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Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington
Ariel Bradley is Washington’s boy spy who pretends to be a country bumpkin (a
“Johnny Raw”). He ‘stumbles’ into General Howe’s camp “looking for the mill” his
father has sent him in search of. In reality, he is assessing the strength and numbers
of the British and their Hessian (German) allies. After he is sent on his way by the
unsuspecting English, he reports this to General Washington and his staff. This
information proves key in what became known as the Battle of White Plains.
“Johnny Raw”). He ‘stumbles’ into General Howe’s camp “looking for the mill” his
father has sent him in search of. In reality, he is assessing the strength and numbers
of the British and their Hessian (German) allies. After he is sent on his way by the
unsuspecting English, he reports this to General Washington and his staff. This
information proves key in what became known as the Battle of White Plains.
56 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
About the author
Lynda Durrant
18 books13 followersFor more information, please see http://www.answers.com/topic/lynda-du...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 26, 2017
Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington by Lynda Durrant is based on a true story and a terrific one at that! A nine year old boy is asked to spy for George Washington, which he does and helps win the battle due to the intel he collects. A great story showing that size and age doesn't matter. A story of courage and heroism. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this great book.
April 3, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley and respective publisher.
“Might Ma make a cobbler just for me?”
Exceptional book describes how a person helped George Washington in the war time.
Ariel has done a job guided by his brothers.
He explained all the imp. news found out in British troops.
Simple, easy read.
I liked it.
“Might Ma make a cobbler just for me?”
Exceptional book describes how a person helped George Washington in the war time.
Ariel has done a job guided by his brothers.
He explained all the imp. news found out in British troops.
Simple, easy read.
I liked it.
September 23, 2020
Cute beginning chapter book for children about an event in 9 yr old Riel Bradley's life, when he was "Johnny Raw" for George Washington....wish more pictures and tales could have been included, but one tale is fine for an early reader
August 26, 2019
Based on a true event, this book contains an educational story of an incredibly brave young boy that helped change the history of America. I loved reading about Ariel Bradley and his family, and their dedication to General Washington and the effort to gain freedom for Americans. The written text in this book is easy to understand and the illustrations are friendly and bring life to this story for young readers. This is an excellent book for 1st through 5th graders.
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
I received this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
October 23, 2015
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to get this book. I think it's wonderful that this book exists. It's a short, exciting bit of historical fiction about a nine-year-old boy who served as a spy during the Revolutionary War. While the story may be simply a local legend, it's generally accepted as true. What more could you want, really?
The story itself is quickly paced, and while it's lacking for an adult to read it for the most part, for a child I think it would be riveting. The illustrations are fun, and the language is easy to read. The back of the book contains a glossary to define he more difficult words. I think a child would be able to read it on their own, and more, I think a child would likely want to. There's a fun bit of a meat to it that would likely spur a deeper interest in history than a child might otherwise have.
This book is interesting, and I certainly would like to get it for some of the younger children in my extended family.
I was very excited to get this book. I think it's wonderful that this book exists. It's a short, exciting bit of historical fiction about a nine-year-old boy who served as a spy during the Revolutionary War. While the story may be simply a local legend, it's generally accepted as true. What more could you want, really?
The story itself is quickly paced, and while it's lacking for an adult to read it for the most part, for a child I think it would be riveting. The illustrations are fun, and the language is easy to read. The back of the book contains a glossary to define he more difficult words. I think a child would be able to read it on their own, and more, I think a child would likely want to. There's a fun bit of a meat to it that would likely spur a deeper interest in history than a child might otherwise have.
This book is interesting, and I certainly would like to get it for some of the younger children in my extended family.
June 11, 2019
Ariel Bradley had two brothers fighting in the conflict known as the American Revolution. When General Washington needed help, he used young Ariel, only 9 years old to discover more information about the troops that were under the British. He needed information, and the young boy was the perfect one to go in, due to his age and innocence.
Oh my, what a story! I LOVED THIS BOOK! As I was reading through the information at the back of the book, they tell the story of Ariel when he grew up, and also what the profits for the book will be used for. As a veteran, I was pleased to see that they are donating to the Fisher House, which is a place for families of wounded servicemembers to stay while their loved ones are being cared for in the VA hospitals. This book is definitely on my list of ones to recommend!
If your kids love history, as mine do, then they will enjoy this sweet little book about a brave little boy and his service to General Washington.
Oh my, what a story! I LOVED THIS BOOK! As I was reading through the information at the back of the book, they tell the story of Ariel when he grew up, and also what the profits for the book will be used for. As a veteran, I was pleased to see that they are donating to the Fisher House, which is a place for families of wounded servicemembers to stay while their loved ones are being cared for in the VA hospitals. This book is definitely on my list of ones to recommend!
If your kids love history, as mine do, then they will enjoy this sweet little book about a brave little boy and his service to General Washington.
August 20, 2017
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of the book through NetGalley.
This is based on the true events of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old asked by General George Washington to spy on a British camp. It was a simple and easy read and Ariel was fun to follow.
This is based on the true events of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old asked by General George Washington to spy on a British camp. It was a simple and easy read and Ariel was fun to follow.
April 30, 2013
Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington is a short history lesson for younger children, bringing history to life in a manner that children can relate to!
Young Ariel is asked to help George Washington by going into the enemy's camp ALONE. Ariel becomes a hero in his own right. Yet as a child,in the end, he equates his mother's cobbler as a reward!
Although short and simply written, it gives today's children a role model to look to and learn from! Sometimes the best rewards are the simple things! Lynda Durrant has turned history into a fun read for kids with her easy prose that keeps things lighter than adult fiction. The glossary at the end furthers the learning experience, once again showing how important the joy of reading can be!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Vanita Books in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: September 1, 2013
Young Ariel is asked to help George Washington by going into the enemy's camp ALONE. Ariel becomes a hero in his own right. Yet as a child,in the end, he equates his mother's cobbler as a reward!
Although short and simply written, it gives today's children a role model to look to and learn from! Sometimes the best rewards are the simple things! Lynda Durrant has turned history into a fun read for kids with her easy prose that keeps things lighter than adult fiction. The glossary at the end furthers the learning experience, once again showing how important the joy of reading can be!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Vanita Books in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: September 1, 2013
July 16, 2019
I loved this true story of Ariel Bradley, a nine-year-old boy who spied for General Washington and helped win the Battle of White Plains. Terrific illustrations and an inspiring story make this a must-read for young history classes studying the American Revolution and for parents who want to introduce their children to history and inspire them to make a difference. 5/5
Thanks to the author, Vanita Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
Thanks to the author, Vanita Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
August 20, 2017
Thi patriotic short novel is based on a true story. During the Revolutionary War, Ariel Bradley, a 9-year-old boy, was asked to spy the British soldiers. This book tells, in a cute and entertaing way, about that adventourus night of Ariel. I think this is a very good way to help children to learn about Revolutionary War. Perhaps is a bit too short, though.
May 1, 2018
I received this, with thanks, from Netgalley.
Illustrations: The illustrations were amazing! They fitted the feel of the time so well, and they were so cute! Salt the horse was so pretty! I loved the vividness and the density of the colours, especially in the backgrounds. The characters were brilliant as well!
Story: The story was cute, and based on historical fact. It was a little dry for a children’s book, but I think kids would love Ariel and Salt.
I Wanted More Of: The beginning jarred me a little. A little more set-up would’ve helped. Also, I really think this book would be extra good if the recipe for the cobbler was included!
3.75 stars
https://melanieashford.wordpress.com/...
Illustrations: The illustrations were amazing! They fitted the feel of the time so well, and they were so cute! Salt the horse was so pretty! I loved the vividness and the density of the colours, especially in the backgrounds. The characters were brilliant as well!
Story: The story was cute, and based on historical fact. It was a little dry for a children’s book, but I think kids would love Ariel and Salt.
I Wanted More Of: The beginning jarred me a little. A little more set-up would’ve helped. Also, I really think this book would be extra good if the recipe for the cobbler was included!
3.75 stars
https://melanieashford.wordpress.com/...
January 15, 2018
"Ariel Bradley, Spy for George Washington" is a book about a young boy who goes undercover to spy on British troops. This book is based on true events which took place in the Battle of Long Island of 1776, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. I loved this book because it has beautiful illustrations which are whimsical and relatable for a young child. In my opinion, Ariel Bradley, the young spy, is a great role model for all children. It give the message that even children can make a difference. "Ariel Bradley, Spy for George Washington" by Lynda Durrant is a great way to introduce children to history.
March 6, 2021
I can't wait to read this book to my fourth graders. We have been talking about how anyone can make a difference, no matter how old they are. I love that this is a true story about how Ariel Bradley was able to help General George Washington by doing something most others could not. It took a boy to go into camps and take intel of how many soldiers, supplies, and other necessities those against the Revolutionaries had.
It showed how a boy could overcome his fear and be a true hero because, although afraid, he was able to complete his assignment. I give this book five stars.
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It showed how a boy could overcome his fear and be a true hero because, although afraid, he was able to complete his assignment. I give this book five stars.
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 18, 2017
A nice little book, based on a true story, about a young boy who really did help Gen. Geo. Washington by spying on the British. It has really nice watercolor drawings to accompany the story. The 'More to the Story' at the end was very good too, as well as the 'Glossary'. I also learned about 'The Fisher House Foundation', at the end...which is a foundation that provides free housing to VA families visiting loved ones at hospitals. A great way to learn some interesting history!
I received this e-book from NetGalley, in return for my own independent, fair & honest review.
I received this e-book from NetGalley, in return for my own independent, fair & honest review.
April 28, 2018
First let me thank Netgalley for the digital copy. I really enjoyed this book that tells of the true story of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old, and how he helps George Washington during the Revolutionary War by pretending to be a "Johnny Raw" to spy on the enemy troops. I loved the illustrations in this book and would definitely recommend it as a read for all ages. I must also add that I really enjoyed the notes at the end of the book taking extra time to tell about Ariel Bradley's life as a grown up.
February 11, 2022
I loved that this book was based on a real boy and a story that actually happened, and looked forward to reading it with my grandson. Unfortunately, the book didn't format right on my Kindle, which I've read has been a problem for others, as well. There seemed to be whole paragraphs missing, and since this was such a short book to begin with, this made it very difficult to read. I'm giving it 3 stars, though, because the parts that I was able to piece together were interesting and showed promise.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion,.
I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion,.
May 9, 2017
Based on a true story, this book is a great beginning chapter book for kids. With fun illustrations that capture the spirit of the story, and well-written short chapters, this book is both entertaining and informative. Kids won't even realize they're learning! There's also a glossary at the back that defines some of the more archaic terms used in the story, and a short recounting of the life of the real Ariel Bradley!
Received for review
Received for review
August 28, 2017
The story is about Ariel Bradley, a young boy who suddenly get to be a spy for General Washington. He has to spy on the British and Hessian army near New York. Which is a scary and exciting thing to do for a young lad of course.
It is a lovely short story for a young audience. This is the kind of book you need to make new generations interested in history and teach them how to read at the same time. To finish it off there are few beautiful illustrations. Great book for 6-9 year old kids.
It is a lovely short story for a young audience. This is the kind of book you need to make new generations interested in history and teach them how to read at the same time. To finish it off there are few beautiful illustrations. Great book for 6-9 year old kids.
March 28, 2019
Cute little book suitable for maybe 3-5th grader. Amazing that the story is actually true and a young child assisted General George Washington by spying on the British. Would make a nice childrens gift.
January 23, 2019
Cute true story
January 24, 2020
I requested this book because my family is studying the Revolutionary War and I thought my kids would enjoy this tale. Sadly, I was a bit underwhelmed by it all.
Nine year old, Ariel Bradley lives in Connecticut. The story takes place in October of 1776. His brothers, Thaddeus and James suddenly come home from General Washington's Continental Army and seek help. Ariel is happy to help his brother, whom he seems to look up to.
Thaddeus and James explain their plan to Ariel. He is to spy on the Redcoat army at the request of George Washington himself. "Speaking softly, he told Ariel what to look for in the enemy camps. 'How many soldier? How many muskets? How many war horses and officers?"
Sounds exciting, but the writing and story really aren't. I'm sad. There are many things wrong with this book. I will outline them.
1) This book has translated horribly to Kindle. This book is not meant for kindle. It is missing words and the text for the pictures are off making it harder to piece together was the book is intended to look like and express to the reader. The first chapter is good but the second chapter was filled with mistakes and missing words. Sometimes whole sections were so out of balance that the paragraph didn't make any sense.
2) Because of the errors in this kindle version, the sequencing of the story becomes off and annoying to piece together. The story is very choppy and seems to skip around. There is no flow. But I'm not sure if that was because of the errors or because of the way the author has written the story.
3) The writing wasn't where it should be, IMHO. There was little to no description, other than generic descriptions. "with shining coats, and tents as far down the riverbank as he could see." That's pretty basic. There are repeating parts, "He turned to the left. He turned to the right." What is that?
4) The ending provides a glossary in the back of the book. But I feel like this could have been left out had the author included more details into the story. The story could have been fleshed out more and children enjoy envisioning what the characters are seeing, feelings, etc. There wasn't any of this here.
5) Just because a book is geared toward children doesn't mean they aren't capable of visualizing what an author is writing about. This book doesn't offer children the chance to understand more of what Ariel and his brother's risked to get a message to George Washington.
Overall, I feel like this is a missed opportunity. I didn't care for how the story was written and I hated the way the kindle version presented. I'm not saying the story needs to be long winded and boring, but I didn't care for the fact that the story was so short and offered no real historical value other than to mention George Washington.
Content: clean
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nine year old, Ariel Bradley lives in Connecticut. The story takes place in October of 1776. His brothers, Thaddeus and James suddenly come home from General Washington's Continental Army and seek help. Ariel is happy to help his brother, whom he seems to look up to.
Thaddeus and James explain their plan to Ariel. He is to spy on the Redcoat army at the request of George Washington himself. "Speaking softly, he told Ariel what to look for in the enemy camps. 'How many soldier? How many muskets? How many war horses and officers?"
Sounds exciting, but the writing and story really aren't. I'm sad. There are many things wrong with this book. I will outline them.
1) This book has translated horribly to Kindle. This book is not meant for kindle. It is missing words and the text for the pictures are off making it harder to piece together was the book is intended to look like and express to the reader. The first chapter is good but the second chapter was filled with mistakes and missing words. Sometimes whole sections were so out of balance that the paragraph didn't make any sense.
2) Because of the errors in this kindle version, the sequencing of the story becomes off and annoying to piece together. The story is very choppy and seems to skip around. There is no flow. But I'm not sure if that was because of the errors or because of the way the author has written the story.
3) The writing wasn't where it should be, IMHO. There was little to no description, other than generic descriptions. "with shining coats, and tents as far down the riverbank as he could see." That's pretty basic. There are repeating parts, "He turned to the left. He turned to the right." What is that?
4) The ending provides a glossary in the back of the book. But I feel like this could have been left out had the author included more details into the story. The story could have been fleshed out more and children enjoy envisioning what the characters are seeing, feelings, etc. There wasn't any of this here.
5) Just because a book is geared toward children doesn't mean they aren't capable of visualizing what an author is writing about. This book doesn't offer children the chance to understand more of what Ariel and his brother's risked to get a message to George Washington.
Overall, I feel like this is a missed opportunity. I didn't care for how the story was written and I hated the way the kindle version presented. I'm not saying the story needs to be long winded and boring, but I didn't care for the fact that the story was so short and offered no real historical value other than to mention George Washington.
Content: clean
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2013
riel Bradley, a Spy for General Washington is a fast read of 50 story pages. I do not know why Ariel’s contribution to the Revolutionary War is not taught in schools, considering his Johnny Raw was the driving force behind Washington’s victory in the Battle of White Plains. That aside, I loved the story of this brave young boy. Mostly, this is a straightforward story of one young boy’s adventure. Boys will like this story, as will teachers.
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The illustrations have an old-fashioned feel to them in both the color and the art. The oranges and browns give the illustrations a rustic look of the past. General Howe looks stern with his squinty eyes and with brows that turn toward his nose at a steep angle. In contrast, General Washington looks stately in his bluish coat. His open eyes are guarded by softly laying brows. Washington’s red nose looks cold, as does Ariel’s. Ariel’s green eyes, red and swollen from tears and old Salt’s limping, groaning, and coughing make them both look helpless and lost—the perfect Johnny Raw.
I cannot image walking 70 miles across fields, and who knows what else, to get from one town to another, but this is what Ariel and his two older brothers did. It took them four days to walk from home to General Washington’s small house on Chatterton Hill. Though short, the story of a young boy’s journey for one of this country’s largest and most powerful men is intriguing. I hated history in school. Had I used texts with stories like this in them, American history might have been more interested.
Teachers, take a look at Ariel Bradley, a Spy for General Washington, your students will find history more interesting after reading this story of a courageous nine-year-old boy. Reluctant readers will enjoy this nine chapter story, based on a true event. In the back is a glossary of the terms used in 1776 and a little more about the real Ariel Bradley.
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Vanita Books are known for their philanthropy. The net profits from Ariel Bradley, a Spy for General Washington will be donated to Fisher House. Fisher House is a not-for-profit organization that builds "comfort homes" near campuses of major military hospitals and VA hospitals. These homes help families remain near their injured loved one--an American War Hero--by giving them a free place to live.
originally published at Kid Lit Reviews
link:http://www.amazon.com/Ariel-Bradley-S...
.
The illustrations have an old-fashioned feel to them in both the color and the art. The oranges and browns give the illustrations a rustic look of the past. General Howe looks stern with his squinty eyes and with brows that turn toward his nose at a steep angle. In contrast, General Washington looks stately in his bluish coat. His open eyes are guarded by softly laying brows. Washington’s red nose looks cold, as does Ariel’s. Ariel’s green eyes, red and swollen from tears and old Salt’s limping, groaning, and coughing make them both look helpless and lost—the perfect Johnny Raw.
I cannot image walking 70 miles across fields, and who knows what else, to get from one town to another, but this is what Ariel and his two older brothers did. It took them four days to walk from home to General Washington’s small house on Chatterton Hill. Though short, the story of a young boy’s journey for one of this country’s largest and most powerful men is intriguing. I hated history in school. Had I used texts with stories like this in them, American history might have been more interested.
Teachers, take a look at Ariel Bradley, a Spy for General Washington, your students will find history more interesting after reading this story of a courageous nine-year-old boy. Reluctant readers will enjoy this nine chapter story, based on a true event. In the back is a glossary of the terms used in 1776 and a little more about the real Ariel Bradley.
.
Vanita Books are known for their philanthropy. The net profits from Ariel Bradley, a Spy for General Washington will be donated to Fisher House. Fisher House is a not-for-profit organization that builds "comfort homes" near campuses of major military hospitals and VA hospitals. These homes help families remain near their injured loved one--an American War Hero--by giving them a free place to live.
originally published at Kid Lit Reviews
link:http://www.amazon.com/Ariel-Bradley-S...
March 7, 2014
Did you know that a 9-year-old boy once wandered into the camp of the British Army, took stock of their troop count & weapons hoard, convinced them he was just a dope who was lost & looking for a mill, all under the orders of General George Washington? Yeah, me neither. Enter Ariel Bradley: Spy for General Washington.
The book was well written, and the pictures were engaging: I think the Kindle formatting was not very accessible (it chopped up the pictures and pages some, mixed up the text here and there), and that did lead to some confusion, but I read it with my niece, and she enjoyed the story parts, and that's obviously what's most important.
Some of the language needed explaining - even words like bumpkin or the phrase "see what you will" are so out of practice that my niece did not understand them on her own, but this would be a great book to read in conjunction with a school unit on the Revolutionary War, where such language could be explained. The inclusion of the glossary at the end was a much welcomed addition - as was the note about the book being based on the actual life of Ariel Bradley, whom I had never heard of before. (Also, this is just my own personal bias, but even I thought that Ariel was going to be a young girl, so that was a bit disappointing for my niece, who wished that the story was about a girl spy - we did look up some other famous lady spies, however, so all was not lost.)
Short, early reader for young middle grades with great art & a quick, intriguing story.
The book was well written, and the pictures were engaging: I think the Kindle formatting was not very accessible (it chopped up the pictures and pages some, mixed up the text here and there), and that did lead to some confusion, but I read it with my niece, and she enjoyed the story parts, and that's obviously what's most important.
Some of the language needed explaining - even words like bumpkin or the phrase "see what you will" are so out of practice that my niece did not understand them on her own, but this would be a great book to read in conjunction with a school unit on the Revolutionary War, where such language could be explained. The inclusion of the glossary at the end was a much welcomed addition - as was the note about the book being based on the actual life of Ariel Bradley, whom I had never heard of before. (Also, this is just my own personal bias, but even I thought that Ariel was going to be a young girl, so that was a bit disappointing for my niece, who wished that the story was about a girl spy - we did look up some other famous lady spies, however, so all was not lost.)
Short, early reader for young middle grades with great art & a quick, intriguing story.
August 19, 2013
I don't normally read children's books, but Ariel Bradley looked really interesting.
One thing I liked about this book is that Ariel Bradley was a real kid who helped out George Washington by pretending to by a country bumpkin. I was actually expecting it to be a full-on picture book, for some reason, but it's actually a chapter book, and I think it would be good for kids who are just starting out on chapter books.
Lynda Durrant did a great job at making Ariel's story interesting and and fun, and even I want to know more about Ariel Bradley! I also liked that a glossary and list of important people were included at the end of the book, which is great for kids who may not know what an icehouse or a mill is.
I do wish there were some illustrations throughout the book (and it's possible there will be some illustrations in the print copy) but that might be because I got Ariel Bradley through netgalley. If they're anything like the cover, then I think the illustrations would be great. And while this book focuses on this one event, I wish we got a little bit more about Ariel's life.
Final Thoughts: I liked Ariel Bradley, and I think it would be a great book for kids who like history or for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. Ariel Bradley, Spy For General Washington gets 2 stars.
*Ariel Bradley is from netgalley.com, which has not influenced my review in any way.
One thing I liked about this book is that Ariel Bradley was a real kid who helped out George Washington by pretending to by a country bumpkin. I was actually expecting it to be a full-on picture book, for some reason, but it's actually a chapter book, and I think it would be good for kids who are just starting out on chapter books.
Lynda Durrant did a great job at making Ariel's story interesting and and fun, and even I want to know more about Ariel Bradley! I also liked that a glossary and list of important people were included at the end of the book, which is great for kids who may not know what an icehouse or a mill is.
I do wish there were some illustrations throughout the book (and it's possible there will be some illustrations in the print copy) but that might be because I got Ariel Bradley through netgalley. If they're anything like the cover, then I think the illustrations would be great. And while this book focuses on this one event, I wish we got a little bit more about Ariel's life.
Final Thoughts: I liked Ariel Bradley, and I think it would be a great book for kids who like history or for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. Ariel Bradley, Spy For General Washington gets 2 stars.
*Ariel Bradley is from netgalley.com, which has not influenced my review in any way.
April 11, 2016
When I saw this book I thought it was about a girl spy. Boy, would that have been a cool book. When I realized it was a boy, I thought, ok, that can be cool as well.
The thing about spies, and danger and war is that there is tension. You don't know what is going to happen. Books without tension are dull. Here is a book about a very dangerous undertaking. Being a spy, even a child spy, is fraught with danger.
However, Ariel, the boy spy, is taken by his brothers, lead to where he is supposed to go, acts like a simpleton, and comes back with the information that General Washington wants. That's it. End of story. He is not afraid. No one threatens him. He comes back home.
The book description says "It also shows George Washington’s keen sense of humor and his wily, perceptive view of his British adversaries." I'm sorry, never saw it, unless he was trying to show that a child was not considered something to be wary of.
So, if some teacher wants a non-threatening, non-scary book about the American Revolution, go for it. Otherwise, there are, I am sure, lots of other heroes of the American Revolution that are much more interesting to read about.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for an honest reveiw.
The thing about spies, and danger and war is that there is tension. You don't know what is going to happen. Books without tension are dull. Here is a book about a very dangerous undertaking. Being a spy, even a child spy, is fraught with danger.
However, Ariel, the boy spy, is taken by his brothers, lead to where he is supposed to go, acts like a simpleton, and comes back with the information that General Washington wants. That's it. End of story. He is not afraid. No one threatens him. He comes back home.
The book description says "It also shows George Washington’s keen sense of humor and his wily, perceptive view of his British adversaries." I'm sorry, never saw it, unless he was trying to show that a child was not considered something to be wary of.
So, if some teacher wants a non-threatening, non-scary book about the American Revolution, go for it. Otherwise, there are, I am sure, lots of other heroes of the American Revolution that are much more interesting to read about.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for an honest reveiw.
August 13, 2013
This is a well written and easy to understand book about a boy during the Revolutionary War. The book tells the story of Ariel Bradley and how he went on a spy mission for General Washington. His mission was to report back to General Washington what he saw at the British camp. General Washington needed information about the number of troops and the condition of their horses. This information would help him as he prepared for battle against them.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked the illustrations. They were simple yet effective. I also was thankful for the glossary at the end of the book that listed some of the words in the book that may not be familiar for the young reader. There were words like icehouse, British redcoats and tri-corned hat. The story itself has a bit of suspense which will make it enjoyable for all children to read. I would recommend this book for any child who is interested in history, adventure or just looking for an easy to read chapter book.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I gave this book 5/5 stars. I liked the illustrations. They were simple yet effective. I also was thankful for the glossary at the end of the book that listed some of the words in the book that may not be familiar for the young reader. There were words like icehouse, British redcoats and tri-corned hat. The story itself has a bit of suspense which will make it enjoyable for all children to read. I would recommend this book for any child who is interested in history, adventure or just looking for an easy to read chapter book.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
January 25, 2016
First and foremost, considering the modern usage of the name, Ariel is a boy, not a girl. At nine years old, he’s hungering for some cobbler, but Mom is saving it for his brothers, who are coming home on leave from fighting the Revolutionary War. But instead of resting they’re visiting to fetch their little brother so he can carry out a secret mission.
Said to be based on a true story, and in a general sense it is plausible; the best spy is the one who doesn’t know he’s a spy. Since it’s a children’s book, it’s relatively simplistic. For example, for German soldiers those Hessians were really polite, or maybe because they were only in it for the money they just didn’t care, because the British were a lot more suspicious. To me the most sympathetic character was the poor old horse, though his love of cobbler does humanize Ariel to the point where I was rooting for him, American or not.
There’s some drawings, though there’s no intent to make the figures lifelike; in fact they kinda reminded me of the caricatures artists draw at fairs, except for the horse, who is as realistic as can be right down to the giant teeth; long of tooth indeed. . .
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
Said to be based on a true story, and in a general sense it is plausible; the best spy is the one who doesn’t know he’s a spy. Since it’s a children’s book, it’s relatively simplistic. For example, for German soldiers those Hessians were really polite, or maybe because they were only in it for the money they just didn’t care, because the British were a lot more suspicious. To me the most sympathetic character was the poor old horse, though his love of cobbler does humanize Ariel to the point where I was rooting for him, American or not.
There’s some drawings, though there’s no intent to make the figures lifelike; in fact they kinda reminded me of the caricatures artists draw at fairs, except for the horse, who is as realistic as can be right down to the giant teeth; long of tooth indeed. . .
3.5 pushed up to 4/5
September 22, 2013
This story is based on the real events that happened to nine year old Ariel Bradley.
Ariel is asked by his brothers to help out George Washington. He is to take his horse, Salt and wonder into the enemy camp to see how many soldiers, guns and supplies they have. Ariel is to play a "Johnny Raw" to get into the camp. Pretending to look for a mill to grind some corn, Ariel is able to enter the camps and get the needed information. He returns to George Washington with the information and this leads to an American win at the Battle of White Plains.
I will definitely be using this book when I teach the American Revolution this year. My students will be able to see the war through the eyes of a child and I think that will give them a different perspective on it. The illustrations are beautifully done by Joe Rossi and make the story come to life. A definite must buy if you teach the American Revolution!
Ariel is asked by his brothers to help out George Washington. He is to take his horse, Salt and wonder into the enemy camp to see how many soldiers, guns and supplies they have. Ariel is to play a "Johnny Raw" to get into the camp. Pretending to look for a mill to grind some corn, Ariel is able to enter the camps and get the needed information. He returns to George Washington with the information and this leads to an American win at the Battle of White Plains.
I will definitely be using this book when I teach the American Revolution this year. My students will be able to see the war through the eyes of a child and I think that will give them a different perspective on it. The illustrations are beautifully done by Joe Rossi and make the story come to life. A definite must buy if you teach the American Revolution!
October 26, 2013
Lynda Durrant's story is based on real events from the Revolutionary War. Ariel Bradley was only nine years old when General George Washington asked him to help gather information on British troops in the area near his family's farm. Ariel pretended to be a country boy lost on his way to the mill and wandered into (and out of) British and Hessian camps. The soldiers all saw him as a harmless boy. They didn't realize he was looking carefully around and getting an estimate of their troop strength and firepower. His reconnaissance helped General Washington plan a successful engagement with the British at White Plains, New York. Ms. Durrant has retold the story with details of what Ariel probably thought and felt while he conducted his mission.
If you enjoy American history or stories of heroic children, then you should read this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
If you enjoy American history or stories of heroic children, then you should read this book.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
August 13, 2014
This is the story of Ariel Bradley, a 9-year-old boy, who served as a spy for General Washington during the Revolutionary War in 1776. He pretended to be a country bumpkin, or a "Johnny Raw" in 18th century terminology, and rode into enemy territory, pretending to be lost and in desperate need of directions, reporting back to Washington about how many soldiers and how much equipment the enemy had. This helped Americans to win the Battle of the White Plains in New York State in 1776.
It's a beautiful story that demonstrates how a child can be brave and helpful for a cause he holds dear. I enjoyed the story very much, and the artwork was magnificent! Who knows? We might all be in a very different country if it weren't for this child's courage and determination. This book makes a great history lesson for children, fun and easy to read.
I received a digital version of this book free from Net Galley for the purpose of reviewing.
It's a beautiful story that demonstrates how a child can be brave and helpful for a cause he holds dear. I enjoyed the story very much, and the artwork was magnificent! Who knows? We might all be in a very different country if it weren't for this child's courage and determination. This book makes a great history lesson for children, fun and easy to read.
I received a digital version of this book free from Net Galley for the purpose of reviewing.
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