A Separate Battle

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- Chang introduces many familiar names, such as Harriet Tubman, Belle Boyd, and Clara Barton, as well as women who rolled bandages at home, nursed injured soldiers near the front, or fought disguised as men. Through her use of primary-source materials such as letters and diaries, the author personalizes this history without whitewashing it. She also captures the prejudice faced by those women with nerve enough to assist in the war effort in a more public way, especially their poor treatment by men. In one of the most vivid passages, she describes Sojourner Truth facing down an audience of hostile men and bringing them to their feet cheering. The black-and-white archival photographs and reproductions are excellent, some showing how women continued to be portrayed as ``delicate and demure'' even though their work required determination and energy. This is valuable addition to American history and women's studies collections. --Elizabeth M. Reardon, McCallie School, Chattanooga, TN