Chartier, JoAnn & Enss, Chris. She wore a yellow ribbon; women soldiers and patriots of the western frontier.

CHARTIER, JoAnn & ENSS, Chris. She wore a yellow ribbon; women soldiers and patriots of the western frontier. Globe Pequot, Two-Dot. 180p. illus, notes, bibliog. index, c2004. 0-7627-2601-6. $11.95. SA

When men moved into the American West, many of the women who went along suffered terribly; some elected toughness. This book tells the stories of 12 of the latter, only a few of whom--especially Elizabeth Custer and Calamity Jane--will be familiar to most readers who pick up this book. The women featured in this book were the wives of military leaders who lived in or near forts and sometimes found it necessary to pick up a gun. Some were Indians. They performed the normal functions of women but also hunted, served as interpreters, cared for the sick, became apologists for their husbands, and even became full members of the military. Add to US history collections that include a section on the West for its huge fan base. Edna Boardman, Bismarck, ND

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.