Cloaked in Courage

Uncovering Deborah Sampson, Patriot Soldier

Illustrated by Anne Lambelet
Look inside
The remarkable story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the American Revolution disguised as a man—and who ends up finding her true identity and purpose in life.

Deborah Sampson didn’t like being told what to do, especially by the King of England. Fiercely independent, 18-year-old Deborah enlists as Robert Shurtliff in George Washington’s Continental Army to fight for her country’s independence. But being a soldier is hard, dangerous work. Can she fight for her country and keep her identity a secret? Can she also discover who she really is and find her true purpose? This unbelievable story from American history about a woman with a rebel spirit will inspire and enlighten young readers.
 
Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum
 
© Tina Wood
Beth Anderson, a former teacher, combines her love of writing with the joys of discovery and learning in her narrative nonfiction and historical fiction picture books. Visit bethandersonwriter.com. View titles by Beth Anderson
Anne Lambelet has created cover art for several book series, and has illustrated a variety of books, including Cloaked in Courage, Maria the Matador, and The Poisoned Apple. Her titles have received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and others. She received her illustration degree from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. Visit annelambelet.com. View titles by Anne Lambelet
Bank Street Best Book of the Year

Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum

"Portraying Deborah Sampson as someone whose 'spirit was always a little too large'...Anderson follows her independent-minded subject from youthful chores in which she discovered 'pieces of herself' to life as a 'masterless woman'....An admiring...feminist character study." —Kirkus Reviews

"Born in Massachusetts before the American Revolution, Deborah Sampson had an independent streak...In the book’s informative back matter, the author discusses primary and secondary sources...The illustrations, pencil drawings with painted textures and digitally added colors, have a lively, rather quirky look that suits both the topic and the period." —Booklist

"Deborah Sampson was a woman who declared her own independence and then proceeded to fight for the independence of her country...Back matter not only adds to the story of this fascinating patriot but also addresses the challenges of researching with primary and secondary sources from the time ­period. These final pages broaden the audience for this title to middle and high school students and their teachers looking for insight into the process of historical research. This biography of a lesser-known American hero and look into the process of researching historical sources is an essential purchase across several age ranges." —School Library Journal


About

The remarkable story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the American Revolution disguised as a man—and who ends up finding her true identity and purpose in life.

Deborah Sampson didn’t like being told what to do, especially by the King of England. Fiercely independent, 18-year-old Deborah enlists as Robert Shurtliff in George Washington’s Continental Army to fight for her country’s independence. But being a soldier is hard, dangerous work. Can she fight for her country and keep her identity a secret? Can she also discover who she really is and find her true purpose? This unbelievable story from American history about a woman with a rebel spirit will inspire and enlighten young readers.
 
Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum
 

Author

© Tina Wood
Beth Anderson, a former teacher, combines her love of writing with the joys of discovery and learning in her narrative nonfiction and historical fiction picture books. Visit bethandersonwriter.com. View titles by Beth Anderson
Anne Lambelet has created cover art for several book series, and has illustrated a variety of books, including Cloaked in Courage, Maria the Matador, and The Poisoned Apple. Her titles have received starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and others. She received her illustration degree from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts. Visit annelambelet.com. View titles by Anne Lambelet

Praise

Bank Street Best Book of the Year

Cloaked in Courage is inspiring storytelling centering the life and actions of a brave woman and soldier, Deborah Sampson. Anderson’s contribution brings to light a lesser-known hero in history and emphasizes the importance of historical investigation and research.” —Lori Ann Terjesen, director of education, National Women’s History Museum

"Portraying Deborah Sampson as someone whose 'spirit was always a little too large'...Anderson follows her independent-minded subject from youthful chores in which she discovered 'pieces of herself' to life as a 'masterless woman'....An admiring...feminist character study." —Kirkus Reviews

"Born in Massachusetts before the American Revolution, Deborah Sampson had an independent streak...In the book’s informative back matter, the author discusses primary and secondary sources...The illustrations, pencil drawings with painted textures and digitally added colors, have a lively, rather quirky look that suits both the topic and the period." —Booklist

"Deborah Sampson was a woman who declared her own independence and then proceeded to fight for the independence of her country...Back matter not only adds to the story of this fascinating patriot but also addresses the challenges of researching with primary and secondary sources from the time ­period. These final pages broaden the audience for this title to middle and high school students and their teachers looking for insight into the process of historical research. This biography of a lesser-known American hero and look into the process of researching historical sources is an essential purchase across several age ranges." —School Library Journal


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