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The Spirits of '76
A middle grade historical adventure set during the early days of the American War for Independence.
The Battle of Brooklyn, the largest conflict in the American Revolutionary War, is weeks away, and eleven-year-old Emmeline is on the run. British loyalists are after her for her ability to see the future. They know she could tip the balance of the war in their favor. When Emmeline finds shelter in a schoolhouse in Tarrytown, the schoolmaster sees the same potential and recruits her to the cause of independence. Unfortunately, all that Emmeline sees regarding General Washington and his Continental Army is surrender and defeat. And her visions, no matter how hard she tries to change them, always come true. Now, with no time to spare, Emmeline must discover a way to alter the outcome — and make history along the way.
THE SPIRITS OF '76 uses magical realism and adventure to weave a tale that feels modern and almost fantastical — despite being largely based on (little known) historical fact and actual characters and myths that existed at the time of the revolution.
The Battle of Brooklyn, the largest conflict in the American Revolutionary War, is weeks away, and eleven-year-old Emmeline is on the run. British loyalists are after her for her ability to see the future. They know she could tip the balance of the war in their favor. When Emmeline finds shelter in a schoolhouse in Tarrytown, the schoolmaster sees the same potential and recruits her to the cause of independence. Unfortunately, all that Emmeline sees regarding General Washington and his Continental Army is surrender and defeat. And her visions, no matter how hard she tries to change them, always come true. Now, with no time to spare, Emmeline must discover a way to alter the outcome — and make history along the way.
THE SPIRITS OF '76 uses magical realism and adventure to weave a tale that feels modern and almost fantastical — despite being largely based on (little known) historical fact and actual characters and myths that existed at the time of the revolution.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
377 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 24, 2026
This thrilling historical fiction follows three children who have different pasts and different gifts tackle adversity to make a difference in the Revolutionary War. Well written with a creative blend of historical facts, creative character development, and an engaging plot line. Suitable for young readers and a delight for all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2026
This book is an example of good, old-fashioned storytelling. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fitzhugh back in June when he was promoting this book at our local, independent bookseller Warwick's. We had a good chat!
Although this book is probably pegged as YA, it really is for everyone. The setting is the British colonies during the very early days of the Revolutionary War in March of 1776. Our protagonist is 11 year-old Emmeline, who is a victim of some unpleasant circumstances. Through a stroke of luck, she is handed a break that lands her in Tarrytown, NY, where she soon becomes involved in the eye of the storm of the Revolution. The twist is that Emmeline is soon to be front and center in that action.
Fitzhugh does not sugarcoat the time, nor the place, of the Revolution. There's no over romanticizing of war or of the living conditions in America in the latter part of the 18th Century. It's refreshingly honest, and mostly all of that definitely enriches the story. He also has a great talent of seeing the world through the eyes of children, and trust me, that will make you feel like 11 years old all over again.
I picked this book up in June, and although it was a perfect end-of-summer read, but it would make a great fall read, especially in October.
This is the first of a series, with a novella coming out this fall and "The Spirits of '77" being released next year. Again, the book is perfect for anyone who loves good storytelling (especially us history geeks)!
Although this book is probably pegged as YA, it really is for everyone. The setting is the British colonies during the very early days of the Revolutionary War in March of 1776. Our protagonist is 11 year-old Emmeline, who is a victim of some unpleasant circumstances. Through a stroke of luck, she is handed a break that lands her in Tarrytown, NY, where she soon becomes involved in the eye of the storm of the Revolution. The twist is that Emmeline is soon to be front and center in that action.
Fitzhugh does not sugarcoat the time, nor the place, of the Revolution. There's no over romanticizing of war or of the living conditions in America in the latter part of the 18th Century. It's refreshingly honest, and mostly all of that definitely enriches the story. He also has a great talent of seeing the world through the eyes of children, and trust me, that will make you feel like 11 years old all over again.
I picked this book up in June, and although it was a perfect end-of-summer read, but it would make a great fall read, especially in October.
This is the first of a series, with a novella coming out this fall and "The Spirits of '77" being released next year. Again, the book is perfect for anyone who loves good storytelling (especially us history geeks)!
Review of advance copy
What worked:
Emmeline has developed a pessimistic attitude toward the world, as others often seem to take advantage of her ability. An abusive man purchased her, and he only cared about making money from her ability to see into the future. During her escape, she learns that a seemingly kind and friendly crew member would jump at the chance to turn her over to British loyalists, for a price. Emmeline is leery of people’s motives when they offer help, but she can’t reunite with her sister by herself. She flees to a schoolhouse in a small, faraway town and uses the name Roo for most of the book. She’s joined by an impulsive girl named Izzy, a runaway slave named River, and the schoolmaster named Imason.
The story maintains a level of tension as Roo tries to keep her ability secret. Most people are skeptical when they first find out, so she’s reluctant to talk about it. The real threat comes from a man named Chitwood. He purchased Emmeline to make money from her ability, and he forced her to dress as a boy and beat or starve her if she disobeyed. He’s furious when Emmeline runs away, and he won’t stop searching until he retrieves her. Readers will be surprised when they learn he’s accompanied by a bounty hunter named Doon who takes pleasure in hurting others. Readers won’t know when Chitwood or Doon will reappear, but they’ll know it will eventually happen.
Historical information from the Revolutionary War is embedded in the plot, and it may be new to young readers. It’s set in the time period just before war breaks out, and characters are on edge about the coming conflict. Young readers may be surprised that some colonists are loyal to the King of England, and it’s almost impossible to identify spies working for the colonies or the British. Some boroughs in New York will be familiar, but it’s the site of the first major battle igniting the Revolutionary War. Imason copies the Declaration of Independence because he loves the sound and meaning behind the words. The townspeople skirmish with British warships, and Emmeline foresees that the battle in New York won’t happen until these two ships arrive.
What didn’t work as well:
The story includes a ghost, but it doesn’t have a major impact. It primarily affects one minor character’s wish to speak with her deceased mother, but it’s not necessary to the overall plot. Perhaps the ghost will be more significant in the sequel.
The final verdict:
This exciting adventure, based on historical facts, will pique the interest of young readers. The danger supplied by Chitwood and Doon, along with the impending Revolutionary War, creates suspense throughout the entire book. I recommend you give it a shot!
Emmeline has developed a pessimistic attitude toward the world, as others often seem to take advantage of her ability. An abusive man purchased her, and he only cared about making money from her ability to see into the future. During her escape, she learns that a seemingly kind and friendly crew member would jump at the chance to turn her over to British loyalists, for a price. Emmeline is leery of people’s motives when they offer help, but she can’t reunite with her sister by herself. She flees to a schoolhouse in a small, faraway town and uses the name Roo for most of the book. She’s joined by an impulsive girl named Izzy, a runaway slave named River, and the schoolmaster named Imason.
The story maintains a level of tension as Roo tries to keep her ability secret. Most people are skeptical when they first find out, so she’s reluctant to talk about it. The real threat comes from a man named Chitwood. He purchased Emmeline to make money from her ability, and he forced her to dress as a boy and beat or starve her if she disobeyed. He’s furious when Emmeline runs away, and he won’t stop searching until he retrieves her. Readers will be surprised when they learn he’s accompanied by a bounty hunter named Doon who takes pleasure in hurting others. Readers won’t know when Chitwood or Doon will reappear, but they’ll know it will eventually happen.
Historical information from the Revolutionary War is embedded in the plot, and it may be new to young readers. It’s set in the time period just before war breaks out, and characters are on edge about the coming conflict. Young readers may be surprised that some colonists are loyal to the King of England, and it’s almost impossible to identify spies working for the colonies or the British. Some boroughs in New York will be familiar, but it’s the site of the first major battle igniting the Revolutionary War. Imason copies the Declaration of Independence because he loves the sound and meaning behind the words. The townspeople skirmish with British warships, and Emmeline foresees that the battle in New York won’t happen until these two ships arrive.
What didn’t work as well:
The story includes a ghost, but it doesn’t have a major impact. It primarily affects one minor character’s wish to speak with her deceased mother, but it’s not necessary to the overall plot. Perhaps the ghost will be more significant in the sequel.
The final verdict:
This exciting adventure, based on historical facts, will pique the interest of young readers. The danger supplied by Chitwood and Doon, along with the impending Revolutionary War, creates suspense throughout the entire book. I recommend you give it a shot!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set during the Revolutionary War, The Spirits of ’76 combines paranormal realism with history to create an interesting story of how a young girl manages to help the Continental Army in 1776.
Emmeline is an eleven-year-old orphan girl who is under the authority of Mr. Chitwood. Chitwood and his mother have discovered that Emmeline has the ability of second sight. Disguised as a young boy, she is carted from plantation to plantation in Virginia and Maryland, having visions and making predictions for the wealthy. At one stop, she is so convincing that the owner of the plantation, a British loyalist, contrives to have her sent to the King of England to help the British suppress the rebellion happening in the colonies.
With help from unexpected sources, Emmeline escapes and is put on a boat to New York. She ends up with a schoolmaster in Tarrytown who is the brother of the woman who helped Emmeline escape. There, she changes her name to Ruby or “Roo” and sheds her disguise as a boy. Roo wants nothing more than to be reunited with her sister, Opal, who is somewhere in Virginia. Mr. Imason, the schoolmaster, knows of her abilities and wants Roo to help the Continental Army. The problem is that Roo has no confidence in her abilities. Any time she has had a vision, she’s been unable to change what happens, no matter how hard she tries.
To read my complete review, please go to The Spirits of ’76 by T.W. Fitzhugh – Historical Fiction Meets Paranormal
Emmeline is an eleven-year-old orphan girl who is under the authority of Mr. Chitwood. Chitwood and his mother have discovered that Emmeline has the ability of second sight. Disguised as a young boy, she is carted from plantation to plantation in Virginia and Maryland, having visions and making predictions for the wealthy. At one stop, she is so convincing that the owner of the plantation, a British loyalist, contrives to have her sent to the King of England to help the British suppress the rebellion happening in the colonies.
With help from unexpected sources, Emmeline escapes and is put on a boat to New York. She ends up with a schoolmaster in Tarrytown who is the brother of the woman who helped Emmeline escape. There, she changes her name to Ruby or “Roo” and sheds her disguise as a boy. Roo wants nothing more than to be reunited with her sister, Opal, who is somewhere in Virginia. Mr. Imason, the schoolmaster, knows of her abilities and wants Roo to help the Continental Army. The problem is that Roo has no confidence in her abilities. Any time she has had a vision, she’s been unable to change what happens, no matter how hard she tries.
To read my complete review, please go to The Spirits of ’76 by T.W. Fitzhugh – Historical Fiction Meets Paranormal
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Spirits of '76
T. W. Fitzhugh
4 Stars
To be published January 2026
Set in Colonial New York at the very beginning of the Revolutionary War, this charming story follows the friendship of three children and their schoolmaster.
The main character was being exploited for the gift of premonition, but a gentle soul intervened and changed the course of the child's life.
The second child was a reserved, yet talented runaway slave who became separated from his travel mates due to an injury. He was waiting for word it was safe to move further north to rejoin his relatives.
The last of this trio was a precocious curious adventurer whose habits to spill secrets and jump into action without thought just made her so loveable I couldn't stop smiling at her antics.
These children became local heroes due to the antics of the third. And the main character's special gift was used to provide information to the Colonial Army which saved them to fight another day. The second child was the calming force throughout all their adventures. His gentle spirit balanced the large personalities and strong emotions surrounding them.
I'm so excited to know the author has plans to continue their story in a sequel. This was a very enjoyable read.
T. W. Fitzhugh
4 Stars
To be published January 2026
Set in Colonial New York at the very beginning of the Revolutionary War, this charming story follows the friendship of three children and their schoolmaster.
The main character was being exploited for the gift of premonition, but a gentle soul intervened and changed the course of the child's life.
The second child was a reserved, yet talented runaway slave who became separated from his travel mates due to an injury. He was waiting for word it was safe to move further north to rejoin his relatives.
The last of this trio was a precocious curious adventurer whose habits to spill secrets and jump into action without thought just made her so loveable I couldn't stop smiling at her antics.
These children became local heroes due to the antics of the third. And the main character's special gift was used to provide information to the Colonial Army which saved them to fight another day. The second child was the calming force throughout all their adventures. His gentle spirit balanced the large personalities and strong emotions surrounding them.
I'm so excited to know the author has plans to continue their story in a sequel. This was a very enjoyable read.
December 24, 2025
The Spirits of ’76 by T.W. Fitzhugh
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A special thanks to NetGalley and Snail House Books for giving me this ARC!
The Spirits of ’76 is a fast-paced and engaging story set at the very beginning of the American Revolutionary War, primarily in Tarrytown, New York. Blending historical fiction with elements of magical realism, the novel offers a fresh and imaginative take on a familiar period of history.
The story follows Emmeline, a young girl who discovers she may have a role to play in tipping the balance of the war. Fitzhugh weaves real historical tension with subtle supernatural elements, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and intriguing. The magical aspects never overpower the historical setting; instead, they enhance the stakes and add a layer of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
This was a quick, enjoyable read that left me wanting more. The world and characters feel like the beginning of something much larger, and it’s exciting to know that the story will continue. With a novella expected in fall 2026 and a full sequel planned for 2027, I’m genuinely curious to see where Emmeline’s journey goes next. The Spirits of ’76 is a promising start to what feels like a compelling and imaginative series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
A special thanks to NetGalley and Snail House Books for giving me this ARC!
The Spirits of ’76 is a fast-paced and engaging story set at the very beginning of the American Revolutionary War, primarily in Tarrytown, New York. Blending historical fiction with elements of magical realism, the novel offers a fresh and imaginative take on a familiar period of history.
The story follows Emmeline, a young girl who discovers she may have a role to play in tipping the balance of the war. Fitzhugh weaves real historical tension with subtle supernatural elements, creating a narrative that feels both grounded and intriguing. The magical aspects never overpower the historical setting; instead, they enhance the stakes and add a layer of mystery that keeps the pages turning.
This was a quick, enjoyable read that left me wanting more. The world and characters feel like the beginning of something much larger, and it’s exciting to know that the story will continue. With a novella expected in fall 2026 and a full sequel planned for 2027, I’m genuinely curious to see where Emmeline’s journey goes next. The Spirits of ’76 is a promising start to what feels like a compelling and imaginative series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Enjoyable read! Loved the history mingled with the supernatural. The characters were engaging and the setting was descriptive, I love when I can picture it in my mind. Roo has a gift for seeing things that are going to happen and has had a hard life and is separated from her sister. River is on the run, and Izzy misses her dad. When these three get together, along with the help of a kind school teacher Mr. Imason they are thrust into adventure, ghosts, a town divided and a war. Will the kids ever find what they are looking for? Looking forward to the next one to see what questions get answered and what their next adventure will be.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
Emmeline is 11 years old with the gift of sight. She cannot control her visions and never sees herself. She is being kept to perform for rich people by a bully who whips her. Naturally she escapes and that is where the story takes off. Set in 1776 it contains real characters and situations, using Emmeline’s gift to support Washington and his army.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see historical events through the eyes of children. The other supporting characters are interesting too especially Helga.
Emmeline is 11 years old with the gift of sight. She cannot control her visions and never sees herself. She is being kept to perform for rich people by a bully who whips her. Naturally she escapes and that is where the story takes off. Set in 1776 it contains real characters and situations, using Emmeline’s gift to support Washington and his army.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was interesting to see historical events through the eyes of children. The other supporting characters are interesting too especially Helga.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Being able to see the future can be a blessing or a curse. Emmeline (11 years old) is on the run from both till she finds a safe place and people who can help. They make a map of the battlefield in a garden to hide how they are helping the Continental army. Her teacher is well respected and the army finally decides she is a help to accomplish better ways of slowing down the casualties. A wonderful book of history and the struggles of the time.
June 30, 2026
I was invested from the start. You’ll be rooting for the characters, and curious about what’s going to happen next. A great mix of history and humanity, and some unexpected elements as well. It’s the kind of book that when you finish, you hope the author plans for a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 stars
A tale of a young girl growing up in the time of the Revolutionary War. Emmeline has the gift of “ second sight”; in other words, she can tell that certain things will happen in the future, before they do. This ability has caused her to be much sought after, by people with sinister intentions. Fortunately, a kindly schoolmaster and some other good folks take her under their wing, as well as some other children who need desperate help.
I was a bit disappointed in this one. The storyline was very difficult to follow; it just didn’t seem to lead to any point, for most of the book. The ending dropped off, but that was in anticipation of two sequels being planned.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
A tale of a young girl growing up in the time of the Revolutionary War. Emmeline has the gift of “ second sight”; in other words, she can tell that certain things will happen in the future, before they do. This ability has caused her to be much sought after, by people with sinister intentions. Fortunately, a kindly schoolmaster and some other good folks take her under their wing, as well as some other children who need desperate help.
I was a bit disappointed in this one. The storyline was very difficult to follow; it just didn’t seem to lead to any point, for most of the book. The ending dropped off, but that was in anticipation of two sequels being planned.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
October 31, 2025
Entertaining! Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews