"We made the decision to write this book about Susie King Taylor's experiences in a first-person voice. Connecting the information given to us from her own narrative that she published in 1902, we have included additional experiences we imagine must have confronted her. In a few places, we needed to create first names to breathe life and dignity into the people who lived during this time. In some cases, we use "informed speculation"-- meaning we tried to estimate what Taylor would have experienced--even though she may not have told us about her feelings in writing. Even so, this is a history book, and wherever possible, we use Susie King Taylor's own words"--Page viii.

"Paints a vivid portrait of heroic Susie King Taylor, one of the first Black nurses during the Civil War, who valiantly fought for the rights of her people, including establishing a postbellum educational system for formerly bonded Black people"--,Provided by publisher.