This thematic unit is designed for adult literacy students with at least a third grade reading level. Objectives are tied closely to skills needed for the General Educational Development tests and include computer and workplace skills. Equipped for the Future (EFF) roles and skills are also integrated into the plans. Best practice teaching strategies are used to engage learners in authentic learning as well as to build motivation and interest. Although the lessons are based on African American history, the strategies learned can foster discussions involving present-day issues. Components of each of the six lessons are description; learning objectives; EFF skills and topics; and learning activity. The description indicates which trade books are required reading for that lesson. Handouts are appended. A two-page matrix lists 39 Civil War and slavery books alphabetically by author's last name. The matrix provides this information for each book: author(s), title, type (picture book, young adult book, biography, fiction, nonfiction), difficulty (easy, medium, difficult), setting, heroes (yes/no), slavery (yes/no), Civil War (yes/no), abolition (yes/no), underground railroad (yes/no), and other (other topic, other type of book, special feature). (YLB)