Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Feb. 27, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 7-12)
Learn about one of the women who secretly served as soldiers during the Civil War in Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman, by Joanna Lapati.
In 1862, the war between North and South showed no signs of stopping. In rural New York, 19-year-old Rosetta Wakeman longed for a life beyond the family farm. One day she made a brave, bold choice: she cut her braid and disguised herself as a man. No one suspected that “Lyons” was a woman—not even when she signed up to fight for the Union. As Rosetta’s new regiment traveled to Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana, she sent letter after letter home to New York. Army life wasn’t easy, but Rosetta knew it was where she belonged— supporting her family and serving her country. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
In 2000, author Joanna Lapati began researching women soldiers who served in the Civil War. During that research, she came cross The Uncommon Soldier, by Lauren Cook Burgess. That sparked a 12-year interest and inspired Guts for Glory.
Private Rosetta “Lyons” Wakeman’s letters are the only ones written by female soldiers to survive and offer a unique point of view. Lapati includes excerpts in this picture book biography.
Lapati’s writing is smooth and accessible and forms a framework for her gorgeous illustrations, which she crafted out in scratchboard. These intricate illustrations are full of texture and movement, providing a look that echoes the time period in which they are set.
Lapati’s extensively researched book is presented in chronological order and follows Rosetta’s time in service. Rosetta died June 19, 1864, from dysentery. Excellent backmatter includes glossaries, author’s note, a timeline and more about Rosetta and the Civil War.
Guts for Glory is one of those books to which young readers will instantly be drawn.
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