Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution

by Avi

It is 1776.

The Revolutionary War in America rages, and New York City is newly occupied by the powerful British army.

Young Sophia Calderwood's beloved soldier brother, William, is being held on a gruesome British prison ship. Horrified by the atrocities she sees there, Sophia resolves to avenge his brutal treatment and help advance the patriot cause.

She soon gets her chance. Recruited by a mysterious gentleman, Sophia becomes a spy in the home of the supreme commander of the British forces. There she discovers that an American general plans to switch sides in a plot that will irreparably damage the Americans if it succeeds.

But the identity of the would-be traitor is so shocking that no one believes Sophia. So she decides to stop the treachery herself - but she's alone, she's a girl, and she's running out of time.

And if she fails, she'll be hung!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Young Adult, American Revolution, Fiction, Historical, American Revolutionary War

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2012

About the author

Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.

Reviews

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book!

First I want to mention that I love what the author says in the note at the back: "Truth may be stranger than fiction, but fiction makes truth a friend, not a stranger."

I have never had a good memory when it comes to history, but if I can read a story about an event or a character, it's more likely to stick with me.

This is highly readable YA historical fiction. Even though it is written simply (on the younger side of YA) and with thorough explanations, it flows well and doesn't come across as dumbed down. Sophia is a wonderful character (love those strong female leads!) and I felt on the edge of my seat reading, even though I knew, based on history, what was going to happen.

[Avellina Balestri · Rating 2 out of 5]

WOW. What the heck did they do to Andre??? He's a complete shell of himself! This whole nasty little book felt like a deliberate attempt to character assassinate him in attempt to make his own hanging more deserved and to glorify spunky super chick for her revenge quest. At first, I actually had hoped the author was going to be fair and create a sweet if complex friendship between Andre and the main character, which would create a quandary for her later on as they find themselves at odds due to their own roles in the war. I actually believed that we make be offered a tale where no one was the bad guy, but everyone was simply doing their best in a complex war. But no, no, no. Like so much revolutionary fiction when dealing with British officers, we get a caricature of Andre as a smug, untrustworthy, chauvinist, without a stitch of feeling for suffering POWs or their families. This is THE OPPOSITE of the real Andre, who was known to beg off quite a few American POWs during his time in NYC and Philly. One particularly moving narrative speaks of how he intervened on behalf two young teenage soldiers who were being herded onto a prison ship, telling them to go home and fear God. Things brings up another issue I have with this depiction of Andre: He's shown as being flippant about religion. Here's the thing: Yes, he certainly could be a party animal, and was known to sow his wild oats, but he never ceased to be a Christian, even during that phase. It was really just below the surface for him, given his strong religious upbringing and education, and it came back to him through his reversion before his death, writing the words of the hymn "Hail, Sovereign Love" and putting the paper inside his coat over his heart before being hanged. I don't know for the life of me why this quality of Andre is consistently overlooked in fiction in favor of either reducing him to a sex idol spy or deforming him in order to make his death feel earned to the audience who might otherwise *gasp* wish Washington and co. had shown him mercy. In addition to this major qualm, the book also is very uneven in pace, dragging painfully at times as it zigzags between a teenage crush gone wrong to Wikipedia history dumps. It just makes me more determined to do a better job when I feature Andre in my own American Revolution trilogy. With books like this out there, it's frankly a low bar, but I'll do my best to raise it!

[Barb Keltner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best historical fiction books I've read in a long time, especially the second half of it! Obviously well researched -- right down to having a glossary of 18th century terms and Avi's note explaining which parts are true and which fiction. VERY exciting telling of an important time in our history! (It's 5th grade AR level.)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Avi's work and his historical fiction is well-documented. When I read the synopsis of this book I was very interested. It so nicely supports my school's 5th grade Social Studies curriculum I knew this was a good topic.

Personally I found the book interesting, but throughout my reading I kept asking myself "Which students in my school would read this book?" I can only think of a couple, and that makes me sad. Now, I'm trying to think of ways to sell my students on this very well-written book.

Sophia is shocked when she witnesses Nathan Hale's hanging at the hands of British soldiers. Her family is living in New York City under British occupation. As tensions grow the family deals with Father's injuries and difficulties continuing to work and provide for his family, the British requirement that an officer is housed in their home, and the uncertainty of her brother's whereabouts and well-being.

Sophia finds it difficult to know who to trust in these perilous times, but she knows she must do something to help her family. She grows up quickly as she takes on work to earn money to feed the family, scours the city for information about her brother, and deals with a youthful infatuation of the dashing young officer living in her home. He is the enemy, but so very charming!

Circumstances continue to force Sophia into difficult circumstances, and when she learns that her brother is a prisoner who later dies on-board a prison ship Sophia promises herself that those responsible will feel her vengeance.

This story describes the turbulent Revolutionary War times, the growth of a young girl into a brave patriot, and demonstrates the events that helped the colonists achieve victory over the British. Avi provides extensive notes at the end to explain where the facts leave off and the fiction begins. This was a great book for me, but I struggle to know which child readers this book will find.

[JoLene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Sophia, a young colonial girl who witnesses Nathan Hale is he about to be hung for treason. This events marks the beginning of Sophia's transformation into a patriot. Sophia is spurred into action when her older brother, who fought in the battle of Brooklyn ends up on a prison ship and she tries to visit only to learn that he had died.

Sophia is a plucky little heroine and her actions had a major impact on the war. I do not know a lot about the revolutionary war, but unfortunately, the format of the books make for a lot of knowledge dumping. This caused the book to have uneven pacing, especially in the beginning.

Overall the story was interesting and I learned a bit about a period that I didn't know anything about, however, I wasn't a big fan of the writing style.

[Yennie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely tedious. More concerned with laying out historic information than proper storytelling, and despite the immense effort to sound true to the time period, the narration feels detached and not one bit like a girl. The final section even pulls a Twilight Saga maneuver and changes narrative perspective because the author wrote himself into a corner by making the story first person. Had to force myself to finish it because I'm reading it for work.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Sophia Calderwood is a Patriot in 1776, and the family's New York City home becomes the dwelling place of John Andre, a British officer, the first of many to stay there during the British occupation of the city. Against her will, Sophia develops a crush on Andre and becomes increasingly drawn to him--until he refuses her request to help her brother who is a prisoner of war. She vows vengeance on the man after her brother dies. Eventually, Sophia gets her chance to get back at Andre three years later when she stumbles on a plot between him and Benedict Arnold that would spell the end for the American forces. Once Sophia has her revenge, she realizes it isn't as sweet as she had hoped. While Sophia's bravery and determination are undeniable and her journey on boat and by foot to thwart the plot sounds exhausting, what elevates this title is how the author constantly reminds readers through Sophia's own words just how torn she is. Although Andre represents the other side of the conflict during the Revolutionary War, Sophia still has feelings for him, and through her struggle, readers can see that it isn't as easy as it might seem to categorize someone as friend or enemy. The lines often are blurred. This is a satisfyingly told piece of historical fiction about what might have been.

[Diane · Rating 2 out of 5]

As the war begins, Sophia Calderwood's family is in turmoil: her brother, serving in the army, is missing. Her father has been injured and they are forced to take in a British officer, John Andre. She is drawn to Andre, though he is the enemy. Being the only child left, Sophia must find gainful employment to help her family. She is soon taken in as a servant to the supreme commander of British forces. A position that could be very advantageous to someone who can listen and not be noticed. Soon, she is recruited by the mysterious Mr. Townsend to report anything that she thinks might be of importance. When she hears about a traitor in the midst of the American army, she knows she must relay this information before West Point is taken by the British.

Disappointed in this one. The narrator comes off as a bit of a drama queen ... too dramatic for a girl who finds herself in the spy business. Her deliberations about John Andre go on interminably and weakens her character. And then the whole idea that the narrator is relaying some information to us that she "received after the fact" is clunky and distracting.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1776 the Thirteen Colonies had been at war with The British Empire for almost a year. During that time the Americans and the British had sustained gains and losses. Some were more significant than others. Clearly, the American troops were at odds with the most formidable army and navy in the world at that time. The British war machine was well trained, well equipped, and well run. The American troops were a rag-tag collection of militias spread out across the various colonies with varying degrees of discipline and leadership. To be sure, the troops did not gain real leadership until Washington, Livingston, Tallmadge, Putnam, and Lafayette came along. The Northeast colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York were battle ground states before the term was coined. The war began in Boston, MA, but all of the northeast colonies were divided between those remaining loyal to King George and those wanting independence. Although some communities were easily identifiable others were not. New York, particularly the island of Manhattan was one such community. Manhattan and what were to become the five boroughs of New York City were distinct communities in 1776. Manhattan was a British strong hold. What is The Financial District today was all there was of New York City during the 18th Century.
The British had captured Manhattan and it was the British army that occupied the city and the British Navy that patrolled mouths of the Hudson and East Rivers. The British held Manhattan and imposed a quasi martial law on the city. This is the environment that Sophia Calderwood at the age of 12 finds herself in. Sophia and her family were living in the city but at the tensions rose between the British and the Americans, her father thought it best to move the family out of the city to return when tension settled. Sophia and her mother were on their way out of the city when they witnessed the hanging of Nathan Hale. He had been captured, tried and convicted as a spy. The penalty was death by hanging. Sophia and her mother witnessed Hale’s execution. Witnessing this and hearing the comments made by the British soldiers who carried out the act began to galvanize Sophia’s resolve not to stand idly by doing nothing to help the cause for Independence. She had a brother who, when the story opens, is fighting with Washington. Sophia, her mother, and father are for independence, secretly. Witnessing the death of Nathan Hale further propels Sophia into knowing and fearing for her brother’s life. There had been no communication; the family had no idea as to his fate.
Upon returning to New York City, the Calderwoods find the British had ransacked their home and they were subject to curfews, and strict rules about when and when not to be out in the streets. The Calderwoods were also informed that they would be billeting a British soldier. The need secrecy became even more important to them including keeping William Calderwood’s identity private. Sophia’s father returning from the country, is able to find copy editing work from printers in New York City, an up and coming British solder moves into the Calderwood’s’ home and things settle into a routine – until Sophia, a girl of 12 years of age, begins develops a crush on the soldier, John Andre, staying with them.
Andre is handsome, charming, and talented and flatters the young Sophia. She is lulled into a false sense of security with her soldier/friend around. She begins to fantasize about maintaining a friendship that will not conflict with her desire for American independence. Andre sings to Sophia, walks her around New York, writes poetry to her and buys her presents. She develops real feeling for him that go un-conflicted until they are on one of their walks and Sophia sees that among a parade if captured American troops is her brother William.
The conditions in which William is kept as a prisoner of war disgrace her, first held in Kings College, then a sugar house, then take to a British prison ship, The Good Intent she experiences first hand the deplorable conditions in which the British kept American prisoners. Conditions in British war prisons being what they were Sophia and her parents beg Captain Andre to help William. He refuses citing his honor as a British gentleman and officer as the reason. Many died in these conditions, Sophia’s brother among them ~ she is devastated. With William’s death comes Sophia’s pledge to avenge not only the death of her brother but also the unnecessary deaths of all the American troops.
When Sophia determines to avenge William and defeat the British she embarks on a journey of intrigue, intelligence, and counter intelligence that takes in to the heart of the Revolutionary War. She comes face to face with the greatest scandal and betrayal of the Revolution and if this were not a work of historical fiction Sophia Calderwood’s name would be forever linked with the name that defines treason in American History.
Avi is the author of over 70 children’s books. Many of these are works of historical fiction. Avi is the pen name for Edward Irving Wortis born in 1937. He is the Newbery Winner in 2003 for Crispin: The Cross of Lead and twice received the Newbery Honor for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and Nothing But The Truth. Most recently Avi has received praise for his 2011 book City of Orphans another work of historical fiction that details the lives of immigrant children orphaned in New York City at the turn of the 20th Century. These newsboys are modern day Dickensian characters. In reading City of Orphans one sees not only the streets of New York City in 1893 but also the streets of London fifty years earlier. Fagan, Dodger, and Oliver Twist are the literary connections to Avi’s work. This work is also based on a short article written for the New York Times detailing the lives of these boys who would rather sell newspapers for pennies than go to the public work houses and orphanages of the time.
Sophia’s War is an honest straightforward account of a young girl’s struggle to understand the world she lives in, how that world is changing and what exactly her place is in it. Avi writes from Sophia’s point of view. Sophia tells her story as if she is conversing with the reader in the form of a letter, the book begins “Dear Reader.” As she tells her story she often interjects her narrative with the phrase ‘Dear Reader’ this serves to pull the reader in, making him or her an integral part of the story. Sophia struggles with her loyalty to family and country while trying to sort out her feelings for a British soldier who is very flattering to her. She then struggles with the consequences of her actions. Sophia quickly learns there is a difference between the romantic notions of war and the realities of standing for one’s beliefs. Avi tells this story as a man not loosing or sacrificing the femininity of his main character. Other writers of historical fiction who write from the girl’s point of view include, Jennifer Donnelly, Anne McGovern, Elizabeth George Speare, Ruta Sepetys, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Notably, these are women writing from the point of view of their main character who are young women. Avi achieves this with honesty and clarity. His being male does not diminish the strength of the story.
There are three stories with in the one. Avi writes in such a way as to ‘fool’ the reader into thinking that all of the characters were real. All of the situations are real and carefully researched. The reality of the conditions in New York City during the Revolution and British occupation of the city and the subsequent inculcation of the British life style upon the city was real. The historical figures all existed, Nathan Hale was hung as a spy in 1776, Major John Andre did attempt to buy the plans of West Point from Benedict Arnold, Arnold did desert the American Army for a position with the British; even John Paulding and Robert Townsend lived. Avi interweaves the life of Sophia Calderwood so vividly with these men of history that one will find them self search the Internet for Sophia Calderwood. If she had truly existed, no doubt she would hold the same place in history as Martha Washington, Abigail Adams, Deborah Sampson, Dolly Madison.
This is a story for girls although boys would benefit from reading this genre and this story. The main character is a 12 and then 15-year-old girl. It is told through her eyes and perspective. All to often we find stories for one gender or the other and boys and girls will ‘stick’ with that genre or subject matter thinking that is written only for them. Both will benefit from reading this story, as they will experience a girl asking very ‘girlie’ questions responding to them as a young woman in a male dominated world. Readers will learn the position of women in the later 18th century and the value of women for the country they too desired to be a part of and serve.
Written for students’ grades four through seven, teachers will find a helpful glossary, endnotes, and bibliography at the end of the book and historical maps at the beginning of the book placing the reader in the places the story takes place. Not an informational text, teachers will be able to align the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for reading literature grades four through seven with this story. Using this book as part of a unit in Colonial history or as a book club book in the reader’s workshop students will be able to quote the text, determine a theme, compare and contrast characters, determine the meaning of academic and historic vocabulary, understand how chapters fit together, describe the narrator’s point of view and narrative style and how that point of view will influence the reader and the out come of the story. And, with other students reading other works of historical fiction compare and contrast different books. Written responses to the literature may include journal writing, map making, letter writing, encoding and decoding narratives to tell a story. Students may also take positions of determining the characters’ guilt of innocence in developing persuasive writing samples defending or condemning the characters’ actions. These are all outlined in the CCSS 4 – 7. RL 1 – 10.
This is a rich text that not only provides a source for teaching history through literature but also epitomizes great story telling.

[Aleta · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

SPOILERS ahead!

Man, it's hard to tell how I feel about this book. I may or may not change my rating

Pro's: It was an engaging read. It used (as far as I know) historically accurate language, with a glossary included in the back for the more complicated words.
It wasn't dumbed down, like many other middle grade historical fictions I've read. The author treated you like a competent individual, when it came to the vocabulary.

Cons: I strongly disliked Sophia's infatuation with John Andrè. I found it completely unnecessary. The whole point is that Sophia wanted to avenge her brother's gruesome death, but that fact was clouded over by her feelings for Andrè. As a reader it felt like she more just wanted to force an acknowledgement from him, and receive some sort of recognition. Even Sophia herself at one point wonders if this is the case!
Parts of the book is bogged down with paragraphs of her contemplating what her feelings are for him, and what they mean. They are then followed by a brief sentence like, But I'm still a Patriot!

I feel like I couldn't get fully behind Sophia's character because of that. It was hard when her motives were so tainted by her feelings for Andrè.

Also she was an awful spy! She was clumsy with her spying, and am I really to believe she didn't think to bring food on her journey? Really?

Ultimately it had some wasted potential, which was such a shame, since it was so engaging.

[Kay Hommedieu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great historical fiction book by Newbery author, Avi. This one is set during the Revolutionary War told in first person by a young patriot named Sophia who proves to be a very special young woman who makes her way around the city working for the two printers who had employed her father before he became injured. She soon becomes involved in gathering information for a gentleman who is impressed by her pluckiness and helps her find a job as a house keeper in the British headquarters. At this job she becomes very involved in passing on the information that she learns there. Yes, she is a spy at the age of fifteen!

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing, and I never really had an interest in History but after reading this book, it made me think of the topic differently. I've always known the same things from previous years, but this book really put the discoveries, fears, and much more into perspective, allowing me to feel as if I am experiencing it myself!

[Calvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read a novel by Avi that I have not liked. This book is well written, with a good storyline that kept me awake at night wanting to read more. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Alexander Johnson]

I LOVED IT!!!! 9/10 Great Book!

[Anne Osterlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

New York has been captured by the British, and Sophia's family lives under military rule. Compelled to host a soldier, John Andre, in their home, they know better than to share their real feelings about the war. Sophia, herself, is a tangle of contradictory emotions. She fears for her brother, William, a soldier in the American army; yet she's fallen quite thoroughly for the charm and grace of her family's British cohabitant. When true danger arrives at her family's doorstep, she takes a risk.

And then the truth is ripped bare.

A smooth, enveloping read that plunges our gutsy heroine into some of the most shocking episodes of the Revolutionary War: from the hanging of Nathan Hale to the betrayal of Benedict Arnold. It was Sophia's trek onto a prison ship in New York Harbor, though, that I found especially powerful. My favorite novel by Avi since The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. I whipped through this one in two days.

[Erin Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 11 y.o. daughter was assigned this book to read for school and when I saw it was historical fiction and about the Revolutionary War, I found the book at the library and we read it together. I loved the Re-telling through Sophia’s eyes. My daughter and I agree that Sophia was very BRAVE and COURAGEOUS!! She endured so much for being so young. I enjoyed the little bit of romance weaved in (a very PG level, more of a crush!). We enjoyed the authors note at the end to learn which pieces were truth and which were fiction. I hope this encourages her to choose this genre again!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like history about the American Revolutionary War with a strong young heroine, this book is for you. Avi loosely follows history through the fictional character Sophie as she uncovers the plot to attack West Point. I didn’t realize West Point was such a strategic location. It’s downfall would have most likely caused the American Revolution to end in Great Britains’s favor. The more I read about the American Revolution, the more I am amazed the war turned out in the colonies’ favor! A wonderful entry in the historical fiction genre for middle grade readers. This book really makes history come alive!

[Kendra Schmidt · Rating 2 out of 5]

So very sorry for what is about to come:

I don’t care what year at is, a 12 year old liking a 26 year old is ABSURD. When I was 12, 26 year olds were practically senior citizens to me. You know what’s even worse? A 26 YEAR OLD LIKING A 12 YEAR OLD. JAIL. NOW.
Don’t get me started on that stupid poem that he wrote her. I’ll just give you the first line.
‘No matter how young the flower…’
“911, what is your emergency?”
“JOHN ANDRÉ.”

I don’t know, it wasn’t the work book ever, but it definitely had some—unfortunate qualities. Also the ending was a bit confusing. Furthermore, the whole romance thing was kind of pointless, we spent a whole book with her feelings for him and it didn’t even lead to anything. Meh.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in Middle School when I went through a serious Avi phase and read everything my school library had by him. Most recently, I just finished reading it aloud with my 7th and 10th graders because we are studying the American Revolution in homeschool. It was just as guy wrenching as the first time and I appreciate how well researched it was. My kids learned a lot while also being lost in a story. Sophia’s dilemmas gave us opportunities to discuss our values and priorities.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Avi has always been a favorite in our house and his latest book, Sophia's War, is another addition to his oeuvre of historical fiction that doesn't fail to satisfy. This time Avi takes the reader back to the American Revolution.

For 12 year old Sophia Calderwood, the revolutionary war is personal. Forced to flee with her mother and father when the British attack and seize lower Manhattan, on her return, Sophia and her mother witness, first, the hanging of Nathan Hale by the British for being a spy and second, the burnt remains of part of their lower New York settlement. Fortunately, the Calderwood house, though ransacked, is still standing.

Sophia's father had thought it wise to remain at a friend's house in northern Manhattan, but he soon shows up at home with a gunshot in him arm. It is decided that he will remain sequestered at home for now, since he is a known patriot and needs to recover. As for Sophia's brother William, a soldier fighting under General Washington, there has been no news of him for a while.

On top of all this, with the British now in charge, the Calderwoods are forced to billet a soldier. Lieutenant John André, handsome, cultured and kind, arrives at their door and Sophia is immediately taken in by his attention and many charms.
"In short, having never met so well bred and civilized a man as John André, I was greatly flattered by the attention. Indeed, I was nothing less than enthralled." (pg 56)
When Sophia lets slip to John André the her brother is a patriot, he lets her know that he will keep the information to himself, and that he will do whatever he can to help her family. So naturally, when Sophia discovers her brother seriously ill and starving in one of the British prisons known for their deplorable conditions, she is sure John André will help him.

The news that John André has been ordered to go to Staten Island immediately, prompts the Calderwoods to ask if he will help William. When Sophia confronts him about this, he tells her he cannot do anything, that his honor as a British officer is the most important thing in the world to him. But when Sophia reminds him that he had promised that, if needed, he would anything he could for her, he responds that a promise to a 12 year old is not like a pledge to a lady, and that she is not yet a lady.

Shaken to her core by this, Sophia vows to save William.

Fast forward to 1780, the war is still being fought. Sophia is now 15, working in a print shop to help her family out. There, because she can read, she is recruited as a spy for the Americans. Placed in the home of British General Clinton as a housemaid, she is asked to report any information she finds. But just as she discovers a plot of treasonous proportions involving an American general and her old friends John André, the person she reports to has disappeared for safety reasons.

What to do with all this information? Here is Sophia's opportunity to get revenge on John André for failing to help William by exposing the plot she has uncovered. Can a young 15 year old succeed against all odds and possibly change the tide of the war?

Sophia's War was an exciting book to read. Avi has taken a real event of the American Revolution that has many aspects to it that have never been explained and offers a cogent explanation. And why not? This is what historical fiction is all about. All the places and events, as well as most of the characters in Sophia's War are real and you will probably recognize them from history lessons. It is told in the voice of self-conscious narrator Sophia, who directly addresses her readers in several places, making it sound plausible, while at the same time reminding us she is a fiction.

I thought this was one of Avi's best novels and I have loved all of them. My one reservation about Sophia's War was the revenge aspect of her motivation. But, of course, in the end, there is much to learn from Sophia's motivations. Do read this novel is you enjoy good historical fiction.

This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was borrowed from Webster Branch of the NYPL

[Margo Tanenbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The versatile Avi, who won a Newbery years back for his historical novel Crispin: The Cross of Lead, pens a real historical thriller in his latest novel, Sophia's War, set during the American Revolution. This is definitely my favorite Avi novel since The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Like that celebrated adventure/historical nove, Sophia's War features an indomitable young heroine, who thrusts herself in the center of political and military intrigue during one of the most famous betrayals in American history.

The novel opens in 1776 in loyalist-occupied New York City, the same setting for Laurie Halse Anderson's Seeds of America novels Chains, and Forge. Twelve-year old Sophia Calderwood adores her older brother, William, who has enlisted in the revolutionary army. Although she's a well-educated young woman who is well-versed in all the revolutionary rhetoric of the time, Sophia can't help herself when she becomes infatuated with the handsome and charming British officer, John Andre, who is billeted with her family. But when her brother becomes a prisoner in the horrible prison ships off the coast of New York and Andre refuses to help, Sophia's feelings change, and soon she is eager to avenge her brother's fate.

When Sophia is approached by an acquaintance to spy for the revolutionaries by working as a maid at the British general's grand house, she discovers a nefarious plot--one which involves not only the handsome John Andre, but her hero, the acclaimed American officer Benedict Arnold. Can she pass on what she knows to the revolutionary command, and will anyone believe her?

This is a tremendously exciting novel, one which I devoured in one sitting. Told in the first person by Sophia, the novel is fast-paced, and action-packed. While easy to read, the novel includes 18th century phrases scattered through the text, giving Sophia an authentic voice for the period without making the text too difficult for middle grade readers to read. A few of the colorful phrases, such as "bosky," sent me to the glossary of 18th century words included in the backmatter. Avi also includes an Author's Note, which explains that the characters of Sophia, her parents, and brother, are entirely fictitious, but the other figures who populate the novel are real enough and the stories of the American prisoners in New York and the handsome British officer John Andre are as historically accurate as he could write them.

Avi concludes his note with a passionate defense of historical fiction: "History provides endlessly amazing stories. Historical fiction, I believe, can illuminate these stories with the ordinary people who make extraordinary history...Truth may be stranger than fiction, but fiction makes truth a friend, not a stranger."

Thanks, Avi, for another terrific historical title for young people to add to your impressive canon of over 70 works.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow starter that gradually grows into a thrilling tale of espionage set during the American Revolution! This book has classic children's literature written all over it in the vein of stories like My Brother Sam Is Dead, The Witch of Blackbird Pond and Johnny Tremain. Avi mixes hefty amounts of period vocabulary and language with real historical figures to successful effect. Sophia Calderwood becomes a spy in the home of British General Clinton in hopes of avenging her brother's death at the onset of the war. It is there that she learns of a plot between a British officer who boarded in her family's home when she was 12 and a famous Continental general. Torn between duty to her country and her brother's memory and her lingering childhood feelings for the charming enemy officer who once lodged in her home, Sophia must decide which side she is on as the time draws near for the plot to be executed.

A little heavy on historical detail at times, but overall the reader can learn a lot about the period without growing so bored as to put the book down. Sophia is an admirable and realistic heroine, who behaves fairly authentically for a girl her age; she ages from 12 to 15 by the end of the story. The ending was a little dramatic, and I had trouble believing in the depth of some of Sophia's feelings, but on the whole, this was a riveting tale of espionage. And, the spy is a girl - a great hook to use during a book talk!

[Amy-Jo Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lexie - 730
DRA - 60
GRL - Y

You don't have to love historical fiction to appreciate this book.

This is a story set during Revolutionary times that picks up after the Boston massacre and battle of Lexington and Concord.

Readers follow Sophia through a physical and emotional journey. The story is split into two major parts. There is an important event that separates the two times periods which I will not mention.

Both of the sections of the book are good but I preferred the second half which was quick in pace and had you a bit more on your seat. Sophia is older and wiser and had to deal issues that are more difficult and complicated.

The opening scene is intense. It depicts the hanging of an important patriot. The books is about war so readers need to know there is death, loss, prison conditions etc. it's not a glorious depiction of war. At the end of the book the author discussed the research techniques and the importance of being historically accurate. Also discussed are the made if portions since this is historical FICTION.

Themes explored:
Bravery
Family bonds
Revolution
Women's rights

Readers should also know that there is a mild romance theme. Sophia is very fond of the British officer that comes to live at their home. It is a large enough part of the story that follows through out both parts that I wanted to mention it.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have this marked as a 'middle reader' at Skylight, which we describe as literature for those roughly 8-12 years old. And Avi writes smart, complex books for that age range. He creates heroines who face challenging situations, and whose own motives are often more nuanced and less straightforward than in much children's literature. Sophia's War is a perfect example of that. Her internal emotional battle is balanced not only with a suspenseful plot but also with a really rich portrait of revolutionary New York. Part of what kept me intrigued was the detailed description of Manhattan while occupied by British troops - Avi brings in an incredible amount of political and military history without seeming too didactic.

And as usual, Avi pays close attention to gender dynamics and highlights both the constraints and possibilities his characters face. "The world being what it is, Miss Calderwood," Sophia is told at one point, "your being a girl shall mask your true occupation." She discovers the truth in this statement, and uses it to her advantage.

If I were 10 again, my guess is I'd be rereading this constantly right along with my copy of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty quick read, both because of the vocabulary and the quickness with which the action started. It should be a good choice to recommend to 4th-7th graders learning about the American Revolution, especially girls! I found it to be very enjoyable, and until I read this, Toliver's Secret was my favorite to recommend, because it's about a girl taking action and making a real difference, not just standing by and waiting for the men to come home. Now, SOPHIA'S WAR will make it a pair. There's a whiff of romance, as well as some terrifically researched historical info, and Avi has come through again with admirable female characters who take an active role in deciding their own futures. Another decent choice for historical fiction about the American Revolution was An Enemy Among Them, which deals with immigrant communities and assimilation (a big deal here in NYC), and also has the romance touch--appealing to girls at a certain age, but a turnoff for the boys, mostly.

[Helen Zheng]

Sophia's War


Are you interested in the Revolutionary War? How spies helped the Patriots and the Loyalists? Or what happened to soldiers taken prisoner? Because in the book, Sophia’s War, by Avi, it explains all of this, and more, with an interesting twist.


Sophia’s War is a historical fiction story that happened in around 1776. It is from a first person view, it was a fast-paced book, with details, and explanations.


The main character, Sophia Calderwood, lives in New York, and is a 12 year old girl. She has a mother, father, and her brother, William, is fighting in the war with the Patriots. She is tall, and brown haired with brown eyes.


This is taken place in 1776, and in New York.


If you are someone who likes learning about wars, spies or tragedies would like this book. If you are interested in historical fiction you would like this too. If you read the the book Chains, you should also consider this.


One of my favorite parts is when she is walking through the torn down city, at night, with the redcoats tormenting the innocent civilians. It shows how much hatred she shows towards the redcoats, the hope she has for the Patriots to win the war.

[Janelle Toledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book "Sophia's War," it takes place back when the American Revolution took place. This would be a great book for people who really love history, but taken into a totally different perspective. It shows you events that actually happened, but there are also events that were pretty much made up. Okay, this book is in Sophia's perspective the whole book. After a family tragedy, Sofia is offered a position as an American spy. Even if there was a huge chance she could be caught and hung, Sophia took the job anyway, for her brother and the fallen. In my opinion, even if this book probably did not happen, I love how the author took history and made it into his own story.

[DanielandBrenna Capon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick, if not entirely plausible, and interesting story from the Revolution. I highly recommend this book to enhance studies of this time period and endear the events to the reader. There are lots of parallels to My Brother Sam is Dead, just as a point of information. While maintaining a compelling storyline, it does not neglect to provide a latent education on the events surrounding the traitor- turning of Benedict Arnold. I am a hearty proponent of books that manage to fix historical events into one's mind through story, rather than through dry textbook material that has no hold on the affections. In this category, Sophia's War excels.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engagingly written and often suspenseful, "Sophia's War" takes place in the years 1776 and 1780, primarily in New York City. Its young protagonist finds herself involved in gathering intelligence for the patriot cause. For the most part I found it historically accurate and highly readable, but in the end it caused me to suspend disbelief just a little too much to give it a 5-star rating. Revolutionary War era aficionados will enjoy many of the characters taken straight from the history books (John Andre is a main character) and accounts of the Culper spy ring.

[Jewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophia's War by Avi- is a wonderful historical novel combined with a young girl's rite-of-passage. Sophia grows from a naïve innocent to a strong young woman who becomes a patriot and Revolutionary War spy who uncovers a plot by Benedict Arnold. Great concrete and historical detail. Avi is in top form.