Lynda Durrant

The Story
Brilliantly written. It's engaging from the start, with an evocative and age-appropriate vocabulary. Ma's cobbler "was evenly browned with thick, purple fruit syrup bubbling around the edges," Ariel's brothers walk up as the sun sets and "How the brass buttons on their uniforms sparkled!" A simple, straight-forward story of a young boy acting as a spy for Washington, appealing to children because it's a true story of a child who did something important and heroic, and can possibly show more serve as a springboard to get them more interested in history.

The Art
I wasn't sure about the drawing style initially, but it really grew on me. I love the watercolors and the warm aged look of the page borders, and the mostly soft warm somewhat muted colors found throughout, with the bolder colors serving to bring attention to some detail. It's all fabulously done.

Overall
Wonderful little book, easily recommended. Even adults will delight at the art and the little-known courageous young boy featured. show less

To escape their drunken, abusive father Rosemary Elizabeth travels with her mother and younger siblings to the Shaker village of Pleasant Hill. While the Civil War rages on, Pleasant Hill is an oasis of peace. Rosemary knows that she and her family will be safe there. But when ma leaves the children in the care of the Shakers without so much as a goodbye, Rosemary is crushed. The Shakers give her a new name (Sister Bess) and try to teach her the Shaker way, but Rosemary can't seem to get it show more right. She's constantly making mistakes (the Shakers call them "imperfections"). Will Rosemary be able to adopt Shaker beliefs? She must try, for she has nowhere else to go...

This book gives a detailed look at the Shaker life in 1860s Kentucky. Kentucky was a state trapped in the middle of the war - a Union state that still had slaves - and Rosemary is also trapped in the middle. Some parts of the plot didn't really click with me, but this was worth the read for the gorgeous descriptions of Shaker buildings, craft, and food. An author's note with sources is included (yay!). show less

This is a little-known story about a young spy during the American Revolutionary War. I can see how perhaps a child might get excited about seeing someone his or her own age in the role as a spy during wartime. As an adult reader who majored in history, this story fell a little flat even for me. I feel there is not enough context for the war to introduce young readers, and the story is just not exciting enough. While an important asset to the war effort, the truth is that Ariel doesn't show more really get to do that much. We don't get to find out too much about Ariel Bradley, which is a shame, because I think a little poetic license could have expanded the story and make it a little more interesting. I don't see the target age group sitting still for this. show less

I thought this book was enjoyably written - it was poetic without being silly - and the illustrations were wonderful. I really liked the story of Ariel Bradley.

I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.