Bibliographic Information:
Rinaldi, A. (2001). Girl in Blue. New York: Scholastic.
Readability Level: 6.1
Audience Level: Grades 6-8
Suggested Delivery: independent or small group read
Summary: "Inspired by the war fever of 1861, and tired of her father's mistreatment, 15-year-old Sarah Wheelock determines to run away and join the Union forces to fight the Confederacy. The last straw comes when her father promises her hand in marriage to a man who is twice her age and has the manners of a bear. After she cuts her hair, changes clothes, and lowers her voice, Sarah has few problems passing as a boy: years of hard farm labor have toughened her physically, and she has a natural talent for impersonation. Soon, young Private "Neddy Compton" is on the road to Washington, DC, with the 2nd Michigan Infantry. Despite being a model enlisted "man," Sarah is unmasked, and is transferred into the Secret Service, part of Allan Pinkerton's network of spies. Her acting skills are tested in a new and dangerous disguise, as a servant to notorious Rose Greenhow and other Southern sympathizers who are being held under house arrest. Here, the young woman's patriotism, loyalty, and intelligence will be tested beyond anything she experienced as a soldier. While Sarah and the other characters lack depth, Rinaldi's novel offers an exciting plot based on solid historical research."
-Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Rinaldi, A. (2001). Girl in Blue. New York: Scholastic.
Readability Level: 6.1
Audience Level: Grades 6-8
Suggested Delivery: independent or small group read
Summary: "Inspired by the war fever of 1861, and tired of her father's mistreatment, 15-year-old Sarah Wheelock determines to run away and join the Union forces to fight the Confederacy. The last straw comes when her father promises her hand in marriage to a man who is twice her age and has the manners of a bear. After she cuts her hair, changes clothes, and lowers her voice, Sarah has few problems passing as a boy: years of hard farm labor have toughened her physically, and she has a natural talent for impersonation. Soon, young Private "Neddy Compton" is on the road to Washington, DC, with the 2nd Michigan Infantry. Despite being a model enlisted "man," Sarah is unmasked, and is transferred into the Secret Service, part of Allan Pinkerton's network of spies. Her acting skills are tested in a new and dangerous disguise, as a servant to notorious Rose Greenhow and other Southern sympathizers who are being held under house arrest. Here, the young woman's patriotism, loyalty, and intelligence will be tested beyond anything she experienced as a soldier. While Sarah and the other characters lack depth, Rinaldi's novel offers an exciting plot based on solid historical research."
-Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Curriculum Connections:
- What do you think of Sarah's choice to leave home and join the army? If you were in Sarah's shoes, would you stay or go? Do you think her decision was wise? Why or why not?
- Research the history of women in the armed forces. When were women allowed to openly join the army? Can women have the same jobs today as men?
- Use Google Maps to trace Sarah's journey as a soldier and tour the places she went.