Rating: 
Summary: Another interesting novel by Ann Rinaldi
Review: "Girl in Blue" was a very good book, but not like Ann Rinaldi's other Historical Fiction novels. There were times while reading it I felt lost, for example Sarah's abusive father. I would have liked if there had been a scene with them together, or perhaps a detailed flashback. I would have also liked it if Sarah wrote home to her brother, Ben, in secret. That might have given the story more depth. My final complaint is when she goes "undercover" - it became very confusing, and I think that is what Rinaldi wanted. This story really showed how women can pull their own, just as good as men. I don't think this will be Ann Rinaldi's most memorable novel, but certainly one that deserves to be read. I recommend.
Rating: 
Summary: One of Rinaldi's best
Review: "Girl in Blue," a novel by Ann Rinaldi, is set in 1861, during the American Civil War. Rinaldi tells the story of Sarah Louisa Wheelock, a young girl from rural Michigan who disguises herself as a man in order to serve in the Union army. Eventually she gets an assignment as a spy for the Union cause.
In an "Author's Note" at the end of the novel, Rinaldi explains how her fictional Sarah was inspired by the story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, a real woman who impersonated a male in order to serve in the Civil War. Rinaldi also notes that certain key characters in the book are real historical figures.
This is an intriguing, enjoyable story with a bold, engaging, and very admirable heroine. Rinaldi writes incisively about the war's impact on women. Also of note is her attention to the wartime role of health care providers. The practical details about Civil War espionage are fascinating. Some of the strongest parts of the book occur in the home of a suspected Confederate spy--it's a disturbingly rendered snakepit of treachery and tension.
Rinaldi deals with the moral and psychological issues involved in espionage. Ultimately I see Sarah as a questing heroine in a classic mold, and Rinaldi brings her odyssey to a very moving and satisfying conclusion.
Rating:
Summary: Another good historical novel by Ann Rinaldi
Review: Desperate to flee the control of a demanding, abusive father and a marriage to her despicable neighbor Ezekie Kunkle, who is twice her age, sixteen-year-old Sarah runs away from home and cleverly disguises herself as a man and joins the 2nd Michigan Infantry during the Civil Wars. Posing as "Neddy Compton" Sarah soon learns the horrors of war as she participates in the battle of Bull Run. When her true identity is finally revealed, Sarah finds she must choose between jail or posing as a spie for Allan Pinkerton, head of the Pinkerton Detective Agensy, who observes that she has a talent in the art of mimicry. Not wanting to go to jail, Sarah agrees to pose as a spy to investigate Rose Greenhow, who is thought to be a spy for the Rebels. What Sarah doesn't expect is the lies, love, betrayal, and intrigue that will come with this new, dangerous job.I am a big fan of Ann Rinaldi, and though "Girl in Blue" I felt was not her best work, it was still a pretty good book. Though at times the book was a little slow going, especially during the time Sarah does her spy work, it is still one to be read. If you like this book I am sure you will also enjoy Amelia's War, another Civil War historical by Ann Rinaldi.
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Summary: A thrilling Civil War tale
Review: Ever since she was 13 Sarah has known that she'd never give her life up to a man. But if her father gets his way she'll have to marry a horrible man twice her age that she detests. So when she learn that the Union is looking for soldiers, she disguises herself as a man and quickly signs up. She starts out as a male nurse and soon moves to battle. But when people find out her true sex they are shocked and impressed at Sara's gift for mimicry. They sign her up to work for a spy with Mr. Pinkerton and her first job, to find the Diary of secrets of a fiery confederate female spy, is tougher than she ever suspects. I enjoyed this book very much, I read it all in one day. Sarah's tale is thrilling and accurate to the time it took place. If you enjoy suspenseful historical fiction novels with a bit of adventure and a dash of romance this is for you. Although it doesn't measure up to other Anne Rinaldi books I've read (I found her descriptions to be too brief as someone here already said and occasionally a bit forced) it's defiantly worth a look at. You'll read it in one day I guarantee it.
Rating:
Summary: Didn't quite live up to my standards, but not dissipointing
Review: First off, I would just like to say that if you haven't enjoyed Ann Rinaldi's work in the past, you won't like this book. And, if you haven't read any of Rinaldi's work in the past, I recommend that you wait until this book hits your library. The reason that I think that I like the book the most is Rinaldi's writing style, so do not think that her routine writing style has changed other than the fact that she didn't write in First Person narritive as she always does, but as an outside narrator. The book starts off with the main character, Sarah, carrying out her plan of scaring off the man her father has planned for her to marry--one with a the manners of a bear and an overall annoying person. She does this so she can run away from her home with an abusive father and a timid mother unable to defend herself, muchless her children. When she runs from her hated father and the rest of the family that she doesn't want to leave behind, she joins up with the 2nd Michigan Volunteer Regiment headed to Washington right before the battle of Bull Run (American Civil War). She desguises herself as a man until her cover is revealed. She is given the choice of either going to prison or working for Major Allen Pinkerton, the head of the young CIA. She chooses the later and is assigned the task as posing as a maid in the household of Rose Greenhow but really is a spy looking for information in the home of the Southern Sympathizer. Rose Greenhow is a spy for the Confederates and Sarah is put on task to find out how she gets her messages across enemy lines back to the south. There are many twists and turns in this story and, as a trademark of Rinaldi's work, a small romance is involved but disipointing at end (meaning the romance). There is not the romance that I have come to known and love in the Rinaldi books, but enough to keep me interested. At the end I was not as pleased as I thought I would be, but it wasn't too dissipointing. A good read for Rinaldi's fans although--although with "Coffin Quilt", her last book, it is a kind of clinker that is not a great representation of her excellent work.
Rating:
Summary: Girl in Blue
Review: Girl in Blue is an excellent book. In this book, set in the times of the Civil War, Sarah Louisa in being harshly mistreated by her father and betrothed to an awful man who tries to touch her at every opportunity. Sarah knows she won't stand for it. She won't marry a man who she knows will beat her. So she disguises as a boy and runs away to join the army and fight for the Union. While entertaining people in the hospital, Mr. Pinkerton notices she has skil in mimicry. When her true sex is discovered, she is offered to become a spy. So the she works in a suspected spy for the Confederasy's house as a 'maid.' She learns to adapt to life in a world where she can trust know one. She also learns the true meaning of loyalty to one's country.
Rating:
Summary: Girl in Blue
Review: Girl in Blue is an excellent book. In this book, set in the times of the Civil War, Sarah Louisa in being harshly mistreated by her father and betrothed to an awful man who tries to touch her at every opportunity. Sarah knows she won't stand for it. She won't marry a man who she knows will beat her. So she disguises as a boy and runs away to join the army and fight for the Union. While entertaining people in the hospital, Mr. Pinkerton notices she has skil in mimicry. When her true sex is discovered, she is offered to become a spy. So the she works in a suspected spy for the Confederasy's house as a 'maid.' She learns to adapt to life in a world where she can trust know one. She also learns the true meaning of loyalty to one's country.
Rating: 
Summary: A Dissapointment To a Big Ann Rinaldi Fan
Review: I am a HUGE fan of Ann Rinaldi's books (Time Enough For Drums is my all-time favorite). After reading this book, I was very dissapointed. First off, Ann Rinaldi wrote this book in the 3rd person point of view, instead of in the 1st person, like her other books. Even though this book was written in the 3rd person, at times, it still seemed like Sara was the one narrating, so that wasn't my main reason for disliking the book. Secondly, I thought that the romance in this book was very dissapointing. After reading about Sara and Sheldon, it seems like Rinaldi just leaves you wondering about their relationship, like she just cuts it off. I mean, if Sheldon really liked Sara, then why would he not like her, just because she suspected that he might be working for the other side? So, if you are a fan of Ann Rinaldi, this will probably be a dissapointment to you, like it was to me. If you are not a fan of Ann Rinaldi, then I suggest that you read a different Ann Rinaldi book, such as Time Enough For Drums or The Last Silk Dress. I'm sure that you'll enjoy them more than this one!
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Summary: OK, but not half as good as other Ann Rinaldi books!
Review: I am a very, very loyal Ann Rinaldi fan. I agree with the person that wrote that it was dissapointing compared to her other books. I really enjoy first person point of view, and this book is in third person, which doesn't make much sense anyway, since Sarah is the only one that has a view. Secondly, I am a sucker for a Civil War, or any historical romance, and this was not up to Rinaldi's standards. Sheldon wasn't exactly the greatest guy, and Ann Rinaldi didn't put enough into him. It seemed strange that Sarah was so upset when he got mad at her, but you hardly knew anything about her feelings for him. It wasn't very in depth. And, also like the other person, she kind of left you hanging. Will she ever see him again? Will she go on with her life? The main storyline was good, ie. her leaving home, joining the army, and becoming a spy, but the details just weren't there. Don't think this is the same in all Ann Rinaldi books! They are the greatest! Time Enough For Drums and The Last Silk Dress are only two of her many wonderful books! I'm sure you will like those !
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Summary: A Note on Historical Significance
Review: I must admit that I haven't actually read this novel, but based on the description and reviews, it seems like an enjoyable read. The reason I am writing this "review" is just to let everyone know that there was an actual woman in the Civil War who found herself in similar situations. Sarah Emma Edmonds spent her childhood in Canada, eventually fleeing to Michigan to escape her abusive father. There, she took a male alias and enlisted in the Union army as a nurse, eventually becoming an impressive spy. I won't tell the end of her story, lest it closely resembles that of Sarah Whee___'s (as much as it already does!), but Edmonds published her life story in "Soldier, Nurse, and Spy: A Woman's Adventures in the Union Army." If anyone is truly interested in this remarkable woman, you should check out her honest and detailed story!
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