49 pages • 1 hour read
Seymour ReitBehind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit tells the true story of a young woman, Emma Edmonds, who disguises herself as a man to join the Union Army during the US Civil War and undertakes daring espionage missions behind enemy lines. Emma's transformation into the male persona, Franklin Thompson, allows her to gather vital information for the Union before illness forces her to abandon her military career.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Seymour Reit's Behind Rebel Lines captivates readers with its true story of Emma Edmonds, a courageous woman who disguises herself as a man to serve as a Union spy in the Civil War. Praised for its engaging narrative and historical accuracy, the book sometimes faces critique for its simplistic writing style. Overall, it's an inspiring tale with educational value.
Who Should Read Behind Rebel Lines?
Middle-grade to young adult readers who enjoy historical fiction centered on courageous youths would appreciate Behind Rebel Lines by Seymour Reit. Fans of Number the Stars by Lois Lowry or Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac will find this tale of a young girl disguising herself to fight in the Civil War equally compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
830LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Children's Literature
Military / War
History: U.S.
Gender / Feminism
American Civil War
Identity: Femininity
Relationships: Fathers
Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger