Soldier's Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson

by Sheila Solomon Klass

Book Overview

In the 1700s, women's responsibilities were primarily child rearing and household duties. But Deborah Sampson wanted more from life. She wanted to read, to travel--and to fight for her country's independence. When the colonies went to war with the British in 1775, Deborah was intent on being part of the action. Seeing no other option, she disguised herself in a man's uniform and served in the Continental army for more than a year, her identity hidden...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805097392
• ISBN13: 9780805097399
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 11 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 6 to 10

Customer Reviews

Unique portrayal of 18th century life

Deborah Sampson never had any desire to be a man; but when her family abandons her and her country needs her, she determines to do everything she can to be able to fight like a man. She enlists in the army to support General Washington in the War for Independence, disguising herself and battling as a young man--and fooling everyone for over a year. In Soldier's Secret, Sheila Solomon Klass does an admirable job of translating Deborah's true story to an entertaining and accessible novel for young readers. She brings historical details vividly to life, and will give readers an understanding of colonial life they will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, illuminating the daily lives both of a woman and of a soldier.