My Last Skirt: The Story of Jennie Hodgers, Union Soldier
Grade 6-8-In post-famine Ireland, Jennie's long skirts literally and figuratively hold her back, despite the fact that she is smarter and has more initiative than her brother. She first dons trousers to shepherd for the bishop of Belfast. After their father's death, she and Tom make their way to America. Jennie keeps wearing pants and passes as a boy until jealousy leads Tom to give away her secret. She flees west to Illinois and joins the Union army when the Civil War breaks out. It is during the war that this novel really shines. Based on a true story, Jennie's tale is gripping, with vivid details of the fighting in the Deep South, tense battle scenes, and a pitch-perfect though ultimately tragic love story. One drawback to an otherwise good read is that Jennie's life before the war feels rushed; there is no emotional response when her father dies trying to save a lamb. He kicks Jennie's hands away, distrustful that she is strong enough to hold him, and he falls from the cliff. The emotional center of the book is saved for Jennie's turmoil about passing as a man, and the mutually strong but unspoken feelings she has for fellow soldier Frank Moore. Set before any major strides in the women's movement,My Last Skirtpainfully captures Jennie's unique place in history. Her loneliness, longing, and missed opportunities will resonate deeply with readers.-Christina Stenson-Carey, Albany Public Library, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.