KIRKUS REVIEW
What better mascot for an army unit than America's national bird? The author's great-grandfather commanded Company C of the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, better known as the "Eagle Company" after they adopted a young bald eagle. Named Old Abe after the president, the eagle was carried on a perch into the front ranks of 25 major battles. Astonishingly, he was never seriously injured; he became famous and after the war lived in special rooms in the Wisconsin Capitol Building. Young's text was first published with different illustrations in 1965. His storytelling has aged surprisingly well, though teachers, librarians and thorough-minded students will miss the hallmarks of modern nonfiction: bibliography, archival material and specific historical references. The encyclopedic endnote on bald eagles in general adds little. Lee makes her illustration debut with orange- and indigo-hued watercolors that evoke the sepia photographs of the Civil War era while retaining a modern sensibility. She's unafaid of simplicity and blank space, effectively establishing setting and mood with a minimum of fuss, and looks to have a strong future. (Picture book. 5-10)