A searchable database of books recommended by the CCBC.
(More information on CCBC book recommendations)
Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, A Civil War Hero
The first time Sarah Emma Edmonds tried to join the Union Army as Frank Thompson, she was rejected for being too young. But a month later, “Frank” was accepted into the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Frank’s skills were equal—and in some cases better—than many men’s, but small feet earned him the nickname “Our Little Woman.” Frank served as a soldier and nurse, and then began to spy behind enemy lines, a role he continued for multiple missions. Marissa Moss’s lively account of this Civil War soldier and spy who passed as a man for the duration of her service recounts Frank’s early days as a soldier and first mission as a spy, posing as a freed slave. Frank’s success was due in no small part to Sarah’s intelligence. Moss’s author’s note providing an overview of Sarah’s life after this story concludes is followed by a list of resources used by Moss and illustrator John Hendrix, and two photographs: one of Sarah Edmonds, and one of Sarah Edmonds as Frank Thompson. ©2011 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by John Hendrix
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
19th Century
Biography
Civil War (US)
Courage
Gender Identity
Girls and Women
Slavery
Soldiers/Military
Spies and Intrigue
U.S. History
Publisher:
Abrams
Publish Year: 2011
Pages: 48
ISBN: 9780810997356
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Edmonds