When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.
About Author Robert J. Skead (from his website):
Fascinated by the creative process and all things inspirational, I love to craft stories and help others achieve their dreams. Nothing great happens alone—it takes a team and lots of encouragement (and hard work) for awesome things to happen.
In addition to writing, I run a basketball league for 320 kids in my area, coach my kids’ sports teams, and enjoy learning new things. In fact, each book I’ve written is the result of something in life that captured my attention and I decided to learn more about it or that I knew about—like Christmas elves and football-playing turkeys.
My Impressions:
If you are looking to encourage boys ages 10-14 to read, then you need to check out Patriots, Redcoats and Spies by Robert J. Skead. Filled with adventure, suspense and historical detail, this book follows twin brothers, Ambrose and John, on a mission critical to the success of the American patriots during the Revolutionary War. I think this book would be especially helpful to homeschool families.
Ambrose and John Clark are identical in looks, but nothing alike in temperament. John is quiet and cautious and Ambrose is boisterous and impetuous. But both boys want to help their father get a secret letter to General Washington. As they dodge Redcoats and borrow horses to achieve their goal, they draw closer and mature.
Skead uses information about the real Culper spy ring to create a story sure to appeal to boys (and girls for that matter). He also includes information on the history behind the novel, as well as historical figures and a glossary of sites and terms introduced in the book. Discussion questions also allow your child to go a little deeper in their own thoughts on being a patriot. When they finish the book, they will certainly want more, and they are in luck! There is a second book featuring the Clark twins — Submarines, Secrets And A Daring Rescue. So check this one out!
Recommended.
Audience: children ages 10-14.
(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
To purchase this book, click HERE.
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