Reading Update: Girl in Blue by Ann Rinaldi

Ann Rinaldi was all the rage back in the day. I remember seeing her name on library posters and a shelf dedicated to Ann Rinaldi books. This book pairs well with studies about the Civil War, with the female protagonist, Sarah Louisa disguising herself as a boy in order to join the Union army.
    The book illustrates the not-so-glorious parts of war, including graphic descriptions of bombed bodies and the sheer weariness and griminess of soldiers who marched to and from battles during this time period.
    Practical Considerations: I think this would be a great read for younger students studying the Civil War - 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I think it's almost too PG for middle schoolers. Compared to YA lit of today, I worry that this book isn't action-packed enough to sustain their interest. There are zero concerns about this book if you do choose to use in your classroom. No language or sexual content.