Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender

Sarah Emma Edmonds was a Great Pretender: The true story of a Civil War Spy by Carrie Jones, illustrations by Mark Oldroyd, Carolrhoda Books, 2011, ISBN 978-0-7613-5399-7
So, at one point in this book, "she was a woman (Sarah) pretending to be a man (Frank) pretending to be a woman (Bridget)." This is a remarkable story of a woman who spent most of her life "pretending" but never seemed to loose her sense of self. It's also the story of just one of many people who stepped up and did what had to be done (and more) in order to help their side prevail in the Civil War. As the book tells us, when Sarah was asked how she managed to do all the pretending, she said, "I am naturally fond of adventure, a little ambitious, and a good deal romantic--but patriotism was the true secret of my success." The author's note gives us a little more explanation and even praise for Sarah's life: "She stands as but one example among many of a woman who made a great contribution to the welfare of her fellow humans in spite of the prevailing sexism of her era."
Nice job, Sarah.