Behind Rebel Lines

Behind Rebel Lines tells the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who disguised herself as a man to serve as a Union soldier and spy during the American Civil War. Under the alias of Frank Thompson, she carried out missions behind Confederate lines while maintaining her secret identity among fellow troops. The narrative follows her experiences conducting reconnaissance missions, gathering intelligence, and navigating the complexities of her double life. Edmonds faced constant risks not only from enemy forces but also from the possibility of her true identity being discovered by her own compatriots. The book details the methods and disguises Edmonds used to infiltrate Confederate territory, along with her observations of military movements and camp conditions. Her story provides documentation of actual Civil War events and military operations from a rare perspective. This account illuminates themes of gender roles, patriotism, and individual courage during a pivotal time in American history. The narrative raises questions about identity and duty while offering insights into the hidden contributions of women during the Civil War.

Readers appreciate this true Civil War story for making history engaging for middle-grade students. Many note it works well for reluctant readers, with one teacher commenting "my students who hate reading couldn't put it down." Common praise focuses on: - Fast pace and short chapters - Emma's bravery and determination - Historical photographs and details - Age-appropriate handling of war Main criticisms: - Simplified writing style for younger readers - Some sections feel rushed - Wanted more details about Emma's later life Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Scholastic: 4/5 (90+ ratings) Several teachers report using it successfully in grades 5-8 Civil War units. Parent reviewers frequently mention it sparked interest in history for both boys and girls. Some adult readers found it too basic but acknowledge they aren't the target audience.

The Diary of a Union Soldier by David Shoup A Civil War soldier's account reveals battlefield experiences and espionage missions through documented journal entries from 1862-1865.

A Spy's Life: Union Intelligence Operations During the Civil War by Stephen Sears The narrative follows multiple Union spies who crossed enemy lines and gathered intelligence while posing as Confederate sympathizers.

Sarah Emma Edmonds: Civil War Nurse and Spy by Marissa Moss This biography chronicles the true story of a woman who served as a male nurse, soldier, and spy for the Union Army under the alias Frank Thompson.

Women in the Civil War by Mary Elizabeth Massey The text documents female soldiers who disguised themselves as men to fight, spy, and serve as nurses during the American Civil War.

The Secret War for the Union by Edwin C. Fishel The book details the intelligence operations of the Union Army, including the stories of undercover agents who penetrated Confederate territory.

🔹 Emma Edmonds didn't just write about a female Civil War spy - she was one. She served in the Union Army for two years disguised as a male nurse and spy under the name Franklin Thompson. 🔹 While operating as a spy, Edmonds used multiple disguises, including posing as a male slave, an Irish peddler woman, and a Black laundress to gather intelligence for the Union. 🔹 In 1992, Emma Edmonds became one of only two women ever inducted into the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans. 🔹 The book is based on Edmonds' actual memoir, "Nurse and Spy in the Union Army," published in 1864, which sold over 175,000 copies. All profits were donated to aid wounded soldiers. 🔹 Despite her gender being discovered after the war, Edmonds was granted a pension by Congress in 1884 for her military service - a rare recognition for a female soldier of that era.