The first time Sarah Emma Edmonds tried to join the Union Army as Frank Thompson, she was rejected for being too young. But a month later, “Frank” was accepted into the Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Frank’s skills were equal—and in some cases better—than many men’s, but small feet earned him the nickname “Our Little Woman.” Frank served as a soldier and nurse, and then began to spy behind enemy lines, a role he continued for multiple missions. Marissa Moss’s lively account of this Civil War soldier and spy who passed as a man for the duration of her service recounts Frank’s early days as a soldier and first mission as a spy, posing as a freed slave. Frank’s success was due in no small part to Sarah’s intelligence. Moss’s author’s note providing an overview of Sarah’s life after this story concludes is followed by a list of resources used by Moss and illustrator John Hendrix, and two photographs: one of Sarah Edmonds, and one of Sarah Edmonds as Frank Thompson. (Ages 6–10)

When Frank Thompson sees a recruitment poster for the new Union army, he’s ready and willing to enlist. Except Frank isn’t his real name. In fact, Frank is really Sarah Emma Edmonds, in disguise. Only nineteen years old, Sarah has already been dressing as a man for three years and living on the run in order to escape an arranged marriage. She’s tasted freedom, and as far as she’s concerned, there’s no going back. Eager to fight for the North during the Civil War, Sarah joins a Michigan infantry regiment. She excels as a soldier and even takes on the grueling task of nursing the wounded. Because of her heroism, she is asked to become a spy, cross enemy lines, and infiltrate a Confederate camp. For her first mission, Sarah must once again disguise herself and rely on the kindness of enslaved people to help her do her job. This incredible true story of a brave young woman who makes an unlikely choice to fight for her country is one that should not be lost to history.