Guts for Glory: The Story of Civil War Soldier Rosetta Wakeman

***THREE STARRED REVIEWS***

A 2024 Shelf Awareness Best Picture Book of the Year

New York Public Library Best Books for Kids List

A magnificently illustrated picture book biography of Private Rosetta "Lyons" Wakeman, the only soldier whose letters capture the Civil War from a woman's perspective.

In 1862, the war between North and South showed no signs of stopping, and in rural New

York, nineteen-year-old Rosetta Wakeman longed for a life beyond the family farm. So, one day she made a brave, bold choice: she cut her braid and disguised herself as a man. No one suspected that "Lyons" was a woman--not even when she signed up to fight for the Union Army.

As Rosetta's new regiment traveled to Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Louisiana, she sent letter after letter home to New York. Army life wasn't easy, but Rosetta knew it was where she belonged-- supporting her family and serving her country.

Through intricately detailed scratchboard art and excerpts from Rosetta Wakeman's letters, this fascinating and inspiring biography - a debut from author-illustrator JoAnna Lapati - introduces young readers to an unconventional woman who was determined to claim her own place in history.

An author's note, supplementary biographical and historical information, a timeline, excerpts from actual letters, and other back matter provide additional context.

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Pauli Murray Book Award Elementary Level (2025)

Library of Virginia Children's Virginia Literary Award Finalist (2025)

Children's Book Council (CBC) Librarian FAVORITES 3RD-5TH Grade (2025)

Children's Book Council (CBC) Children's FAVORITES 3RD-5TH Grade (2025)

Mississippi Children's Museum The Magnolia Book Awards Grades 3-5 Nominee (2026)

Author: Joanna Lapati
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/27/2024
Pages: 56
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.30lbs
Size: 8.60h x 11.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780802854643
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2023
Publishers Weekly 01/15/2024
Booklist 01/01/2024 pg. 54
Shelf Awareness 12/12/2024
School Library Journal 05/24/2024 pg. 1

About the Author
JoAnna Lapati is a writer and artist based in Warwick, Rhode Island. While researching this book, she retraced Rosetta's footsteps by traveling to sites like the Chenango Canal, the US Capitol, and the Mansfield Historic Site Museum and Pleasant Hill Battle Park. JoAnna also spent six years as a Civil War reenactor with the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteers- disguised as a man, just like Rosetta. Guts for Glory is JoAnna's debut picture book. Visit her website at joannalapati.com.