A well researched historical novel - based firmly on the life of a real girl.

When the American Civil War began, Annie Etheridge, just sixteen, enlisted in the Union Army, one of only eighteen women from Michigan. She was prepared to sew and cook, ut hoped to be a nurse. When the army headed into battle, the other seventeen women fled. Only Annie remained with the tropps to face danger. She became known for her gentle manner, her great courage, and her devotion to duty. Never fearing gunfire, she risked her life again and again to nurse wounded soldiers on the battlefields.

Satisfyingly, an epilogue gives details of Annie's life after the war.

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Based on history, GENTLE ANNIE reveals the spunk and courage it took to volunteer as a nurse during the Civil War. Not only does the author show the mixture of emotions in families of soldiers but also the great compassion and humanity of those in the roles of nurses to the troops as they realize one side looks exactly like the other when dying on the battlefield. She does a good job at pointing out in an age-appropriate way that some battles must be fought. I intended this book to be for my daughter, but it will also work well for my son, giving a completely different perspective than most Civil War books.

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Written like fiction, this is the true story of a young Civil War nurse, who became famous for her bravery in treating wounded Union soldiers, even under fire. Gallantry, bravery, cowardice, and the sorrow of war are all in this book aimed at 5th-6th graders.

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