A Civil War story you’ve never read before. Civil War is raging in America and fifteen-year-old Thomas Beck doesn’t quite fit in. He’s neither black nor white, slave nor free, and yet, Thomas dreams of becoming a Yankee and joining the fight for freedom. After successfully sneaking into the Union Army, Thomas gets his wish, but he’s a Chinese Yankee—different in looks and hairstyle, but not in heart. Finding himself unwelcome by either blue or gray, Thomas forms an unlikely friendship with a runaway slave as the fight moves toward a pivotal moment in Gettysburg. Freedom for Me is a historical novel based on a real Chinese Yankee, one of only a few who served in the American Civil War. Children’s Literary Classics award winner for coming-of-age and historical fiction and a Skipping Stones honoree for multicultural teen fiction. Sometimes all it takes is one brave person to change the world. "A moving depiction of courage and immigrant pride amid the horrors of war." Kirkus Reviews (starred review). "Author Stacie Haas is a gifted storyteller. Her ability to paint a vivid scene helps draw readers into this coming-of-age tale of a young boy determined to stake his claim as a citizen. Haas' depiction of this soldier's tale is one that won't soon be forgotten by readers of all ages." Children's Literary Classics' Seal of Approval. "... A fascinating account of the Civil War from the viewpoint of an 'outsider' soldier ." Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite. "This book took a well-known historical event and spun it into an epic tale told from the perspective of a Chinese boy. " LitPick student reviewer, age 15. " A touch ing coming-of-age story full of depth, charm, and grit , Freedom For Me is an inspiring read that young adult readers will thoroughly enjoy." Pikasho Deko for Readers' Favorite. " Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee is a definite page-turner!" LitPick Student Reviewer, age 15. "IWithout the use of gory detail, the plot brought the reader right into the middle of the fight.... The author has a talent for putting the reader there, next to Thomas with his determination to save the Union. I think the target audience will find it is a perfect fit." Paul F. Johnson for Readers' Favorite, Five Stars. " Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee is beautifully written and it's most highly recommended ." Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite. A note to readers: the second edition of Freedom for Me: A Chinese Yankee from Farmer's Lane Press features substantially the same, award-winning story as the first edition. Readers of the first edition will not find a new story in the second, however, the new edition features slight revisions to the text (but none to the story arc, climax or conclusion), an expanded Author's Note with additional information about Chinese soldiers who served in the Civil War, and a new cover and interior design that I hope readers will enjoy. Thank you for your interest and stay free!