Patriots Redcoats and Spies

Evans knelt down on the sand and examined the footprints. “Looks like there were two others,” said Sheffield. His sergeant’s eyes filled with determination. “These rebel traitors never make anything easy,” he muttered. “Shall we kill them on sight or do you still want ‘em hanged?” The look on the corporal’s face revealed he preferred the first choice. “Difficult to say… Both have their benefits, don’t they?” Evans marched ahead in the sand, keeping his eyes trained on the footprints.

Book: Patriots, Redcoats and Spies (American Revolutionary War Adventures  by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead, Zonderkidz, 2015

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: boys 10-15

Subjects: Revolutionary War, Sibling Relationships,

Summary: Them? Their dad wants THEM to deliver the message to General Washington? There’s no way! But there’s also no choice. Their dad, the spy, is wounded, shot and unable to continue the journey. It’s up to fourteen year old twins Ambrose and John to get the message safely to the general. The trip isn’t safe though. The British were on to their father and now on their trail as well. They aren’t afraid to use violence to get what they want. They aren’t the only danger either. Untrained young boys traveling alone make an easy target for thieves, And the cause requires committing crimes against the very people who are on their side, making them a target for their allies as well as their enemies!

Notes: Patriots, Redcoats and Spies is the first in the American Revolutionary War Adventures series. The series is written by a father/son team who trace their own legacy back to heroes of the Revolutionary War. The purpose is to convey truth about the kinds of events and key figures of the war. The end of the book contains numerous notes about the historical facts referenced in the book. This book focuses on the Culper Spy Ring and sets up a scenario where two young boys are accidentally drug into the spy ring. As for spiritual emphasis, there are a few references to prayer or Providence. It’s implied that the boys come from a family of believers, or a family that at least values prayer and Scripture memory, but that the boys have not adopted the faith as their own yet. Phrases such as “Trust Providence. That’s what Dad would say”  or “Dad said if you love someone you’d give your life for them. Greater love hath no one than this…” are used to show the spiritual elements of the story.

Spiritual Content Recommendation Scale: 3/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Proverbs 1:8 – Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.