The War of 1812 ended with what, on the surface, appeared to be minor results. No significant national borders were changed, the military losses while tragic paled when compared to those exacted by contemporary conflicts in Europe, and no governmental shifts resulted in any involved nation. However, as readers of this volume of the four-book “Documenting the War of 1812” series will discover, what lies on the surface of history may only be part of the true story. In this illustrated and concise history book, youngsters will review results of a conflict that has received very little scholarship and attention. Yet, as Lizann Flatt depicts in this little book, the War of 1812 had significant outcomes. The stalemated fighting resulted in the further establishment of the United States as a truly independent republic. North of the American-Canadian border, the abilities of Canadian troops and militiamen to withstand a series of American invasions yielded a growing sense of national pride. Similarly, the ability of American forces to hold their own against the most powerful nation in the world bolstered a sense of nationalism in the United States. The war also set Native Americans against various combatants and eventually resulted in the further destruction of tribal life. Finally, the emergence of several keynote figures such as Andrew Jackson helped set the stage for future political developments on the American scene. All of these results are pinpointed in this slim book and are done so in ways that will benefit its readers. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck