Saratoga Secret

Gr 4-8-A historical novel set around the Battle of Saratoga, considered to be a turning point of the Revolutionary War. Amity Spencer is a 16-year-old farm girl who stays with her mother and baby brother while her father goes off with the other men and boys of her community to fight the British. A neighboring farm boy thought to have been killed in battle shows up on the Spencer's doorstep with a tale of how he survived and news that someone they thought they could trust is a traitor. The young patriot also carries an inadvertently obtained letter that tells of an imminent attack by Burgoyne's troops. He is too weak to travel, so Amity must get the letter to the generals of the American Army. The book presents a good picture of rural life and the realities of war and its effects on civilians, and also attempts to put a human face on the idea of "the enemy." The writing is sometimes awkward, as is the case in many historical novels in which an author tries to give the dialogue an old-fashioned tone, but the real sense of fear and danger is sustained throughout. Amity's play at intrigue as well as her confused romantic feelings towards another character keep the story moving. A solid book for assignments or for readers who want to go beyond the "Dear America" series (Scholastic).-Carrie Schadle, New York Public LibrarySterman, Betsy is the author of 'Saratoga Secret' with ISBN 9780803723320 and ISBN 0803723326.