I'll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War

In her first book for young readers, children's literature expert Silvey introduces unsung heroes of the Civil War: women who risked their reputations and lives to fight as soldiers. The volume, containing excerpts from first-person accounts and abundant vintage photographs and etchings, explores the motives, adventures and day-to-day struggles of women who shed their skirts and cut their hair to pass as male enlistees. In highly accessible language, the author shares enough background to enable readers to put into context pre-Victorian restrictions on women. At the same time, she captures the fiery spirits of unconventional individuals. Representing more than 30 years of the author's passionate interest in the Civil War, Silvey's is an engrossing, intelligently wrought account of 19th-century feminists making their mark. Ages 10–14. (Dec.)