The Clothesline Code

Written by Janet Halfmann · Illustrated by Trisha Mason

A couple risks everything to spy for the Union using a secret clothesline code.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 26 ratings

36 pages

$22.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1863, Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker, former slaves, risk their newfound freedom to aid the Union. With a secret code hidden in plain sight on a clothesline, Lucy Ann ventures into Confederate territory to gather crucial military secrets. Dabney must then deliver this intelligence to the Union army. Their daring mission could change the course of the Civil War, but at what cost? This true tale of courage and ingenuity reveals how ordinary objects can become powerful tools for justice and freedom.

From the publisher

Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker didn’t have to risk their lives to spy for the Union army. The couple had already risked everything to escape slavery themselves.But in early 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, the couple was determined to help defeat slavery for everyone-no matter the risk. Together, they created a secret code disguised as laundry on a clothesline. Their plan was incredibly dangerous: it required Lucy Ann to sneak into Confederate territory to steal military secrets, while Dabney took the vital information she gathered to the Union army. This true story of sacrifice and bravery shows us that when we have courage and compassion for the world around us, even the simplest items can become powerful tools for change.

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