The Boy Who Played Soldier

by McKenna Rowell

Christopher Reed is finally on his way to belonging somewhere. As a newly hired worker for British General Snyder (or, as he likes to call him, General Snobby), he is determined to prove his worth.

But when his best friend, Gabe, snoops around the general’s headquarters, the mission takes a horribly wrong turn. Christopher is caught, and Gabe disappears with something General Snyder wants back. Christopher, needing to stay off the streets, begs for a second job—a second chance. And General Snyder has something in mind: a job that is beyond dangerous but ensures a permanent spot on the general’s staff, money, and possibly a home with the army.

The job? Spying on Colonel Haze, an important solider for the Continental Army. All Christopher has to do is not get caught.

What’s the worst that could go wrong?

292 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2023

About the author

McKenna Rowell has a passion for storytelling. From fictional scenarios to historical events, she is constantly finding new stories to tell. She loves to tell stories of bravery and selflessness, and hopes one day that they can touch the hearts of many. When she isn’t writing, you can find her jamming out to music, exploring in her converted school bus, or spending time with her incredible parents and friends.

Reviews

[Paris Kaufman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Boy Who Played Soldier is my favorite middle grade novel. The narrator--Chris--is both adorable and hilarious. I continually found myself laughing out loud, gasping in shock, or shaking my fist at characters who bothered Chris.

I recommend TBWPS to readers in the middle grade range, and above. There is something in this book for everyone!

[lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with McKenna Rowell's books, "The Boy Who Played Soldier" will not disappoint.
From beginning to end, you are captivated by the action in the familiar world (if you've read Rowell's other novels) of the American Revolutionary War - I myself read and finished the entire book in one day.
I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of Christopher, even though he is only nine years old - it seems Rowell has no problem at all writing both younger and older characters and making them not only realistic, but also likable.
The book may be labeled as a middle grade book, but I can promise you that everyone, regardless of age, will enjoy the story, characters, and found family (you heard me, folks) of "The Boy Who Played Soldier" - I know I definitely did.

[Amelia E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOOK AHHHHHSFJJDGJJSUKGSU

had me feeling all the feels for real. Funny, HILARIOUS, sad, scared, excited, heartbroken, heart put back together, and so on

One of my favorite lines (with no context): “You have golden shoe buckles!”

[Elsa Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have officially read ALL of McKenna Rowell's books and BOY everyone should be reading them!!

If you haven't read any of her masterful writing, this is a great one to start with! (Or any of the others that you're interested in)

Christopher is such an adorable POV to read from and, ahhhhhh, viewing this story through an innocent child's lens is the perfect way to view it! I love the themes of family, found family, and belonging in this book!

I will never regret reading a book by this amazing author!! ❤️❤️

[Mike Diener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chaos, chaos, and more chaos. Imagine if an immature child was recruited as a spy during the revolutionary war. What could go wrong? Oh… um… EVERYTHING! That’s exactly what happens in this book, and it’s hilarious, and stressful, and so so sooooo wholesome!

I absolutely enjoyed this story, and I think it’s excellent for parents to read with their children or for upper elementary children to read by themselves.