Count on Us: American Women in the Military

by Amy Nathan

In this clearly written, well-organized book, Nathan traces the gains women in the military have made from the Revolutionary War to the present day, including the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Glimpses of each time period are skillfully woven into the text, providing a solid historical overview. Each major war is discussed from the perspective of the female participants of that era, and quotes from individuals, insets with mini biographies, and an abundance of period photographs bring the narrative to life. The slow and difficult transition from women acting as helpers on the battlefield to fighting as soldiers alongside their male counterparts is described in detail. A discussion of sexual harassment and racial discrimination sheds light on some of the problems women have faced. Readers will find this book valuable for research and interesting for browsing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

96 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

My books cover a wide range of topics, from women's history to dance to allowances to how to make practicing a musical instrument — or doing homework — less of a hassle.

However, all my books have something in common: They introduce you to amazing people whose stories have inspired me and, I hope, will spur you to keep following your dreams, no matter what kinds of obstacles may pop up from time to time that may seem to block your way. These people found ways around the obstacles they encountered. They all have fascinating stories to tell. I'm glad to have had a chance to get to know them so I can share their stories and ideas with you through my books.

With many of the people I write about, I was lucky enough to be able to interview them. I love interviewing people, speaking with them to find out more about what they like to do, how they've handled the different challenges they've faced in their lives, and what advice they have for kids today. I also love reading about people who lived long ago, something I did for COUNT ON US, which tells the story of women who pitched in to defend the nation from the Revolutionary War on. As a kid growing up in Baltimore, my favorite books were biographies and historical fiction. I remember walking down to my neighborhood branch library every week during the summers after fifth, sixth and seventh grades, to check out yet another biography. I also enjoyed seeing plays as a kid, and acting in them too sometimes, which is another great way to see the world from another person’s point of view.

I've learned so much from the people I've written about in my books. I hope their stories — and the advice they have for young people — will help you with challenges you might face. Such people as:

** Astonishing dancers from top ballet and modern dance companies, several of whom didn’t have the stereotypical classical ballet body type, but who still managed to find their way to in the world of dance (you can find out about them in MEET THE DANCERS);
** Outstanding musicians of the New York Philharmonic who, amazingly enough, didn't always like to practice when they were kids and have advice for kids today who may feel that way, too (MEET THE MUSICIANS);
** Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and other classical and jazz soloists, many of whom took a while as kids to get into the groove of regular practicing until they discovered for themselves the joy and the fun of music-making (THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE);
** Gutsy female pilots who flew fighter planes for the Army in World War II when that was definitely not something most people thought a woman should do (YANKEE DOODLE GALS & COUNT ON US);
** A courageous young woman who stood up for her rights at a lonely bus stop in North Carolina back in the summer of 1952, doing her part in the face of grave danger to help bring about the end of the Jim Crow era (TAKE A SEAT-MAKE A STAND);
** Some mighty clever kids who found ways to make homework less of a chore and uncovered the secret to getting a raise in their allowance THE KIDS' ALLOWANCE BOOK & SURVIVING HOMEWORK).

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

6th-8th

Why do men get all the credit for working hard? Well in the book Count on Us is about the American woman and how strong they are. American women since the 1700's are outlined with in this book. The books tells as about the about the strength and courage of women from the civil war, world war I and II, Persian war and even Iraq. These women are right their side by side with the men helping and fighting for our country.
We are always telling stories of how the prince saved the day. Why not tell your students the truth, women are just as strong. They are fighting the wars too. This would be a great book when studding American history. Let the female students feel proud to be a women.

[Amanda Stewlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to explain the background information of each war from the Revolutionary War to present, and the roles that women played in each. Most pages had a little blurb about a woman in the described conflict with their quotes.

[Lorena Barajas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book. It's about a woman who decides to help in the war and cuts her hair. Shows how strong woman are and the struggles for fairness for wiman in the military during the revolution.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history by National Geo about the roles of women during the wars fought by Americans, starting with Deborah Sampson during the American Revolution.