The Sign Painter's Secret: The Story of a Revolutionary Girl

Her Story

by Dorothy Hoobler, Thomas Hoobler

When the Redcoats occupy her house in Philadelphia, young Annie MacDougal finds a way to help General Washington's troops at Valley Forge.

Genres: American History, Historical Fiction, Chapter Books

64 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler, a married couple who have written numerous books together, were drawn to this story of great writers inspiring each other collaboratively. Their most recent novel, In Darkness, Death, won a 2005 Edgar Award. They live in New York City.

Series:
* Samurai Detective
* Century Kids
* Her Story
* Images Across The Ages
* American Family Album

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a kid, I would have loved this one! Great historical fiction for elementary age readers, sure to get them hooked on history. And the illustrations were beautiful, really adding to the story.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's a good read-aloud for your Revolutionary War studies.

Philadelphia is the setting and it's coming into the winter of 1777 when George Washington's army is camped at Valley Forge. Some British officers have moved into Annie's home, but her mother doesn't seem too disturbed by it. Then she finds out why and decides to help the cause.

Ages: 6 - 11
Reading Level: 4th - 6th

Cleanliness: A boy is called a "Tory" and someone else is called a "scamp." "Free Negroes" is said. A girl lies to her mother, saying she is sick, when really she is about to sneak a message to the military. A man winks at a girl. A girl blushes when she sees some soldiers have no trousers - they have blankets wrapped around them. A girl wears boys clothes to get past enemy lines.

[Jacklyn (ReadingBliss) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart of the prereading I am doing for my children, I found this book at a used bookstore. I don’t understand the poor reviews as I thought it was a perfectly entertaining and educational historical fiction novel. I also noticed that there were only 22 ratings and 4 reviews upon this day, December 27th, 2023. I really think more people should add this to their collections, curriculums, and independent reading stacks for their children. I enjoyed the writing, the story, and the many historical details portrayed, in the manner they were chosen, to relay all of it to me, it’s reader.
Although, in entertainment books, I do not select stories where children sneak out of their homes unbeknownst to their parents, but I make exceptions in historical novels bc that is exactly what they did. There is a difference between encouraging it and telling about times, past. In no way did I feel the author encourage children to do any such ill-advised behavior either. There was nothing inappropriate and I highly recommend for classrooms and families. If all the books in the series are like this one, then they would all make an excellent addition.

[Livy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good! I have read it so many times, and it tells the story so well I read the whole book in one sitting every time! Would 100 percent recommend this book to anyone eager for a good story.

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it took me back in time to the Revolutionary War and about spies and a brave girl.