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The Song of the Brave
Ever since his brother’s death on the battlefield, Elliot has felt useless. With the Continental Army threatening to disband and his father’s grief consuming him, Elliot only has his drum to bring to the cause. Despite that, upon hearing of his impressive memorization skills, General Washington asks for more: cross the Delaware River, sneak into Trenton, and funnel information back to him. The goal? Secure a victory that will persuade the men to stay.
There are only two problems. Firstly, Trenton houses hundreds of well-equipped, ruthless Hessian soldiers who would love to end this war–no matter the cost. Secondly, hiding amongst them is a father-daughter spy duo whose identities are at risk. If Elliot gets caught, the Continental Army disperses, the revolution fails, and the spies hang.
Leaving his father behind and holding his brother’s memory close, Elliot realizes that to succeed, he must revive a passion he had buried: his music. As the threat of discovery inches closer, he’s left to wonder if his song is enough to save them.
There are only two problems. Firstly, Trenton houses hundreds of well-equipped, ruthless Hessian soldiers who would love to end this war–no matter the cost. Secondly, hiding amongst them is a father-daughter spy duo whose identities are at risk. If Elliot gets caught, the Continental Army disperses, the revolution fails, and the spies hang.
Leaving his father behind and holding his brother’s memory close, Elliot realizes that to succeed, he must revive a passion he had buried: his music. As the threat of discovery inches closer, he’s left to wonder if his song is enough to save them.
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About the author
McKenna Rowell
12 books34 followersMcKenna 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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 15, 2025
4.5 stars!!! McKenna balanced the high stakes action with incredible character work, keeping me at the edge of my seat and just wanting to see my favorite characters having a happy ending. If you love historical fiction or a good spy mission pls read this!! I highly recommend!!
🥁 Historical Upper Middle Grade/Lower Young Adult
🥁 Spy Mission
🥁 Found Family
🥁 Revolutionary War Drummer Boy
🥁 Pennsylvania and New Jersey Setting 1776
Oh my gosh, I loved this story!!! Elliot was such a great character and I absolutely loved his arc of him really coming into his own. The found family between Uncle Foxe, Mabel, Mrs. Cookswell, and Elliot was sooo amazing!!! Each character is so unique and memorable and has such a rich backstory. The different representation on how the war effected each character in their own way was so beautiful and fascinating. A few of the heartfelt moments had me tearing up.
The undercover plot was also so well done. I really enjoyed how each aspect of the mission related to a struggle the characters had in their personal life. I loved the historical setting and how grounded in history the story was even with it's what ifs. I always appreciate when the author includes a what's true and what's fiction section!
I received a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review
My Favorite Quotes!!!
"But I don't want your stay to be filled with nothing but stress." I take a bite of bread. "Is that not what spying is? Stressful?"
"Yes, but we're not just spies, remember?" I stop chewing, lowering my brows. "We're humans," he says. "Not just soldiers. Not just drummers. And in the eyes of our enemy, we're family. We're made to have joy."
(Stop, I'm gonna tear up again)
"You don't deserve to endure all of this. You deserve to be studying for your future and spending time with your family. But David in the Bible also deserved to be at home with his sheep, yet no one else was going to fight the giant Goliath. It wasn't because the Israelite army wasn't strong, but because the enemy was big. Everyone looked at David and thought he was small until he swung his sling and struck Goliath dead with a single stone. And the boy who could strike down giants was the same boy who played a harp to calm the king of Israel during fits of rage. I see that in you, Elliot. I see you slaying giants and calming kings. It's what you were born to do. I know you will do it."
(this quote specifically meant soooo much to me. David's story in the Bible is one of my favorites!!!)
🥁 Historical Upper Middle Grade/Lower Young Adult
🥁 Spy Mission
🥁 Found Family
🥁 Revolutionary War Drummer Boy
🥁 Pennsylvania and New Jersey Setting 1776
Oh my gosh, I loved this story!!! Elliot was such a great character and I absolutely loved his arc of him really coming into his own. The found family between Uncle Foxe, Mabel, Mrs. Cookswell, and Elliot was sooo amazing!!! Each character is so unique and memorable and has such a rich backstory. The different representation on how the war effected each character in their own way was so beautiful and fascinating. A few of the heartfelt moments had me tearing up.
The undercover plot was also so well done. I really enjoyed how each aspect of the mission related to a struggle the characters had in their personal life. I loved the historical setting and how grounded in history the story was even with it's what ifs. I always appreciate when the author includes a what's true and what's fiction section!
I received a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review
My Favorite Quotes!!!
"But I don't want your stay to be filled with nothing but stress." I take a bite of bread. "Is that not what spying is? Stressful?"
"Yes, but we're not just spies, remember?" I stop chewing, lowering my brows. "We're humans," he says. "Not just soldiers. Not just drummers. And in the eyes of our enemy, we're family. We're made to have joy."
(Stop, I'm gonna tear up again)
"You don't deserve to endure all of this. You deserve to be studying for your future and spending time with your family. But David in the Bible also deserved to be at home with his sheep, yet no one else was going to fight the giant Goliath. It wasn't because the Israelite army wasn't strong, but because the enemy was big. Everyone looked at David and thought he was small until he swung his sling and struck Goliath dead with a single stone. And the boy who could strike down giants was the same boy who played a harp to calm the king of Israel during fits of rage. I see that in you, Elliot. I see you slaying giants and calming kings. It's what you were born to do. I know you will do it."
(this quote specifically meant soooo much to me. David's story in the Bible is one of my favorites!!!)
October 23, 2025
“The Song of The Brave” is a beautifully written novel that will pull on your heartstrings and hold you tight until you finish. Elliot Clarke faces circumstances that many children experience (minus the crossing of the Delaware River) and serves as both a role model and a shining light. From funny moments, to impressive performances, to fighting tears, Elliot’s story is a must read this Christmas season.
December 25, 2025
Not only has McKenna Rowell done it again—wrote a really, really great book—but she managed to write a book that is my new favorite!!
I love all the themes and elements that make up this story! I love Elliot as a main character and how he interacts with the other characters in this story, and how he grows too!
"It's not just a drummer boy's song. It's the song of the brave, and they're coming." ❤️🤍💙
I love all the themes and elements that make up this story! I love Elliot as a main character and how he interacts with the other characters in this story, and how he grows too!
"It's not just a drummer boy's song. It's the song of the brave, and they're coming." ❤️🤍💙
November 12, 2025
I finished this amazing book a few hours ago and I haven’t stop thinking about it since. It’s such a wonderfully written story and a great main character. I might have to go reread it right about now, thank you McKenna for another great book!
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December 15, 2025I love this cover!
December 14, 2025
This was actually my first time reading one of McKenna's books, and it was AMAZING. I was lucky enough to alpha read it back when it was draft 2 and even then I finished it and was like, "that was such a good book, oh my goodness." But now that I've had the privilege to read it again? It's only been made better on account of likely seemingly endless editing on the author's part and I am so happy to finally have this on my virtual shelf.
First off, Elliot's character is so well done. I love seeing him struggle and work through the things that are difficult for him in an effort to keep those he cares for safe.
Second, Mabel and Mrs. Cookswell. Two of my favorite people in this story, they're just amazing. I can't say much because I want to keep the charm for you, but they just make my experience every time they appear.
Third, I love the random little facts that McKenna sprinkles into her books that you're like "whoa is that real?" and it is! For example, Colonel Rall being a lover of music.
Honestly, I'm a big fan of middle-grade novels. They take me back to the good old days when I wasn't bogged down with adult responsibilities. So with that, on top of the absolutely delicious writing, I would 15/10 recommend this book. (And as a bonus thing, as a teacher, I plan to teach this book to my kiddos the moment I'm able to. I'm already scheming because the lessons this story teaches are just wonderful for kids.)
First off, Elliot's character is so well done. I love seeing him struggle and work through the things that are difficult for him in an effort to keep those he cares for safe.
Second, Mabel and Mrs. Cookswell. Two of my favorite people in this story, they're just amazing. I can't say much because I want to keep the charm for you, but they just make my experience every time they appear.
Third, I love the random little facts that McKenna sprinkles into her books that you're like "whoa is that real?" and it is! For example, Colonel Rall being a lover of music.
Honestly, I'm a big fan of middle-grade novels. They take me back to the good old days when I wasn't bogged down with adult responsibilities. So with that, on top of the absolutely delicious writing, I would 15/10 recommend this book. (And as a bonus thing, as a teacher, I plan to teach this book to my kiddos the moment I'm able to. I'm already scheming because the lessons this story teaches are just wonderful for kids.)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews