For the child fascinated by history and unsung heroes, this book introduces the courageous women who shaped the Civil War era with their bravery and intellect.
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows an interest in history but finds traditional narratives lacking in diverse heroes. It’s for the child who asks, “What were the girls doing?” during a lesson on war. This collection of short biographies introduces middle-grade readers to the remarkable women who served as spies, soldiers, nurses, and abolitionists during the American Civil War. It highlights themes of bravery in the face of fear, perseverance against overwhelming odds, and the fight for justice. For ages 9 to 13, this book provides powerful, real-life role models and expands a child's understanding of history by revealing the crucial, often hidden, contributions of women.
Deals with the realities of war, including death and suffering.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with war, death, slavery, and sexism. The approach is factual and historical, suitable for the intended age range. It acknowledges the brutality of slavery and the horrors of war (including injuries and casualties) without being gratuitously graphic. The overall historical resolution is one of hope: the Union victory and the abolition of slavery. However, it is also realistic about the immense human cost and the continuing struggles for equality. The perspective is secular.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9 to 12-year-old who is fascinated by history, enjoys biographies, and is beginning to think critically about justice and fairness. It is particularly well-suited for a child who feels unrepresented in traditional historical accounts and is looking for strong, active female role models who defied convention.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold, as it provides good historical context. However, parents should be ready for conversations about the realities of 19th-century life, including the severe limitations placed on women and the atrocities of slavery. Discussing why a woman would have to hide her identity to serve her country can be a particularly powerful conversation. A parent might seek this book after their child says something like, “History is just about old white guys,” or asks, “Were there any girl heroes in the war?” It’s also an excellent supplement for a school unit on the Civil War, offering a more inclusive and complete picture.
Age Experience
A younger reader, around 9 or 10, will likely be drawn to the adventure elements: the spies, disguises, and battlefield heroics. They will take away a strong sense of individual bravery. An older reader, 12 or 13, will better appreciate the nuances of the social and political context. They will grasp the systemic injustices these women fought against (both racism and sexism) and understand the long-term historical significance of their actions.
What Makes It Special
Among many Civil War books, this one stands out for its accessible, multi-biography format. Instead of a dense, single-subject tome, it offers short, engaging chapters that collectively paint a broad picture of female contribution. This makes it an excellent gateway for middle-grade readers into more complex historical nonfiction and diverse storytelling.
Read plot summary
This nonfiction chapter book presents a collection of concise biographies about women who made significant contributions during the American Civil War. It covers both well-known figures like Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton and lesser-known heroes such as Sarah Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man to enlist, and Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond socialite who operated a highly effective spy ring for the Union. Each chapter focuses on a different woman's story, detailing her motivations, actions, and impact on the war effort.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sarah Edmonds disguised herself as a man, Franklin Thompson, to fight in the war. Why do you think she had to do this? What are some of the biggest risks she took by hiding her identity?
2
The book features spies like Elizabeth Van Lew and abolitionists like Harriet Tubman. Both fought for justice in different ways. Which woman's story did you find most surprising, and why?
3
Many women in this book, like nurse Clara Barton, defied the expectations of what women were 'supposed' to do at the time. How did their actions help change how people thought about women's roles in society?
4
After reading these stories, how has your idea of a 'hero' or a 'soldier' changed? What different kinds of bravery did these women show?
