Seeds of Rebellion: American Revolution: Williamsburg

by Wendy M. Neugent

A time-travel mystery for readers ages 8–14—set in Colonial Williamsburg on the eve of the American Revolution.

When thirteen-year-old Rose is unexpectedly pulled from modern-day Williamsburg into the year 1774, she finds herself in a city on the brink of rebellion—where every choice matters and secrets hide in plain sight.

With Pearl risking everything in the past and Nathaniel decoding clues in the present, Rose is swept into a dangerous mystery that could change history itself. To solve it, the three must uncover hidden clues, face impossible decisions, and race against time before history is rewritten.

Why parents love Seeds of
* Clean, engaging adventure with no graphic content
* Real, accurate American history woven into a fast-paced mystery
* Encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and discussion
* Perfect for independent readers, homeschoolers, and classrooms

Seeds of Rebellion blends real history with thrilling adventure for readers ages 8–14.

Perfect for fans of Magic Tree House, I Survived, and American Girl.

Welcome to the History Detective Club—where history doesn’t feel like homework.

If you grew up with Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, or The Hardy Boys, you’ll love sharing this mystery series with your child.

Genres: Time Travel, Middle Grade

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[SaraNicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love our American history, I was really excited when I found this series on Kindle. It was a fun adventure with lots of colonial elements that I love. Some parts moved a bit slower but overall if you love history and the revolutionary war time period then you'll probably enjoy this middle grade series.

[AM · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place close to home, so I enjoyed that aspect of the story. This book is also geared to a younger crowd, so elementary and middle school students would particularly enjoy this.

Rose and her mom move to Williamsburg, Virginia and her parents divorce, and mom becomes a tour guide for Colonial Williamsburg. Rose is having a hard time fitting in and finding her place as the new girl in school.

Rose finds a pearl necklace in her room that transports her back in time, where she meets a girl named Pearl. It is then that Pearl and Rose discover that one of Pearls family members is being wrongfully accused of a crime.

Can they help prove their innocence? Will Rose be stuck back in time forever?? You will have to read to find out.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeds of Rebellion: American Revolution: Williamsburg is book #1 in The History Detective Club series by Wendy M. Neugent.

While the target audience is 8-14, as an older adult, I found this a very interesting book. I’ve been to Colonial Williamsburg as a tourist several times so it was fun to recognize many of the places mentioned. As a history buff, I was envious of Rose getting to hear and see history as it was being made instead of reading from a textbook. The twist at the end has me anxiously waiting for the next book to see what is next for Rose and Nathaniel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read. I loved the mix of history and time travel and wished that this book existed when I was homeschooling my kids. Rose's story sucked me right in and then she finds herself in the 1770s. It was fun to read about the same location in the 1770s and present day. I highly recommend this book and, if you are a homeschooler, there is a coordinating unit study. I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Rose's parents divorce she and her mother move to Williamsburg, Va. where her mother is a tour guide for historic Williamsburg. Rose discovers a necklace in her closet and when she puts it on is transported to 1774 Williamsburg and makes a friend with Pearl who helps her navigate the town.
Great history reading and lessons on American history thanks

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a new series. Although I'm English it was interesting to hear about this particular part of history and how it affected the people in the USA. The history was fascinating and the characters were great - I look forward to hearing more about Rose, Pearl and Nathaniel

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling adventure, for readers ages 8 to 14, presenting history through the eyes of children. Rose is transported back in time to 1774, on the eve of the American Revolution. Rose, Pearl, and Nathaniel must solve a mystery. Enjoy this new look at history.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read-aloud with kids, Feb.-Mar. '26

enjoyable but doesn't roll off the tongue as a read-aloud, some of the writing is a bit wonky.

we like the history in it though and will continue on with the series

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun time travel book that takes the main character from the modern Williamsburg to the Williamsburg of 1774. We see a few famous people and get to really know some ordinary people we can all relate to. I plan to continue the series.

[Abby Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! It was a tad slow at some parts, but it was so engaging and wonderful. It did a great job of weaving the history into the story. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in the series!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rose has an adventure travelling through time. An intriguing read which is very entertaining and enjoyable. A captivating read. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I wish it would have been around when I was in school. I think it would have made me more interested in history.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that will draw you into the lives of the characters. A beginning of a new series that will make you want to keep reading. Full of intriguing action and suspense.

[Milinda Yount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done historical fiction for kids. Set in Colonial Williamsburg past and present day.

[Lisa Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Mystyc Metrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! It was a bit different than the other books I've read by this author and perhaps aimed at a younger audience, but I've always enjoyed a good YA book. The adorable premise is that Rose has just moved to Williamsburg, Virginia after her parents' divorce and she feels lonely and out of sorts as the new girl. She finds a pearl necklace in her room that transports her back to 1774 where she meets a girl named Pearl. She arrives in May of 1774 which is an exciting time in history, so she's excited to see firsthand some of the events that her mother and the other reenactors portray in her own time. When Rose and Pearl discover that one of Pearl's family's slaves is being unfairly accuse of a crime, they will stop at nothing to find out what really happened and clear his name. Rose also meets a boy named Nathanial in her own time, her neighbor, who becomes embroiled in the mystery when she needs help solving a clue. The characters have a definite sense of adventure, and I thought the historical details were nicely done. I'm excited to keep reading this series!