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American Revolutionary War Adventures #1
Patriots, Redcoats and Spies
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail."
192 pages, Hardcover
First published February 3, 2015
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80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 15, 2015
I have read several adult books that center on the Culper Spy Ring but this is the first I have come across that is aimed at the younger set. From the opening page to the exciting conclusion kids will be enthralled with this action packed thriller.
Lamberton Clark is part of the Culper Spy Ring. During one of his secret missions his twin boys, John and Ambrose, tag along unbeknownst to their father. Soon the three of them find themselves being hunted by the British. Lamberton is shot but the mission must continue so John and Ambrose rise to the occasion.
The reader is taken on a fascinating journey into a very pivotal time in our history. John and Ambrose travel from Connecticut to New Jersey in search of General George Washington. They must find him and deliver a very critical message. The authors use real events and people to set the stage for this fictitious story. I appreciated all of the details that were woven into the story. I felt like we came away from the book knowing more about our great American heritage than when we started.
If your homeschool curriculum includes American History this would be a great addition. Even if you do not homeschool I think that this would be a great book for your children to read or even better read it together as a family. We used it as a read aloud because some of the kids weren't old enough to read it themselves. Even the six-year-olds were riveted to the story.
There are a few black and white illustrations scattered throughout that will help the younger kids picture what is going on. One of my favorite parts is the discussion questions in the back. If you have a kids book club like we do at our homeschool coop this would be a great read for them. We used the questions to spur discussion within our family.
This is the first book in the series to be followed by at least three more. I'm looking forward to reading the whole series with our kids. It is so important to teach them why America is an exceptional nation.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
Lamberton Clark is part of the Culper Spy Ring. During one of his secret missions his twin boys, John and Ambrose, tag along unbeknownst to their father. Soon the three of them find themselves being hunted by the British. Lamberton is shot but the mission must continue so John and Ambrose rise to the occasion.
The reader is taken on a fascinating journey into a very pivotal time in our history. John and Ambrose travel from Connecticut to New Jersey in search of General George Washington. They must find him and deliver a very critical message. The authors use real events and people to set the stage for this fictitious story. I appreciated all of the details that were woven into the story. I felt like we came away from the book knowing more about our great American heritage than when we started.
If your homeschool curriculum includes American History this would be a great addition. Even if you do not homeschool I think that this would be a great book for your children to read or even better read it together as a family. We used it as a read aloud because some of the kids weren't old enough to read it themselves. Even the six-year-olds were riveted to the story.
There are a few black and white illustrations scattered throughout that will help the younger kids picture what is going on. One of my favorite parts is the discussion questions in the back. If you have a kids book club like we do at our homeschool coop this would be a great read for them. We used the questions to spur discussion within our family.
This is the first book in the series to be followed by at least three more. I'm looking forward to reading the whole series with our kids. It is so important to teach them why America is an exceptional nation.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
May 24, 2015
In Patriots, Redcoats and Spies, two twin boys are told by their courier father, who has just been shot by a British soldier and is bleeding badly that they must take a very important and secret message to General George Washington.
Together the brothers face horse bandits and Redcoats, but even then they stick together and push on courageously. Will they be able to get the message to General Washington? I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a wonderful book that has true facts, a glossary, and actual letters written by George Washington during his stay in New Jersey. After a year of experiences at Mount Vernon, I feel that this book is true to George Washington’s character.
This book is jam-packed full of adventure and excitement, which is great for kids who are always looking for more adventure books! (Reviewed by my granddaughter who is in 5th grade.)
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the BookLook Blogger Review Program on behalf of Zondervan Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
Together the brothers face horse bandits and Redcoats, but even then they stick together and push on courageously. Will they be able to get the message to General Washington? I enjoyed this book immensely. It is a wonderful book that has true facts, a glossary, and actual letters written by George Washington during his stay in New Jersey. After a year of experiences at Mount Vernon, I feel that this book is true to George Washington’s character.
This book is jam-packed full of adventure and excitement, which is great for kids who are always looking for more adventure books! (Reviewed by my granddaughter who is in 5th grade.)
DISCLOSURE: A complimentary copy was provided by the BookLook Blogger Review Program on behalf of Zondervan Publishing to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are those of the reviewer. No compensation was received for this review.
February 6, 2015
From the Cover:
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by the British, he enlists the help of his twin 14-year-old sons to get a secret letter to General George Washington. Upon discovering that their father is a spy for the Culper Spy Ring, John and Ambrose set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find Washington and meet up with danger along the way.
My Review:
First of all let me say I was so impressed with this book. It is an exciting way to introduce the American Revolution to your young reader while teaching them about obedience, love, patriotism and honor. From the first page it is filled with action that is an attention-getter and remains so throughout the book. John and Ambrose Clark’s father, Lamberton, is reluctant to have his 14-year-old sons do the job he has been commissioned to do. However he also realizes he has no choice after being shot and without the information getting to General George Washington, there will lots of lives lost and possibly the loss of the American Revolution. Lamberton puts his trust in God that he will keep his sons safe and the boys, although terrified on this journey, learned to pray from the example their mother set, and to trust God to provide for them. This 188-page book will teach your child not only the significance of obeying, but also trusting God and it will teach them about the American Revolution and the difference between Loyalist and Patriots in a really fun way. They won’t even realize they are learning history.
It is a well written book bringing faith and history together. Being an American History buff…I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, Z Blog Squad for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by the British, he enlists the help of his twin 14-year-old sons to get a secret letter to General George Washington. Upon discovering that their father is a spy for the Culper Spy Ring, John and Ambrose set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find Washington and meet up with danger along the way.
My Review:
First of all let me say I was so impressed with this book. It is an exciting way to introduce the American Revolution to your young reader while teaching them about obedience, love, patriotism and honor. From the first page it is filled with action that is an attention-getter and remains so throughout the book. John and Ambrose Clark’s father, Lamberton, is reluctant to have his 14-year-old sons do the job he has been commissioned to do. However he also realizes he has no choice after being shot and without the information getting to General George Washington, there will lots of lives lost and possibly the loss of the American Revolution. Lamberton puts his trust in God that he will keep his sons safe and the boys, although terrified on this journey, learned to pray from the example their mother set, and to trust God to provide for them. This 188-page book will teach your child not only the significance of obeying, but also trusting God and it will teach them about the American Revolution and the difference between Loyalist and Patriots in a really fun way. They won’t even realize they are learning history.
It is a well written book bringing faith and history together. Being an American History buff…I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, ZonderKidz, Z Blog Squad for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.
February 19, 2015
The year is 1777 and America is embroiled in war with Britain during the "American Revolution". 14-year-old twin boys, John and Ambrose, are on the run from the "Redcoats" after discovering that their father is a spy who was compromised while carrying a secret message to George Washington. When their father is shot and becomes unable to complete his mission, John and Ambrose have no choice but to take up the task themselves, with the man who shot their father chasing their every move!
Action-packed from the first pages, "Patriots, Redcoats and Spies" is a fascinating read that will not only entertain readers who are 8 - 12 years old (or their parents!), but will bring to life a bit of history along the way. Who ever said history was boring? After reading this book, you'll realize it is anything but! My 9-yr-old daughter loved the suspense that builds throughout the book, and was cheering on John and Ambrose as she quickly connected with them as characters. She felt that the boys were very real in how they were portrayed, with moments of bickering or silliness, but also very real moments where they showed bravery and courage. The Skead father-son writing team does an excellent job at combining their writing styles in a seamless manner, and they definitely succeed at crafting a book with great pacing and vivid scenes. Something I especially appreciated is that this story highlights the importance of trusting God, no matter how uncertain the circumstances, and engaging in prayer in the middle of difficult - and scary - situations.
If my 9-year-old daughter recommends this book, then you really can't ask for a better review! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and the Booklook Blogging program for the purposes of the unbiased review.
Action-packed from the first pages, "Patriots, Redcoats and Spies" is a fascinating read that will not only entertain readers who are 8 - 12 years old (or their parents!), but will bring to life a bit of history along the way. Who ever said history was boring? After reading this book, you'll realize it is anything but! My 9-yr-old daughter loved the suspense that builds throughout the book, and was cheering on John and Ambrose as she quickly connected with them as characters. She felt that the boys were very real in how they were portrayed, with moments of bickering or silliness, but also very real moments where they showed bravery and courage. The Skead father-son writing team does an excellent job at combining their writing styles in a seamless manner, and they definitely succeed at crafting a book with great pacing and vivid scenes. Something I especially appreciated is that this story highlights the importance of trusting God, no matter how uncertain the circumstances, and engaging in prayer in the middle of difficult - and scary - situations.
If my 9-year-old daughter recommends this book, then you really can't ask for a better review! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher and the Booklook Blogging program for the purposes of the unbiased review.
February 8, 2015
Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies
by Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead
The Clark twins are on a special mission: they have been sent by their wounded father to deliver a secret message to General George Washington without delay. Will they reach the General in time? Or will they be captured and hung as traitors?
This fast paced story opens with fourteen year old John and Ambrose Clark running from a couple of Redcoats who are bound and determined to catch the rebel traitors. Their father Lambert, who is leading the escape, gets shot by one of the 'Lobsterbacks' chasing them. Thus begins the dangerous journey by the two boys, who must travel to General Washington's camp in Connecticut to deliver a coded message that had been entrusted to their father. Along the way the boys will encounter patriots who are sympathetic to the cause of freedom, a pair of bandits, and even the Redcoats who wounded their father.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are likable and their mission is exciting. The events that occur in the story revolve around the time of the Revolutionary War, and the situations that the boys encounter ring true to the time period. This book will appeal to middle grade students, and will be a great historical fiction book for them to read.
There are discussion questions at the end of this book, along with a few brief bios of some of the characters encountered in the story. A glossary defining some of the items talked about in the story and copies of letters written by General Washington during the time period of the book round out the text.
This heartily recommend this book!
by Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead
The Clark twins are on a special mission: they have been sent by their wounded father to deliver a secret message to General George Washington without delay. Will they reach the General in time? Or will they be captured and hung as traitors?
This fast paced story opens with fourteen year old John and Ambrose Clark running from a couple of Redcoats who are bound and determined to catch the rebel traitors. Their father Lambert, who is leading the escape, gets shot by one of the 'Lobsterbacks' chasing them. Thus begins the dangerous journey by the two boys, who must travel to General Washington's camp in Connecticut to deliver a coded message that had been entrusted to their father. Along the way the boys will encounter patriots who are sympathetic to the cause of freedom, a pair of bandits, and even the Redcoats who wounded their father.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are likable and their mission is exciting. The events that occur in the story revolve around the time of the Revolutionary War, and the situations that the boys encounter ring true to the time period. This book will appeal to middle grade students, and will be a great historical fiction book for them to read.
There are discussion questions at the end of this book, along with a few brief bios of some of the characters encountered in the story. A glossary defining some of the items talked about in the story and copies of letters written by General Washington during the time period of the book round out the text.
This heartily recommend this book!
January 30, 2015
About the Book:
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail."
My Review:
John and Ambrose soon learn the true involvement of their father in the Revolutionary War. After their father is shot Lamberton Clark has to get his secret message to General George Washington, but how? Thats when he realizes, his two 14 year old twin boys will have to help him. After the boys learn of the importance of the secret message and how now all the responsibility now rests on their shoulders---they set out to help their father any way they can. It's not long though before they catch on to the fact this adventure, isn't so easy and they are definitely in for a trying time.
My boys ages 9 and 12, love reading of war adventures especially when it involves boys just like them. The authors did a great job of creating an atmosphere for my boys to escape to. A great story with a Revolutionary War backdrop!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my participation in the Z Blog Squad.
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail."
My Review:
John and Ambrose soon learn the true involvement of their father in the Revolutionary War. After their father is shot Lamberton Clark has to get his secret message to General George Washington, but how? Thats when he realizes, his two 14 year old twin boys will have to help him. After the boys learn of the importance of the secret message and how now all the responsibility now rests on their shoulders---they set out to help their father any way they can. It's not long though before they catch on to the fact this adventure, isn't so easy and they are definitely in for a trying time.
My boys ages 9 and 12, love reading of war adventures especially when it involves boys just like them. The authors did a great job of creating an atmosphere for my boys to escape to. A great story with a Revolutionary War backdrop!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my participation in the Z Blog Squad.
February 4, 2015
Authors: Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead
Publisher: Zonderkidz
February 2015
ISBN: 978-0310748410
Genre: Historical/tweener
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.
PATRIOTS, REDCOATS AND SPIES is a father and son writing team. This book, PATRIOTS, REDCOATS AND SPIES, is loosely based on a true story about their ancestor, Lamberton Clark.
I loved this book. It was awesome. It had a lot of suspense and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put this book down.
Lamberton Clark is a great dad and pretty courageous. The twin boys were silly and acted like normal brothers, even with little fights. I was worried they’d get caught and they would be in trouble. I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Recommended for anyone who likes historical adventure stories. For tweens, ages 8 – 12 years.
Available in ebook and hardcover. 192 pages.
Publisher: Zonderkidz
February 2015
ISBN: 978-0310748410
Genre: Historical/tweener
When Revolutionary War Patriot Lamberton Clark is shot by British soldiers while on a mission for the Continental Army, he has only two hopes of getting the secret message he’s carrying to General George Washington: his 14-year-old twin boys John and Ambrose. Upon discovering that their father is a spy in the Culper Spy Ring, the boys accept their mission without a clue about what they may be up against. They set off from Connecticut to New Jersey to find General Washington, but the road to the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army is full of obstacles; including the man who shot their father who is hot on their trail.
PATRIOTS, REDCOATS AND SPIES is a father and son writing team. This book, PATRIOTS, REDCOATS AND SPIES, is loosely based on a true story about their ancestor, Lamberton Clark.
I loved this book. It was awesome. It had a lot of suspense and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn’t want to put this book down.
Lamberton Clark is a great dad and pretty courageous. The twin boys were silly and acted like normal brothers, even with little fights. I was worried they’d get caught and they would be in trouble. I had to keep reading to find out what happens.
Recommended for anyone who likes historical adventure stories. For tweens, ages 8 – 12 years.
Available in ebook and hardcover. 192 pages.
August 19, 2015
I got this book for my son to read since it was a war story with spies. I figured it would be of interest to him. Summer got busy and he got sidetracked so I ended up reading it myself. I became quite caught up in the story as Lamberton Clark's twins work fearlessly to accomplish the mission their father has sent them on. I have always enjoyed reading about the Culper Spy Ring, and this book is great for kids. Not knowing whether their father is dead or alive, having to survive on their own all the while knowing if they are caught, they could be hung, keeps the mystery exciting. They have to trust each other, work together and trust God to see them through. If your child enjoys a good mystery, they will enjoy this one. Now that my son has finally picked it up, he is having a hard time putting it down and ready for number two in the series.
I was blessed with this book through the booklook bloggers group in exchange for my honest review.
I was blessed with this book through the booklook bloggers group in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2016
What would you do if your father were incapacitated, and you learned he was a spy for General Washington? Why pick up the message and go yourselfespecially if you had a twin brother to share the adventure. The Robert Skeads (both junior and senior) have created an exciting adventure set in 1777. It is roiling with information that will send you to the internet to find out more. Home schoolers, take note: Highly recommended for late elementary and middle school students to bring to life the Revolutionary War period and the Bergen County, NJ, setting. Zonderkidz is a Christian publisher so be prepared for some spiritual insights, but they are done with a light hand and fit appropriately with the thinking of eighteenth-century Americans. [In the interest of full-disclosure, I worked on this book in the manuscript stage and had lots of fun with it.]
February 3, 2015
Part of the American Revolutionary War Adventures Series, this young adult book focuses on twin boys needing to deliver a message to George Washington. Their father was shot and it is up to John and Ambrose to get the job done.
This is a great book to get kids interested in history. It also includes some information on different historical figures and real letters written by George Washington. It's fun, full of intrigue and well written. The characters really grow throughout the book and learn a lot about what's important in life.
I highly recommend it! I'm guessing it's intended for 7-13 years of age.
Thanks, booklookbloggers, for giving me this book. As always, this is my honest review. Here's to many more!!
This is a great book to get kids interested in history. It also includes some information on different historical figures and real letters written by George Washington. It's fun, full of intrigue and well written. The characters really grow throughout the book and learn a lot about what's important in life.
I highly recommend it! I'm guessing it's intended for 7-13 years of age.
Thanks, booklookbloggers, for giving me this book. As always, this is my honest review. Here's to many more!!
April 28, 2016
I do love this time period so I am always excited to see publishers and authors create a story that is more kid friendly. I think that a lot of times kids or young adults see history as boring because all they have read is a textbook. Books like this bring history alive and they are what made me interested in history when I was younger.
I really enjoyed this book! I think the historical facts were good and it gave good perspective on what it was like to be a Patriot. The twin boys must get a letter to George Washington but be very careful along their way. This story is about their journey and adventures.
Younger folks will enjoy, boy and girls both. Ages 8-12.
Five stars.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
I really enjoyed this book! I think the historical facts were good and it gave good perspective on what it was like to be a Patriot. The twin boys must get a letter to George Washington but be very careful along their way. This story is about their journey and adventures.
Younger folks will enjoy, boy and girls both. Ages 8-12.
Five stars.
"I received this book from BookLook Bloggers for free in exchange for an honest review."
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April 11, 2015This was an entertaining read as well as historically informing. It was especially interesting to me since I grew up where some of the events in the book took place.
April 16, 2015
Great book for young history lovers.
Read
February 12, 2017It is a very adventurous book it feels like you are actually in it. It is really hard to put the book down.
November 20, 2019
I am thrilled these books are still new and fresh for the twenty-first century. I would have a set of these available for seventh and eighth grade.
July 5, 2022
Not a bad series
June 24, 2025
A solid, informative story set in the midst of the American Revolution, featuring a pair of twin boys sent on a secret mission to find General George Washington. The brothers are well-written and likable, and the storytelling thrives on the simplicity of getting the boys from point A to B, delivering moments of hope, youthful spunk, and strong-willed determination along the way.
May 10, 2025
Read with L.J., great historical fiction about the Revolutionary War.
April 10, 2015
Book Review by R. P.
Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies
by Robert J. and Robert A. Skead
Lambergain is Ambrose and Jame's dad. He is secretly a spy and needs to deliver a letter. Lambergain gave the letter to the two boys. The letter was to George Washington. It was exciting.
All of the characters in the story seem real because they are in a war. I liked them all.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
Patriots, Redcoats, and Spies
by Robert J. and Robert A. Skead
Lambergain is Ambrose and Jame's dad. He is secretly a spy and needs to deliver a letter. Lambergain gave the letter to the two boys. The letter was to George Washington. It was exciting.
All of the characters in the story seem real because they are in a war. I liked them all.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
February 6, 2017
This is a well written, fast paced book about twin boys forced to take responsibility for a secret message during the Revolutionary War. It is a great "guy,"book that will encourage young readers with a story that is both entertaining and historically accurate. It keeps us guessing, with a well constructed plot, consistent characters and believable action. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2016
Easy to read yet captures the interest for those looking for an adventure that includes historical details. Would recommend for all readers 5th-7th, especially boys.
January 9, 2017
It was okay. And funny at some parts.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews