This biography investigates the life and contributions of Susie King Taylor, the first African American Army nurse during the American Civil War. Author Simeon Booker utilizes historical records and Taylor's own memoirs to document her transition from an enslaved person to a literate educator and medical caregiver. The text argues that Taylor's role was critical not only for her medical service but for her efforts in promoting literacy among soldiers and freedmen.

Historians and educators frequently cite this work as a concise introduction to the life of a significant, yet often overlooked, figure in American military history. Readers note the accessible prose style, which makes the historical narrative suitable for a broad audience interested in the intersection of race, gender, and conflict.