A Soldier's Secret: The Incredible True Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero
Nineteen-year-old Sarah has been passing as a man for three years when the Civil War begins. Determined to be a part of history, she enlists in the Union army as Frank Thompson, serving, respectively, as a nurse, postmaster, spy, and orderly. Based on the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who became the only woman to be recognized by acts of Congress as an honorably discharged soldier, Moss’ novel offers a fascinating, first-person portrait of a woman who notes, “I can’t figure out who I’m supposed to be . . . I’m doomed to be neither fish nor fowl.” A keen observer, Sarah/Frank offers a vivid portrait of the horrors of war and the increasing difficulties of maintaining her masquerade when she falls in love with a male nurse. Nicely designed, the book is enhanced by the inclusion of numerous photographs from the Civil War period. Appended material includes a time line, a bibliography, and thumbnail portraits of Civil War generals. Grades 7-12. --Michael Cart