Women who passed as men during the Civil War

Silvey, Anita. I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War. Grades 5 and up.

Fascinated by her own family's Civil War history, Ms. Silvey set out to research and locate information on the women who were unfortunately left out of most American history books and television programs. While there are several books on this subject for grownups, Ms. Silvey has brought this fascinating history to a younger readership. Her research resulted in an excellent look at these women's roles and their reasons for joining the various regiments. Ms. Silvey provides the reader with illustrations and photographs showing these women dressed as men in military uniform, which may easily fool the reader, just as they did the actual generals and soldiers.

This is a great look at Civil War history that younger readers may be unfamiliar with. For (young) history buffs and novices alike!

Wonderful historical fiction novel!

Rinaldi, Ann (2007). Come Juneteenth. 246 pages. (Grades 5-7).


The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, but it took two and a half years for Texas slave owners to inform their slaves for fear of an uprising. Fourteen-year old Luli has grown up during the Civil War alongside Sis Goose, a slave who was raised as Luli's sister. The girls tell each other everything, but when Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, Luli is forbidden to tell Sis Goose that she is free. When Union soldiers arrive in Texas, Sis Goose learns that she has been free for over two years. Her trust in Luli is broken and she is forced to run away with a Union soldier, which results in a devastating tragedy.