Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy

by Seymour Reit

Book Overview

Seymour Reit, the creator of Casper the friendly ghost, blends fact with fiction in this captivating tale about one woman who dared to go behind enemy lines as a spy for the Union Army.

Canadian-born Emma Edmonds loved the thrill of adventure and chasing freedom, so in 1861 when the Civil War began, she enlisted in the Union Army.

With cropped hair and men's clothing, Emma transformed herself into a peddler, slave,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152164278
• ISBN13: 9780152164270
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.4" x 6.8"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Loosely based on fact

An entertaining read that doesn't quite square with history.

The story of the brave young lady with the imp voice...

Written by Seymour Reit, "Behind Rebel Lines" tells the true story of Emma Edmonds. Running away from her father at the age of sixteen, she had left Canada for the country where freedom and liberty would become a reality. Now the year 1861, Emma is now 21 and the Civil War between states has begun. When President Lincoln asks for volunteers, Emma is determined not to just sit by. She disguises herself as a man and enlists herself into the Union Army. Now everyone, including her superior officers and fellow soldiers, believe her to be Private Franklin Thompson, assigned to Company F. But Emma wants to do more, so she volunteers to be a Union spy. But while she has been all this time fooling her own army, can she keep her secret behind rebel lines?A truly well-written story, "Behind Enemy Lines" is sure to please. The author did a lot of research to write this book, re-creating Emma Edmond's story through Emma's memoirs, U.S. Army Records, and files from the National Archive. At the front cover of the book it is written "Great Episodes". This is because each chapter is separated in such a way. In that sense, while reading the story the reader might feel as though the book does not really flow as well as you would like. But on the overall, the whole story is written well if not a bit aimed more for younger audiences.Emma's character is captivating and very realistic. Oh, I know that she WAS a real character, but in few cases, some authors cannot seem to grasp the character of who they're writing about. Fortunately, Seymour Reit puts down Emma's life down on paper flawlessly. You can almost 'hear' the imp voice in Emma's ear! On the whole, "Behind Rebel Lines" is a gripping and fascinating historical biography and I can easily recommend it. Best for ages 10 - 14 but older teens and some adults might find this a good read. "This stranger-than-fiction story will captivate history buffs and hold the attention of the most reluctant reader."-Bank Street College of Education-

Me from TN(I'm not really under 13 shhhhhh)

This is a true story,written by Seymour Reit, about a woman overcoming the odds in a man's place. The incredible woman i am talking about is Emma Edmonds. She posed as a male nurse named Franklin Thompson. Edmonds was sent as a spy behind rebel lines.She successfully completed 11 missions! Behind Rebel Lines really did make me think. This book was excellent! I loved it. I could barely put it down(but I did haha). I loved reading about the struggle of a real woman who could demonstrate this amount of courage. It is so inspirational. By the way,I know I sound like a fruit but my teacher is making me write this haha. See ya!Have a GREAT day!!Love yas!

Nonstop excitement!

I had to read this book for my 8th grade class. I am not a very good reader and not like to read a book that is hundreds of pages long! This book is around 110-115 pgs and if you are a good fast reader you can read it in a day.I gave this book 5 stars because it well deserves it not to mention that this is not a fiction but a "TRUE STORY!"I liked how the author kept somthing back in every chapter and then showed it to you not like some other books when they go like "he saw a big ugly dangerous.... end of chapter.... and in next chapter they go like but it was just a dream!" I mean what the Heck is that keep something back that is strong so the reader is satesfied!About the book: Just like I told you above You can read it in a day or 2 but if you really wanna like this book read 1-3 chapters a day, Why because than u will always think all day what will happen next! And Finally when you find out You get more Pleasure out of it!Final thought If you wanna know more about The civil war than the usaual north vs south this is the book for you... Or if you want a women role model than this is it The real wonder women, "Emma Edmonds"!REMEMBER THIS IS A TRUE STORY!

Incredible Novel

This is the story of a young woman from Canada who wants to serve her country in the Civil War. This impelling book tells of the adventures of Sarah Edmonds, as she fights to keep her identity a secret. I highly reccomend this book, and would read it any time.

This is a wonderful book!

This is the story of the remarkable Emma Edmonds who wanted to help the war cause. She dressed as a boy and became a spy and went through amazing dangers to do this.