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  • The Secrets of Civil War Spies by Nancy LeSourd book cover
  • The Secrets of Civil War Spies by Nancy LeSourd book cover
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The Secrets of Civil War Spies

by Nancy LeSourd

Two girls, two roles in the Civil War

$11.28 USD
$17.63 USD $11.28 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

Two girls, two roles in the Civil War

Told through letters, this historical novel brings together Molly, who becomes involved with a Union-loyal spy ring in Richmond, and Emma, who disguises herself as a boy to enlist and aid the Union. Emma’s story is based on the real-life Sarah Emma Edmunds. Their parallel experiences place questions of secrecy, loyalty, and women’s limited options within the conflict, alongside period details about the war. Part of the Liberty Letters series, the book connects its fictionalized stories to American history and invites reflection on how people respond when events challenge their beliefs.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Late-elementary and middle-school readers interested in Civil War history
  • Young readers who enjoy historical fiction told through letters
  • Classroom or homeschool settings exploring the Civil War and women’s roles in that period

Themes

Civil WarEspionageWomen’s roles and barriersLoyalty and beliefHistorical fiction

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

In this historical fiction book by former educator Nancy Lesourd, young readers can experience American history through the letters of two girls witnessing the Civil War firsthand: Molly, who joins a spy ring against the Confederacy in Richmond supported by her Union-loyal aunt; and Emma, who disguised herself as a boy to help the Yankee cause, and who is based on the real-life Sarah Emma Edmunds. Filled with period-accurate information, this book brings history to life and is also perfect for classrooms or homeschool use.

Within this novel in Liberty Letters series, late-elementary and middle school readers can explore the fictionalized story of two girls who find themselves in the middle of world-shaping events.

Desperate to help the Union, Emma dresses herself as a boy and enlists as a Yankee soldier, and is soon fighting with her regiment on Virginia battlefields and spying for the Union. While in Richmond, her friend Molly discovers a spy ring against the Confederacy and finds herself aiding their cause. While the war tears the nation apart, both girls must find a way to keep their secrets safe and decide whether they will risk everything--including their lives and freedom--for what they believe.

While reading Secrets of Civil War Spies, readers 8-12 will also encounter:

  • Period-accurate historical details that help bring history to life in an entertaining and educational way--including information on the actual Sarah Emma Edmunds
  • An exploration of the challenges and barriers women faced in that time period, including tests to their beliefs
  • A chance to think through how they may have reacted in these important times ... and how they can act today as history continues to unfold around them.

Secrets of Civil War Spies is:

  • an ideal addition to homeschool or classroom history curriculums
  • perfect for any young woman interested in history or what they can do to shape our world today based on the important lessons of the past
  • a great gift for birthdays or holidays that will also empower and inspire the young girl in your life

And if you enjoyed Secrets of Civil War Spies, don't forget to check out the other books in the Liberty Letters series: Adventures in Jamestown, Escape on the Underground Railroad, and Attack at Pearl Harbor

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