more. Read More…

Reviews

5 Minutes for Books

Jennifer Donovan
Managing Editor

MEET OUR TEAM



Connect With Us


Pinterest

Community

Cybils Logo Draft 3

Disclosure:

Find out about our relationships with publishers and affiliate networks in our full disclosure statement.

Recent Posts

  • After Pearl
  • Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man)
  • I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
  • You are Fatally Invited
  • Murder on the Steel Pier–SHOWCASE

Categories

Privacy Policy    |     Disclosure Policy
Terms & Conditions
© 5 Minutes for Mom

Let’s Socialize

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Pinterest is Our FAVORITE!

Find and Follow Us at
pinterest.com/5min4books

Copyright © 2025 · Tasteful theme by Restored 316