cherryblossommj's Review of Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero

by Marissa Moss

This fast-paced, high-energy picture book tells the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who at age nineteen disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Civil War. She took the name Frank Thompson and joined a Michigan army regiment to battle the Confederacy. Sarah excelled as a soldier and nurse on the battlefield. Because of her heroism, she was asked to become a spy. Her story comes to life through the signature illustrations and design of John Hendrix and the exciting storytelling of Marissa Moss.Praise for Nurse, Soldier, Spy“The incredible story of how Sarah Edmonds becomes Frank Thompson is full of adventure, bravado and pathos. Spirited pen-and-ink drawings, full of period detail and war action always focus on the intriguing Frank…” –San Francisco Chronicle“Readers won't stop until the last page of Marissa Moss' exciting Civil War story about Sarah Edmonds' life as a man in the Union Army. Vivid illustrations by artist John Hendrix match Moss' exciting account of Sarah's life in the Army.” –Sacramento Bee “Hendrix's artwork is, as usual, a showstopper, and his bold caricatures convey Edmonds's strength and determination. Moss delivers a riveting narrative, making it clear that Edmonds was fighting for more than one kind of freedom.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review “The focused view makes the book accessible for children. The pen-and-ink with acrylic wash illustrations are full of vibrant detail. Hendrix presents a meticulous view of military life, including army camp layouts and fortifications. Hand-drawn typography highlights important or humorous points in the text and adds even more visual interest.” –School Library Journal “Hendrix’s art emphasizes the horror and drama of war. Using hand-lettered text reminiscent of broadsides of the time, he visually shouts danger to the reader when tension is the highest.” –Horn Book “In ink-and-wash illustrations, Hendrix again displays his knack for visual narrative. The aerial view of Edmonds approaching the Confederate camp is particularly effective. This large-format picture book illustrates Edmonds’ courage and determination while conveying a good deal of information in a highly readable way.” –Booklist “Admirable and enlightening. Moss is a lively prose writer, and Hendrix’s illustrations inject humor into what is actually a serious subject.” –The New York Times “Boldly illustrated. The text is full of interesting details. This book strikes a fine balance which conveys the horrors of the Civil War without portraying too much blood and violence for elementary readers. A very useful and researchable picture book.” –Library Media Connection, starred review

Originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

Recommended to Margaret by: Laura Mihalick
Read in November, 2011 — I own a copy

When I wanted to get information together to join a descendants group, my father, the genealogist, insisted that I join through a woman. I have no doubt that he would be delighted with the idea of this book. Though my descendant group was back to the revolutionary war I am certain anyone who could claim descendancy to Sarah Edmonds would be as proud as I am to my Sarah Butler.

This is a great biographical addition to any library. Reading through her storylife and seeing the vivid time-authentic pictures is exciting and adventurous for any child.

Typed on a NookColor.
Thanks to Abrams for providing a copy for review.
John Hendrix teaches illustration at Washington University. He lives in St. Louis.

Praise for Nurse, Soldier, Spy by Marissa Moss
“The incredible story of how Sarah Edmonds becomes Frank Thompson is full of adventure, bravado and pathos. Spirited pen-and-ink drawings, full of period detail and war action always focus on the intriguing Frank…” –San Francisco Chronicle

“Readers won't stop until the last page of Marissa Moss' exciting Civil War story about Sarah Edmonds' life as a man in the Union Army. Vivid illustrations by artist John Hendrix match Moss' exciting account of Sarah's life in the Army.” –Sacramento Bee
“Hendrix's artwork is, as usual, a showstopper, and his bold caricatures convey Edmonds's strength and determination. Moss delivers a riveting narrative, making it clear that Edmonds was fighting for more than one kind of freedom.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The focused view makes the book accessible for children. The pen-and-ink with acrylic wash illustrations are full of vibrant detail. Hendrix presents a meticulous view of military life, including army camp layouts and fortifications. Hand-drawn typography highlights important or humorous points in the text and adds even more visual interest.” –School Library Journal

“Hendrix’s art emphasizes the horror and drama of war. Using hand-lettered text reminiscent of broadsides of the time, he visually shouts danger to the reader when tension is the highest.” –Horn Book

“In ink-and-wash illustrations, Hendrix again displays his knack for visual narrative. The aerial view of Edmonds approaching the Confederate camp is particularly effective. This large-format picture book illustrates Edmonds’ courage and determination while conveying a good deal of information in a highly readable way.” –Booklist

“Admirable and enlightening. Moss is a lively prose writer, and Hendrix’s illustrations inject humor into what is actually a serious subject.” –The New York Times

“Boldly illustrated. The text is full of interesting details. This book strikes a fine balance which conveys the horrors of the Civil War without portraying too much blood and violence for elementary readers. A very useful and researchable picture book.” –Library Media Connection, starred review

This review was originally posted on Creative Madness Mama.

Nurse, Soldier, Spy: The Story of Sarah Edmonds, a Civil War Hero

by Marissa Moss

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on Sep 29, 2015

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