Unexpected Bravery

This compelling history uncovers the hidden stories of children as young as twelve and women who disguised themselves as men to fight in the Civil War, revealing a side of the conflict rarely taught in classrooms. While over two million soldiers served between 1861 and 1865, Schenkman focuses specifically on these unconventional participants who defied societal expectations to join the Union and Confederate armies. The book brings to life the extraordinary courage of those who risked everything to influence the epic struggle determining America's future, offering fresh perspectives on familiar historical ground.

What makes this account particularly valuable is its focus on ordinary individuals who made extraordinary choices, providing a human-scale entry point into understanding the Civil War's complex realities. Teen readers interested in untold histories and stories of personal courage will find these narratives of young soldiers and female combatants both inspiring and thought-provoking. By highlighting these overlooked perspectives, the book challenges traditional war narratives and demonstrates how personal conviction can shape historical events in unexpected ways.