Soldier's Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson

by Sheila Solomon Klass

In the 1700s, women's responsibilities were primarily child rearing and household duties. But Deborah Sampson wanted more from life. She wanted to read, to travel—and to fight for her country's independence. When the colonies went to war with the British in 1775, Deborah was intent on being part of the action. Seeing no other option, she disguised herself in a man's uniform and served in the Continental army for more than a year, her identity hidden from her fellow soldiers.

Accomplished writer Sheila Solomon Klass creates a gripping firstperson account of an extraordinary woman who lived a life full of danger, adventure, and intrigue.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, American Revolution, American History, American Revolutionary War, Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2009

About the author

SHEILA SOLOMON KLASS has been writing fiction for young adults for nearly five decades. Her books include The Uncivil War; Shooting Star: A Novel About Annie Oakley; and Little Women Next Door. Ms. Klass lives in New York City.

Ms. Klass passed away in 2014 at the age of 86.

Reviews

[Kitkat · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars
The book was long and boring. But I loved that it was based on true woman who disguised as a man. I loved that she took revenge for Roger who she loved. I loved that when she told the general they laughed because a woman out beat them. I thought it was an okay book.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at Deborah Sampson & women in the Continental Army.
Writer writes as well as Ann Rinaldi.
Good look at medicine practiced during Rev. War.
Why do women want to fight in War?
Had some good answers to this question and had me ask several others.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating story about a true heroine. I loved learning about Deborah Sampson and really enjoyed this first-person narration.

[Rebecca L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic.
It is amazing how weak and stupid men used to (And sadly some still do) think that us women are when there are countless examples of how equal we are to them as in the story of the brave heroine Deborah Sampson who didn't accept her 'role' in society and did what she wanted to do, fight for her country.
Just reading this book made me mad (Because of the injustices suffered by women), glad (Because of Deborah's spunk and feminist spirit even before the word had been invented), sad (For how much women have suffered for thousands of years and how it is not very well known) and at the same time that much more sure of why I am a feminist. For equality.
I have often said that a woman can do anything a man can if she shirks aside the pressure from society telling her she is inferior and can't do 'manly' things because she is a woman and this book proved my point. Deborah spent one and a half years in the army going through the same things that the men around her did and more (She had to pull the bullets out of her own body for she couldn't go to a doctor and have her secret revealed) and was no less a fantastic soldier because she was a woman. Not once did she have to rely on the men to help her because she was a woman and not once where the men slowed down by her.
In the end she had to fear for her life when her secret was revealed for other woman who had disguised themselves as men to fight for their country had been flogged, publicly humiliated, and shamed for simply wanting to be equal. That is disgusting but sadly it is a part of our American History ( and World history) that has been ignored. People say that the feminist movement was uncalled for and horrible for women have always been treated with the highest respect and equality as men. These people have never read their history (A much hidden history) for they would know the truths of Deborah's and thousands of other women's lives for thousands of years and the abuse, subjugation and inequality that they suffered through.
This book was fantastic and I highly recommend any who think they know America's history of the Revolution to read it and find out just how equal women are to men and what women who are subjugated and do not want to be forced into a certain position because of their sex will do to be equal.

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson's story is incredible; a woman disguising herself convincingly and becoming a soldier during the Revolutionary War. Hard to fathom, really. I love the time period and her bravery. It is a great story.
I grabbed this book for a quick read as it hasn't circulated and I was debating whether to weed it. The problem for me is it is fictionalized. I want a straight biography. I think that's why it hasn't gone out--- middle schoolers who may be interested in studying Sampson need straight nonfiction. definitely worth another shot.

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson really existed. She was a Massachusetts gal who donned a pair of britches and fought in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary war. This is a fictional account of her life, parts of it anyway...

To read the full review, please click on the following link:

http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...

[Michyla Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson just wanted the same opportunities men have/had. Basically in the 1700's during the revolutionary war women didn't have the same opportunities as men. Women's responsibilities were taking care of their child and cleaning up there homes. But Deborah Sampson wanted more for herself. Her only problem was that she was a women. The theme of the story was if you put your mind to anything you can do it.

The title relates to the book because the soldier does have a secret the secret is that she is a women wanting to fight for her country and have equal rights as men. A major event that changed the character was when Deborah was so anxious to take action that she disguised herself as a man to go into war hiding herself from her fellow soldiers.

I was moved by the fact that Deborah Sampson went out of her way to help the independence of her country by dressing as a man and fighting in the wars men fought in.

I rate the book 3 stars because it wasn't the type of book I was interested in but it was a successful story. I would recommend this book to a person that is interested in books about successful people and or women. You can do anything that you put your mind to no matter what a stereotype says.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Klass, Sheila Solomon Soldier’s Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson pgs. 215 Henry Holt and Co. Language~G, Sexual Content~PG; Violence~PG-13

“In the 1700s, women's responsibilities were primarily child rearing and household duties. But Deborah Sampson wanted more from life. She wanted to read, to travel—and to fight for her country’s independence.” from front flap

Growing up Deborah Sampson was a head strong girl, always going against convention. It is no surprise that when she turned 18 and was finally her own woman, that she decided to turn convention completely on its head. Assuming the name of Robert Shurtliff, Deborah enlisted and fought in the Continental Army for over a year. Klass takes this extraordinary true story and builds a wonderful historical fiction adventure about a strong female heroine. In her author’s note, Klass does provide a brief biographical sketch and a chronology of events.

There is no sex or sexual innuendo, but there is discussion of breasts and menstruation. The violence is minimal and stems from war action.

MS/HS –ESSENTIAL Allison Madsen~Teen Librarian-SJO Public Library

[emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really like this book. The story itself may have been good, but the telling sure was not. Honestly, I thought it was someone's first novel, but no... she's been writing teen books for 50 years. awkward.

[Oak Lawn Public Library - Youth Services · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Soldier’s Secret
Author: Shelia Solomon Klass
Pages: 215
Lexile level: 790L
3 out of 5 stars

This book is the fictionalized story of Deborah Sampson. She was a real person who fought in the continental army as Private Robert (Bobby) Shurtliff. During the 1700s women were expected to keep house and raise babies. While Deborah Sampson wasn’t opposed to the idea of femininity. What she was opposed to was the idea that she wasn’t equal to any boy. She eventually ran away and joined the Continental army under the name Robert (Bobby) Shurtliff, for seventeen months. This book is an interesting look into the Revolutionary War era.

Reviewed by Amberleigh B.

[Mcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson is one of my favorite people from American history so I was excited to read this book. Sadly, it fell flat.

The beginning scene starts out promising, but then it becomes info-dumpy with Deborah’s life story. The book mostly narrates by telling, not showing, and scenes that could have been fleshed out felt summarized. Also, the characters were all pretty flat, and most of Deborah’s fellow soldiers didn’t even have names.

It also felt a bit weird that Deborah described some of the things she did in her writing to the doctor; back in those days, women wouldn’t be so open with a man about their periods, etc.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to start this off saying I got this book as a gift and would probably not have picked it out for myself.

I LOVE Deborah Sampson. She is one of my favorite historical figures for obviously reasons. This book, however, was just boring. Going into it, I did not realize it was a children’s book but that usually doesn’t stop me from enjoying a book. This one was just so simple and didn’t really delve into anything substantial. The characters are very one dimensional and the plot is pretty nonexistent. It might be a good intro to Deborah Sampson for a kid who is unfamiliar with her but beyond that, there isn’t much too this book.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the author gives an interesting story of this Continental Army soldier, scout, and spy as a biography/historical fiction it has only sparse facts to go on. Using these bare bones for her outline, she embellishes with mostly fictional details and narrative. Interesting story about all those patriotic Americans (not just Deborah) and their enemies, British and Tory. It reveals the horrors of war for civilians as well as combatants. Discusses the differences between indentured servants both legally as well as in their daily lives which were very similar.

[Heidi Hilsmier · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Soldier's Secret: The Story of Deborah Sampson" by Sheila Solomon Klass unfolds the incredible true story of Deborah Sampson. Deborah was a "give-away child" that simply wanted to be the equal of any man. Her desire to fight for her country drove her to pretend to be a boy and enlist in the Continental army. Deborah's inspirational true story is a heroine's tale that proves women can really do anything that men can do.

[Emma Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful book about a young girl who dresses up as a man to fight in the revolutionary war. this is a great book for all people to show how everyone has power and can make a difference in the world.

[Whitney Rushing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction option for middle-school age. Some suspense with a lot of Civil War connections makes it an exciting semi non-fiction read.

[Jordan]

I read Soldiers Secret The Story of Deborah Sampson written by Sheila Solomon Klass and this book is based on the time period in the American Revolutionary War in 1775-1783. In this book Deborah is sent to war to fight against the British, but girls aren't supposed to be in the war. Deborah is sent to the army (p.64) and is a woman and they aren't supposed to be there. She left her mother at home. Deborah is very nice and peaceful. She does not like to fight or be in the army (p.21,30). The story is based on Deborah in the war and hiding and being brave.She is not the best fighter but she can not fight because she is not brave. "I felt very proud. "I am ready sir." Then feeling a great sadness, I wandered aside where none could see me, and with my hunting knife, I hacked off my hair. It is for your country, Deborah, I comforted myself to stop weeping." (p.93).

The point of view in this story is from Deborah's point of view. This effects the story because she is the main character and she is a girl. She is hiding a lot of things and is mysterious how she does it. She also does very interesting things. "I wandered aside where no one could see me and hacked off my hair." (p.93). Some of the themes in this story was don't judge a book by its cover because even if Deborah is a girl she can still do many things as a boy or man could do in the army. Deborah could be a girl but could be braver than other men, for example Deborah is not a fighter but proves she is brave enough to go into the army. Another theme for this book is Lost love because she falls in love with someone during the book but is separated because she has to go into the army. Her boyfriend's name was Lucas. Deborah sent letters to him telling him she was ok. Also this effected the story because she would take time to tell the readers how her lifetime was and what would be going on during the war and at her house. Two mood words for this book would be Love and bravery. I say love because she loves her boyfriend and wants to be in his arms and protected. Also I say bravery because she is very brave not to be afraid of the war but is confident in herself in what she can do. An important quote in this book is "I know there will be scorn and calumny for the woman soldier, but I live in hope that there may be one day an honorable discharge for Deborah Sampson." (p.207) This was important because this told me the reader that who Deborah was and how she lived her life during the war. Also it is very brave of her to go into the war knowing you are not supposed to be there. Also, to the other characters in the book like her mom she would be very sad and depressed because she loved Deborah because she died at age 66.

I can relate to the character because she is not very brave and I would be scared out of my mind if I were to be going into the army like Deborah. I would not be ready. "I am scared out of ,my mind, I couldn't fall asleep." (p.46). This would be me if I was in her situation and I would be very scared and my heart would be beating even thinking about it. This was a very interesting and detailed book. I would recommend it to people who love reading Historical Fiction and true stories because it was very descriptive and sad to think about someone who had to go through this and be away from their mom and friends. Also If I were to give it a rating of 1-10 I would give this book a 7 because it was very interesting but it needed better climax and more action during the war. There was a couple parts where I liked but would of wanted more of it.

SPOILER ALERT!!!
In the beginning of the book Deborah is sent to the army and only has a couple days to prepare and get ready. She is a woman so during the American Revolutionary war woman were not allowed in the army so Deborah is very scared and nervous. Once she is sent to the army she is nervous out of her mind. "I am scared out of my mind, I couldn't fall asleep." (p.46). Once she is on the army and in the war she is hiding and doesn't want to be seen or killed. She is missing her boyfriend Lucas and wants to be comforted by his company and love. Later on in the story the war ends and she is sent home and missed her mom and hugged her and kissed her and same with Lucas. Towards the end Deborah died at the age of 66. This is a true story and Deborah is still remembered today from the American Revolutionary war.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, an average woman in the late 1700's with, at the time, inhuman thoughts about joining the army. She eventually does, but not before camouflaging herself as a boy. So does this book fire the musket into the readers favorite section, or will it be sliced in half by the redcoats?

To start off, we get an entry point that has absolutely no effect on the story later. Good job, guys. Basicly, Deborah Sampson, or Robert Schultz (I think. Correct me if I'm wrong)as her boy name, tries to fake her death. She fails after she gets a common case of the hiccups.Don't think the bad luck ends for Deborah ends there, either. She suffers through a very hard childhood, if you could call it one. She had to start motherly chores at the ripe old age of 8. Deborah was a "Give-away child". She lived with people who never loved her, and, at best, enslaved her. At age 18, she finally did what she should have done a long time ago; run far, far away.

She joined the army having nothing else to do. And so, the adventure begins! I do NOT want to tell you anymore, because this is a book people don't usually pick up. Sure, it was in the top ten historical fiction books at some point, but who would notice? Bring on the scale!

Epic
Awesome X
Meh
Bad
Terrible


Yeah, this book is pretty good. As a matter of fact I will say one thing more; Deborah Sampson actually existed. And with that, I will see you in ctberspace

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson is one of many women who disguised themselves as men to join the Revolution. In this fictionalized biography, Deborah’s mother gave her away at the age of five, and indentured her as a servant at the age of eight. When Deborah finally escapes at age eighteen, she seeks more freedom than the culture allows women, and starts experimenting with male dress. Eventually, she flees an unwanted suitor and joins the Continental Army, maintaining her deception for well over a year. She participates in many battles and scouting expeditions, getting wounded and having to do her own doctoring. Klass, like Durrant in 'My Last Skirt,' adds in a doomed love interest in the form of a fellow soldier, but for the most part follows Deborah’s true story.

Klass tells Deborah’s story succinctly and well. Her tale is well-structured, and Deborah clearly presents her reasons for cross-dressing: “Of one thing I am certain: I never wanted to be a boy or a man. I was content in my femininity. What I always wanted was to be the equal of any boy.” (25) Klass goes into much detail on how Sampson maintained her deception, and how she studied men for a long time before attempting to act like one. Readers interested in such complications will appreciate the level of detail.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deborah Sampson is a fascinating historical figure that deserves our study. This book has its positive elements--namely a strong female protagonist who pushes the envelope (breaks the glass ceiling, choose your own metaphor...) and a clear author's note that indicates what is fact and what is fiction.

Even though there were elements of battle, it was not as exciting as one would expect for those who like action-oriented scenes. I think "flat" might be one way to describe many components of the book, including the battle scenes.

For those concerned about issues of sexuality in the book, I found it to be a mixed bag. Most concerning to me was one scene where two characters wind up skinny dipping and Deborah's gender is revealed. For a brief moment, their bodies touch and the author describes an erection. Later in the book, a female character attempts to seduce a male character and there is a reference to prostitution, and other sexual references that are both unnecessary and, I think, detract from the story.

In my opinion, there were not enough redeeming qualities to outweigh the sexual elements. This book will be put in the giveaway pile.

[Handd51 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story and a factually supported account of the life of Deborah Sampson, who fought in the American Revolution under the boy's name of Robert Shurtliff. She fought with distinction and maintained her secret until the 1783 Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. A doctor discovered her, and sheilded her secret until her recovery. Her superiors were shocked tolearn the truth, and gave her an honorable discharge despite rules against women in the military. The book brings revolutionary times alive, despite a bit of a didactic style. The story is powerful, mostly in the form of a journal written during her recovery. She did in fact write this journal and later published it, so we know the facts to be true. A few elements were enlarged, as admitted in the author's note - but the work remains a strong effort for history students and lovers of American History.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a book about Deborah Sampson that I read a lot as a child, so when I saw there was a new book about her that was getting good reviews, I knew I had to check it out.

I was not disappointed at all; this is an engrossing, well-balanced book, which, though written for a younger audience, is still extremely enjoyable for adults. I never once was bored, nor did I ever feel like the book was talking down to me. The author is honest and forthright about war and the sorts of people who were fighting in it.

This is one I'm planning on buying for my nieces, as I think it's an excellent story about a wonderfully strong female character, made even more admirable for being about a real person.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could not fall in love with this novel, but I was compelled by Deborah Sampson's story. Sampson fought in the Continental army during the American Revolution for 17 months before anyone realized that she was a woman in disguise. She was noted for her bravery and given an honorable discharge. That's crazy, and this is the first time I had ever heard about it. Klass sets up the novel well and explains all those things you would wonder about a woman hiding in an army unit: bathing, urination, and menstruation. There is a good deal of American history to be learned in the book, and Sampson comes across as a likeable heroine.

[Kerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 6th grader and I read this together as part of his Revolutionary War history study. It's based on a real historical figure so that made it even more interesting. There are some references to womanly functions (periods) and a couple to sex, but nothing direct and in your face. It gave nice accounting of a young woman who disguised herself as a man in order to join the Patriot army. There's not a huge amount of information about the war itself, but it did give some insight into life during that time, including slavery and a woman's place in things. My son enjoyed it quite a bit. I would have given it 3-1/2 stars if I could.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable historical fiction novel creates a possible story and details for the period of Deborah Sampson's Revolutionary War enlistment. (Deborah Sampson was a real person, but most known details of her life are before and after her military service.) At the age of 21, and disguised as a man, she enlists in the army. The novel celebrates the women who fought in the war in disguise, and shows some of the possible struggles they might have gone through to maintain their secrets. It also creates a thoroughly believeable character with very valid reasons for her actions.

[Paper Clippers]

In the 1700s, women’s responsibilities were primarily child rearing and household duties. But Deborah Sampson wanted more from life. She wanted to read, to travel—and to fight for her country’s independence. When the colonies went to war with the British in 1775, Deborah was intent on being part of the action. Seeing no other option, she disguised herself in a man’s uniform and served in the Continental army for more than a year, her identity hidden from her fellow soldiers.
The above is the summary provided by Goodreads.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soldier’s Secret is based on the life of Deborah Sampson, a real, but often forgotten heroine of American History. It’s 1783 and Deborah Sampson has just earned her freedom from indentured servitude. Inspired to support the rebel cause, she disguises herself as a man and enlists in the Continental Army. Full of action, romance, and suspense, Soldier’s Secret is an exhilarating story that both genders age twelve and older will enjoy.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of the only historical fiction book I've read. This is a great story in the time of the American Revolution. This books main character is an empowering woman, Deborah Sampson. She wanted more out of life than just washing clothes and taking care of the house. So she runs away and joins the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurfliff. She disguises herself as a man to fight for her country. This book to me was a great book and showed that women can do just as much as men.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book that showed true determination and courage in the face of danger. Even though the setting was in 1860's Deborah goes through many trials that we face today, such as equality issues, peer presure, and standing up for yourself. You don't just hear the story, but get to relive the past in another person's shoes. Overall I would say this book was full of adventure, and passion of a girl's heart against slavery.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a look at a woman fighting in the Revolution, not the Civil War, which intrigued me. Based on a true story, Deborah Sampson chose to dress as a man and served in the army for almost two years, and was given an honorable discharge under her assumed name, even though she had been discovered when she contracted yellow fever and a doctor found out when checking for a heartbeat.