Bibliographical information:

Clapp, Patricia. I'm Deborah Sampson: A Soldier in the War of the Revolution. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1977.

Brief summary:

Clapp's novel is a first-person narrative based on the life of Deborah Sampson, who enlisted and fought in the Revolutionary Army as Private Robert Shurtlieff.

Comments:

The book is well written and engaging. While Clapp bases the novel on Sampson's biography, she fills in the narrative to bring Deborah and her family to life.

Grade/Age level:

Age 10 and up

Cautions:

Clapp devotes some attention to how Deborah manages her masquerade as a man, including details about personal care. While kids will certainly be curious about this, some comments about her periods may prompt questions from readers who don't yet know about menstruation.

--Lisa Gordis

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