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A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent
Told for the first time in picture book form is the true story of James Armistead Lafayette, a slave who spied for George Washington's army during the American Revolution, and whose personal fight for freedom began with America's liberation.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
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February 17, 2021
A picture book biography on James Lafayette written by Anne Rockwell and illustrated by Floyd Cooper.
During the revolutionary war, James was a slave owned by William Armistead, a Virginia farmer. He heard that he could win his freedom by fighting for the colonies. He wanted to be free and Armistead let him serve with the French who were fighting for the colonies. He worked for General Lafayette.
The general ordered James to pretend he was a runaway slave looking for work with the British. He was familiar with the surrounding and could be a guide and perform other duties. The British soldiers did not pay much attention to James and he was able to obtain and pass intelligence to the French. Later, the British asked him to spy for them. As a double agent James passed good intelligence to the French and bad intelligence to the British. He was instrumental to the colonies at the battle at Yorktown.
After the war James was not freed. They said he did not fight in the war, that he was a spy. He endured being enslaved for three (3) years after the war. When General Lafayette heard that James was still enslaved and wrote a certificate indicating James' service stating that he believed qualified him for freedom. The Virginia legislature later agreed and paid Armistead for his freedom.
This book is for children ages 7 - 11.
Black History Month Read
During the revolutionary war, James was a slave owned by William Armistead, a Virginia farmer. He heard that he could win his freedom by fighting for the colonies. He wanted to be free and Armistead let him serve with the French who were fighting for the colonies. He worked for General Lafayette.
The general ordered James to pretend he was a runaway slave looking for work with the British. He was familiar with the surrounding and could be a guide and perform other duties. The British soldiers did not pay much attention to James and he was able to obtain and pass intelligence to the French. Later, the British asked him to spy for them. As a double agent James passed good intelligence to the French and bad intelligence to the British. He was instrumental to the colonies at the battle at Yorktown.
After the war James was not freed. They said he did not fight in the war, that he was a spy. He endured being enslaved for three (3) years after the war. When General Lafayette heard that James was still enslaved and wrote a certificate indicating James' service stating that he believed qualified him for freedom. The Virginia legislature later agreed and paid Armistead for his freedom.
This book is for children ages 7 - 11.
Black History Month Read
February 21, 2017
4.5 stars... A well-written account of some important life events of James Lafayette, an African-American spy during the Revolutionary War. This is a picture book, aimed at a K through 5th grade audience. The timeline in the text jumps around a bit, and teachers or parents will need to interpret events for younger readers (and pre-readers), as the text contains higher level vocabulary (examples: infamous, poised, forage, misleading, etc). The illustrations are large, many full-page, which is helpful for read-alouds to groups. This non-fiction story is informative and inspiring for all children, and for parents and teachers who want to introduce children to a courageous, little-known man who aided America during the Revolutionary War, risking his life to spy for the Americans as a double agent. It's also gratifying to discover that he did eventually secure his freedom, and surprising to learn that this occurred with the help of the French general Lafayette. The author's note at the end provides more historical and factual detail, a painting of James and Lafayette from the war years, as well as resources for further reading that are suitable for children of various ages.
At 34 pages, with one or two paragraphs of text per page, this was a ten minute read for an adult, and could work for teachers with a one-hour guided reading lesson. A note about the illustrations: including one-page pictures and two-page-spread pictures, 16 pages featured Caucasian historical personages, and 11 pages featured James Lafayette alone, or in a group with Caucasians. While it's understandable that his story is told in context with other important people from the Revolutionary War, it would be better to have more pictures of him in action. Additionally, the story ends with James gaining his freedom, but the author notes go on to tell what he did as a free man, which would be interesting to young readers.
Overall, this was an engaging non-fiction work for children, with an uplifting historical story, and relevance to African-American history.
At 34 pages, with one or two paragraphs of text per page, this was a ten minute read for an adult, and could work for teachers with a one-hour guided reading lesson. A note about the illustrations: including one-page pictures and two-page-spread pictures, 16 pages featured Caucasian historical personages, and 11 pages featured James Lafayette alone, or in a group with Caucasians. While it's understandable that his story is told in context with other important people from the Revolutionary War, it would be better to have more pictures of him in action. Additionally, the story ends with James gaining his freedom, but the author notes go on to tell what he did as a free man, which would be interesting to young readers.
Overall, this was an engaging non-fiction work for children, with an uplifting historical story, and relevance to African-American history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2018
What an interesting story! I'd never heard of James Lafayette before and I learned a few things about Benedict Arnold and General Lafayette as well. I love when stories tie other stories from history together and make it seem like a little bit smaller of a world.
Ages: 7 - 11
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
Ages: 7 - 11
**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.
December 6, 2017
What a courageous man! Not only was James a spy for Lafayette during the American Revolution but he was a double spy. Amazing! And he was never caught, which means he must have been pretty smart too. I'm glad that he was able to eventually secure the freedom that was promised to him. Rockwell includes at the very end a reproduction of the letter that Lafayette wrote attesting to James' service to him. I was impressed that Lafayette recognized and acknowledged James years later when they met again.
Floyd Cooper's brown-tinted illustrations are reminiscent of old photographs, making the reader feel as if one is looking back in time. My favorite is the two-part spread where Cornwallis realizes after he has surrendered that James was a spy. The look on his face! Rockwell also includes in the author's note a painting by a French artist in which James is shown holding Lafayette's horse. How many people have looked at that painting unaware of the black man's story?
Rockwell states at the end of the book that, at the time she was doing her research, there was not one book about James, though he was mentioned in a few books about African Americans. I'm so pleased that now, because of her, there is. How many others served a vital role as spies during the war and have gone unrecognized? How nice that this one was rescued from obscurity. A fascinating story--and highly recommended.
Floyd Cooper's brown-tinted illustrations are reminiscent of old photographs, making the reader feel as if one is looking back in time. My favorite is the two-part spread where Cornwallis realizes after he has surrendered that James was a spy. The look on his face! Rockwell also includes in the author's note a painting by a French artist in which James is shown holding Lafayette's horse. How many people have looked at that painting unaware of the black man's story?
Rockwell states at the end of the book that, at the time she was doing her research, there was not one book about James, though he was mentioned in a few books about African Americans. I'm so pleased that now, because of her, there is. How many others served a vital role as spies during the war and have gone unrecognized? How nice that this one was rescued from obscurity. A fascinating story--and highly recommended.
November 23, 2016
I love the idea of this book. I love the illustrations in this book.
But I don't love how...thin? The book is. The actual material regarding James Lafayette takes up maybe half of the pages. The information given would probably fill up less than a page of a research paper. There's just....so little substance!
I totally understand the author's frustration with a lack of source material for this story. There have been no books written about James Lafayette, and what we know of him generally comes from him being mentioned in passing in other works about the Revolution. And I would MUCH rather this book be written and be short than to wish the book not be written at all. The stories of James Lafayette and other early American heroes deserve to be told, even if the information available is scant.
I can't even call the rest of the book "filler," even though some of it skirts the line, because it does give young readers necessary context. I just am left wanting so much more...which is, I'm sure, exactly what Anne Rockwell wished she could give us.
But I don't love how...thin? The book is. The actual material regarding James Lafayette takes up maybe half of the pages. The information given would probably fill up less than a page of a research paper. There's just....so little substance!
I totally understand the author's frustration with a lack of source material for this story. There have been no books written about James Lafayette, and what we know of him generally comes from him being mentioned in passing in other works about the Revolution. And I would MUCH rather this book be written and be short than to wish the book not be written at all. The stories of James Lafayette and other early American heroes deserve to be told, even if the information available is scant.
I can't even call the rest of the book "filler," even though some of it skirts the line, because it does give young readers necessary context. I just am left wanting so much more...which is, I'm sure, exactly what Anne Rockwell wished she could give us.
February 2, 2017
Rockwell, Anne. A Spy Called James. 1 CD. unabridged. 14 min. Dreamscape Media. ISBN. 9781520066172.
The true story of James Lafayette, a revolutionary double agent will captivate and anger young listeners as they learn about the incredible dangers that James, an American slave, took while trying to secure America's freedom from the British as well as earning his own from his slave masters. At great danger to himself James became a spy for both the British and the American armies and played a pivotal role in helping win some major battles and ultimately the war. Realizing too late that freedom was only promised to enslaved soldiers not spies, James had to fight to free himself from the very people he just helped win their own independence. Captivatingly narrated by Rodney Gardiner, the audiobook also includes a page turn track. Perfect for young readers wanting to know more about the Revolutionary War and African American History - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN
The true story of James Lafayette, a revolutionary double agent will captivate and anger young listeners as they learn about the incredible dangers that James, an American slave, took while trying to secure America's freedom from the British as well as earning his own from his slave masters. At great danger to himself James became a spy for both the British and the American armies and played a pivotal role in helping win some major battles and ultimately the war. Realizing too late that freedom was only promised to enslaved soldiers not spies, James had to fight to free himself from the very people he just helped win their own independence. Captivatingly narrated by Rodney Gardiner, the audiobook also includes a page turn track. Perfect for young readers wanting to know more about the Revolutionary War and African American History - Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN
August 3, 2020
An interesting bit of history about a courageous man, James, a slave, who helped Lafayette during the Revolutionary War.
James spied on the British, because he’d heard that slaves who signed up to fight against the Brits would be freed once the colonies won. Unfortunately, since James was a spy, he wasn’t freed, which is SO surprising *heavy sarcasm*. It took a letter from Lafayette describing James’ usefulness for the government to finally grant James his freedom, two years after the end of the war.
James spied on the British, because he’d heard that slaves who signed up to fight against the Brits would be freed once the colonies won. Unfortunately, since James was a spy, he wasn’t freed, which is SO surprising *heavy sarcasm*. It took a letter from Lafayette describing James’ usefulness for the government to finally grant James his freedom, two years after the end of the war.
July 24, 2017
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Non-fiction, Picture book
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest: Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Estimate of reading level: 1st grade
Brief description:
A Spy Called James is a non-fiction picture book that details the actions of a slave named James and how his efforts helped the Americans win the War of Independence. After enlisting with the colonists, he is made a spy and is sent to spy on General Cornwallis’ camp. Because James is a slave he is easily able to hide in plain sight, with no one ever thinking of him as something more than a part of the setting. His ability to hide allowed him to listen to secret conversations, view maps and diagrams, and ferry information to the Americans. He also helped by feeding the British false and misleading information. After the war ended, he was not granted his freedom as promised until General Lafayette himself wrote to the state of Virginia who then freed him.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
As a non-fiction picture book, there are multiple characteristics from each genre that can be examined. One of the characteristics of picture books is the artistic conventions used by the illustrator. In this case, the illustrator, Floyd Cooper uses muted colors and pointillism to achieve an archival feel to his pictures. This gives the images a textured feel that causes the reader to derive more emotion from the images rather than being distracted by precise details.
As a non-fiction tale, A Spy Called James demonstrates the characteristic of Interrelationships as it uses the plight of slaves in America to demonstrate the amount of agency James was able to have when no one considered him important or even capable of understanding his situation. James’ ability to hide his intentions in plain sight was his greatest strength during the war, even though it was the British Generals own racism that led him to ignore the presence of an African American. Therefore, this story is more about the implications of upper class society’s own racist attitudes towards Africans and slaves and how it affected the war effort either positively, in the case of Lafayette and the Colonists, or negatively in the case of Cornwallis and the British troops.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book serves its intended audience by offering two stories in one. First, it tells of the heroic deeds of a slave who risked his life for his country and eventually gained freedom. This is an important tale of agency for elementary school students who have a need for an accurate portrayal of how slaves were treated in the early years of the United States of America. Secondly, it tells a story that might almost be a fable whose moral is to never ignore those around you and that everyone has a value even if it is not immediately clear what that may be. In ignoring James, Cornwallis and the British troops let loose significant information that could be used to help the Colonists win the war.
Awards if any:
None found
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
Horn Book Guide (Spring 2017)
Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2016)
Publishers Weekly (September 5, 2016)
School Library Journal (November 1, 2016)
Copyright Date: 2016
Estimate of age level of interest: Kindergarten - 2nd grade
Estimate of reading level: 1st grade
Brief description:
A Spy Called James is a non-fiction picture book that details the actions of a slave named James and how his efforts helped the Americans win the War of Independence. After enlisting with the colonists, he is made a spy and is sent to spy on General Cornwallis’ camp. Because James is a slave he is easily able to hide in plain sight, with no one ever thinking of him as something more than a part of the setting. His ability to hide allowed him to listen to secret conversations, view maps and diagrams, and ferry information to the Americans. He also helped by feeding the British false and misleading information. After the war ended, he was not granted his freedom as promised until General Lafayette himself wrote to the state of Virginia who then freed him.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book:
As a non-fiction picture book, there are multiple characteristics from each genre that can be examined. One of the characteristics of picture books is the artistic conventions used by the illustrator. In this case, the illustrator, Floyd Cooper uses muted colors and pointillism to achieve an archival feel to his pictures. This gives the images a textured feel that causes the reader to derive more emotion from the images rather than being distracted by precise details.
As a non-fiction tale, A Spy Called James demonstrates the characteristic of Interrelationships as it uses the plight of slaves in America to demonstrate the amount of agency James was able to have when no one considered him important or even capable of understanding his situation. James’ ability to hide his intentions in plain sight was his greatest strength during the war, even though it was the British Generals own racism that led him to ignore the presence of an African American. Therefore, this story is more about the implications of upper class society’s own racist attitudes towards Africans and slaves and how it affected the war effort either positively, in the case of Lafayette and the Colonists, or negatively in the case of Cornwallis and the British troops.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book serves its intended audience by offering two stories in one. First, it tells of the heroic deeds of a slave who risked his life for his country and eventually gained freedom. This is an important tale of agency for elementary school students who have a need for an accurate portrayal of how slaves were treated in the early years of the United States of America. Secondly, it tells a story that might almost be a fable whose moral is to never ignore those around you and that everyone has a value even if it is not immediately clear what that may be. In ignoring James, Cornwallis and the British troops let loose significant information that could be used to help the Colonists win the war.
Awards if any:
None found
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any:
Booklist (October 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 3))
Horn Book Guide (Spring 2017)
Kirkus Reviews (August 15, 2016)
Publishers Weekly (September 5, 2016)
School Library Journal (November 1, 2016)
November 29, 2016
A brief picture book biography of the slave who may have won the Revolutionary War for America. James was initially denied his freedom because only soldiers in the army were awarded freedom not spies. Lafayette wrote a letter on James' behalf and finally several years later the Virginia legislature made him a free man.
December 3, 2016
A little known spy tale of the American Revolution. Classic illustrations enhance the exciting account of the life of this African American double agent James Lafayette and his role in the war. A great addition for those elementary schools studying this time period. Be sure to include it in you
collection for Black History month.
collection for Black History month.
December 12, 2016
True story of double agent James Lafayette a slave who worked for his freedom as a soldier in the American Revolution. But because he was commissioned as a spy, he did not earn his freedom right away. When General Lafayette found out that James was still a slave, he wrote a document granting him his freedom. As a form of thanks, James took Lafayette as his last name.
August 29, 2016
A very touching true story about a man who fought for our freedom while denied his own. James was a spy, a double agent at that, who helped our country win the revolutionary war. This is his tale. It is not too long, and has great illustrations.
January 7, 2017
Perfect addition to books in the American Revolution and to shown perseverance, courage and bravery.
November 26, 2019
James was an extremely brave man. This was a quick introduction to him.
June 9, 2021
A simple yet heroic story about a black man who risked his life for both the country's and his own freedom during the Revolutionary War. He made friends in high places and although his freedom did not come easily, he was eventually awarded the reward he deserved.
October 31, 2022
I didn't know about this amazing story! Floyd Cooper's illustrations are great.
Read
June 23, 2017Fiction Twin:
Falconer, I. (2017). Olivia the spy. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
A Spy Called James is a nonfiction text about the Revolutionary War and a double agent spy. Olivia the Spy is a modern story about a little girl who gets into a little trouble by spying on her mother around the house. Most kids have an idea as to what a spy is, but Olivia the Spy would be a wonderful introduction or refresher about spying for young students. A Spy Called James is about the revolutionary war, a topic that the students probably haven't heard much about yet. But they can all understand the concept of a spy. And that concept makes understanding the historical parts of the story a lot easier.
A Spy Called James is written as descriptive with some cause and effect. It is presented as a beautifully illustrated story book that will keep the younger readers interested. Towards the end of the story, they recreate a hand-written document from General Lafayette as an illustration. There are author's notes at the back of the book to help provide more historical information. This information is geared more towards adults in order to help the students understand. There is also a list of further reading materials if anyone would like to continue their research into James Lafayette or the Revolutionary War.
One reading strategy that would be helpful when teaching these texts would be recognizing cause and effect relationships. There are many discussions that could be started about these two books. A Spy Called James is all about how his information changed the outcome of the war. You could question the students about what might have happened if he had been caught. Or you could ask them what might have happened if he had passed along the wrong information. You might discuss how his spying changed his life after the war ended. There are also questions that you could ask about Olivia the Spy and how the two stories are related. How was Olivia's spying similar to James'? How did things turn out differently for the two characters? (North, n.d)
North, J. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/Read...
Falconer, I. (2017). Olivia the spy. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
A Spy Called James is a nonfiction text about the Revolutionary War and a double agent spy. Olivia the Spy is a modern story about a little girl who gets into a little trouble by spying on her mother around the house. Most kids have an idea as to what a spy is, but Olivia the Spy would be a wonderful introduction or refresher about spying for young students. A Spy Called James is about the revolutionary war, a topic that the students probably haven't heard much about yet. But they can all understand the concept of a spy. And that concept makes understanding the historical parts of the story a lot easier.
A Spy Called James is written as descriptive with some cause and effect. It is presented as a beautifully illustrated story book that will keep the younger readers interested. Towards the end of the story, they recreate a hand-written document from General Lafayette as an illustration. There are author's notes at the back of the book to help provide more historical information. This information is geared more towards adults in order to help the students understand. There is also a list of further reading materials if anyone would like to continue their research into James Lafayette or the Revolutionary War.
One reading strategy that would be helpful when teaching these texts would be recognizing cause and effect relationships. There are many discussions that could be started about these two books. A Spy Called James is all about how his information changed the outcome of the war. You could question the students about what might have happened if he had been caught. Or you could ask them what might have happened if he had passed along the wrong information. You might discuss how his spying changed his life after the war ended. There are also questions that you could ask about Olivia the Spy and how the two stories are related. How was Olivia's spying similar to James'? How did things turn out differently for the two characters? (North, n.d)
North, J. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://www.learner.org/jnorth/tm/Read...
October 25, 2016
Teachers looking for new stories about the American Revolution will be glad to see the story of James Lafayette. Rather than the usual tales of Washington crossing the Delaware, Paul Revere's ride, or Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty, or give me death" speech - this is an account of a brave man acting as a double agent in the British camp. Anne Rockwell has researched the life of the man responsible for gathering information critical to the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown and created a narrative that is informative and enjoyable to read. Floyd Cooper's illustrations show James in his tattered clothes acting the part of a runaway slave, and then the careful eavesdropping James did as he worked around the camp unnoticed by the British officers.
The fact that James was not freed at the end of the war because he had played the part of a spy rather than a soldier will probably strike young readers as grossly unfair. And they will probably admire Lafayette for his efforts to help James gain his freedom. What will seem very strange to them as they read the author's note is the fact that, after gaining his own freedom, James went on to become a slave owner himself. I can imagine many students reading this book as part of their study of American history and the discussions that it will spark.
Along with the author's note, the suggestions for other books about the time period are also helpful. Whether it is used in class, or chosen for self-selected reading, it is a helpful addition to school and classroom libraries and fills some of the gaps in the representation of other figures in history besides those names that are already famous.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The fact that James was not freed at the end of the war because he had played the part of a spy rather than a soldier will probably strike young readers as grossly unfair. And they will probably admire Lafayette for his efforts to help James gain his freedom. What will seem very strange to them as they read the author's note is the fact that, after gaining his own freedom, James went on to become a slave owner himself. I can imagine many students reading this book as part of their study of American history and the discussions that it will spark.
Along with the author's note, the suggestions for other books about the time period are also helpful. Whether it is used in class, or chosen for self-selected reading, it is a helpful addition to school and classroom libraries and fills some of the gaps in the representation of other figures in history besides those names that are already famous.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 20, 2017
I love learning things that I did not know before, especially when it comes to U.S. history. James was a slave that was hired out to the Revolutionary army to fight the British. Well, some how he gained the attention of Cornwallis and Cornwallis had him to "spy" for the British on the Americans. Cornwallis did not know that James was sent to the British side to spy on them, making James a double agent, his loyalty being on the Revolutionary side. Of course the American's won, and as for payment to Blacks that fought against the British, many were freed. James however, was not because he wasn't considered a soldier, they considered him a spy. Marquis de Lafayette, whom treasured James' work for the Americans, was outraged and wrote a letter, demanding that they free James. Will the Americans honor James as a true patriot or will they double cross him for their own gain?
I liked this picture book. It talks about James' time in the army and even gives you a small bit of information about his family in the notes. I did not, however, like the fact that the author AND some historians use the name Armistead when referring to James. His slave masters' name was Armistead and James CHOSE his last name, Lafayette, to honor the Marquis de Lafayette. He chose his name and now people are giving him the name that they want, attaching him to his slave owner. That is not cool with me.
There is a treasure trove of information in the notes and resources section. This book should definitely be used to diversify the discussion on the Revolutionary War.
Another, hands on, assignment can be to have students to go through the Civil War pensioners books to find James' application and other men and women that fought or contributed to the war.
I liked this picture book. It talks about James' time in the army and even gives you a small bit of information about his family in the notes. I did not, however, like the fact that the author AND some historians use the name Armistead when referring to James. His slave masters' name was Armistead and James CHOSE his last name, Lafayette, to honor the Marquis de Lafayette. He chose his name and now people are giving him the name that they want, attaching him to his slave owner. That is not cool with me.
There is a treasure trove of information in the notes and resources section. This book should definitely be used to diversify the discussion on the Revolutionary War.
Another, hands on, assignment can be to have students to go through the Civil War pensioners books to find James' application and other men and women that fought or contributed to the war.
March 28, 2020
* I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
I very much appreciate this book for existing in the first place — it’s a wonderful idea to introduce children to stories like these at a young age, especially stories like James’s are hardly ever told in schools. At least, they weren’t very often told in my schools when I was younger, but I hope that’s changing. As the description says, James Lafayette was a spy for George Washington’s Army during the American Revolution, and had to fight to obtain the rights that were given to other former slaves who served in the army because “spies” were not generally covered under the agreement that was made between slaves and the newly formed American government.
The story itself is simply told in a language that children will understand, but covers all the details. And I love the illustrations. They’re soft water-color type illustrations with a lot of blended colors and soft lines. It’s very child-friendly and I know I enjoyed looking at the pictures, so I think they might, too.
I could see this being in a classroom for children to enjoy during free reading time, or even have it being read aloud to children as part of a history lesson. And, of course, it’s a nice addition to the home library, especially for a history-lover.
Originally posted on Purple People Readers.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
I very much appreciate this book for existing in the first place — it’s a wonderful idea to introduce children to stories like these at a young age, especially stories like James’s are hardly ever told in schools. At least, they weren’t very often told in my schools when I was younger, but I hope that’s changing. As the description says, James Lafayette was a spy for George Washington’s Army during the American Revolution, and had to fight to obtain the rights that were given to other former slaves who served in the army because “spies” were not generally covered under the agreement that was made between slaves and the newly formed American government.
The story itself is simply told in a language that children will understand, but covers all the details. And I love the illustrations. They’re soft water-color type illustrations with a lot of blended colors and soft lines. It’s very child-friendly and I know I enjoyed looking at the pictures, so I think they might, too.
I could see this being in a classroom for children to enjoy during free reading time, or even have it being read aloud to children as part of a history lesson. And, of course, it’s a nice addition to the home library, especially for a history-lover.
Originally posted on Purple People Readers.
February 21, 2017
Originally a slave to a tobacco farmer, slave James was allowed to become a double agent for the Americans and French. Passing as a runaway slave, he passed information he learned from the British to the Americans and passed false information to the British. His efforts helped immensely in the fight for American independence. This is his story.
This illustrations leave something to be desired, because they’re dark and not vivid in detail. The text, however, is informative and the layout is well done. The author’s note and sources for further reading are also included for alignment with common core standards. This is a great addition to any non-fiction collection.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' March Picture Books Book Haul. For more reviews, online recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v.... You may also find a copy of this review on kissthebook.blogspot.com
Please Note: This book was given to us by the publisher and kiss the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
This illustrations leave something to be desired, because they’re dark and not vivid in detail. The text, however, is informative and the layout is well done. The author’s note and sources for further reading are also included for alignment with common core standards. This is a great addition to any non-fiction collection.
This book was featured on The Keepers of the Books' March Picture Books Book Haul. For more reviews, online recommendations, or online librarian advice, please visit us at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK3v.... You may also find a copy of this review on kissthebook.blogspot.com
Please Note: This book was given to us by the publisher and kiss the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed, however, are our own.
November 29, 2017
This is the story of an African American slave who spied for the continentals during the revolutionary war. Even though he thought he would be granted his freedom at the end of the war he was denied it. I like historical books that deal with the civil rights struggle and especially any revolutionary or civil war stories. This is a great book that has very colorful illustrations and features plenty of full bleed double page spreads on many pages. I feel that the illustrator did a great job of coloring the pictures in the books with focus on dark colors. The illustrations feature a lot of detail but have a diffuse quality that doesn’t have a lot of sharp defined edges. I like the use of text being printed onto each page instead of having its own separate border because I feel that it makes the pictures stand out better. I really enjoyed this book because history classes have always been some of my favorites and American history in particular fascinates me. This book would be great for any civil rights or historical discussion and the prominent place of so many characters would be great for any history studies or character essays.
January 30, 2021
Many people remember the names of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and General Lafayette. But who knows of James Lafayette, an enslaved man whose heroic deeds helped to win the American Revolution? James had heard that he could earn his freedom by fighting for the American's Continental Army against the British. He joined up at the colonists sent him to spy on Benedict Arnold. James took advantage of his appearance as a runaway slave and offered himself to the British to help them. British generally ignored his presence and talked about confidential info in front of him, which in turn he brought to the American army. As a double agent, he risked a lot but succeeded in helping to win the war. The story and oil painted illustrations really make this relatively unknown hero's story come alive and teach readers about him.
February 18, 2017
Double agent James Lafayette, a slave from Virginia, changed the course of the Revolutionary War with his secret information to Marquis de Lafayette about the location of the enemy, British general Corwallis. By giving Cornwallis misinformation, James Lafayette gave general Lafayette the correct information necessary to trap the British at Yorktown, making it possible for the patriots to win the war.
Learning that working as a spy, it took James Lafayette a number of years to win his freedom is astonishing. Only the solders who were slaves won their freedom immediately. The comprehensive "Author's Note" explains the facts behind this story, and surprisingly a note states that this is the only book that has been written about James Lafayette. The oil and erasure illustrations by Floyd Cooper are painted with a dappled quality giving the illustrations a magnificent impressionist effect. This fine story belongs in every elementary library.
Learning that working as a spy, it took James Lafayette a number of years to win his freedom is astonishing. Only the solders who were slaves won their freedom immediately. The comprehensive "Author's Note" explains the facts behind this story, and surprisingly a note states that this is the only book that has been written about James Lafayette. The oil and erasure illustrations by Floyd Cooper are painted with a dappled quality giving the illustrations a magnificent impressionist effect. This fine story belongs in every elementary library.
March 8, 2017
I had, of course, heard of James Armistead Lafayette, but I love this very accessible account in this book. The author subtly contrasts the status, names, and heritage of the generals with the anonymity and stolen heritage of James's life before slavery. I loved the soft illustrations in gorgeous pastel-like oils. The pictures made the characters seem like someone we might already know, not like some distant historical figure. The text creates tension and empathy. A must for kids of all backgrounds both in and out of the classroom. Beautiful endpaper of the Declaration of Independence reinforces the message that slaves were excluded from those rights. Thorough explanations included in the back matter.
December 22, 2017
I don't usually put the picture books I read on my goodreads list but I thought this one was well done. I love picture books that present people that readers have never heard of. The author explains that we don't know much about James Lafayette but he was a slave who played a very important role in American winning their freedom from the British. Talk about being a true American. James was able to bring back information from the British to the future Americans who wanted free from British rule. However after serving and being promised his freedom, James was enslaved for 3 more years. I now live in a time where there is much discussion about WHO is American and what does being American mean. I believe the story of Lafayette will give us great insight into that question.
August 24, 2016
This would be a great book for an elementary school class to read when they study the Revolutionary war. It would let them know that there were slaves that helped form America into what it is by not only the work they had to do as slaves but also by their cunning and bravery. I enjoyed reading about James and I think kids would enjoy it as well. I also liked the illustrations, they are brightly colored and allows you to see the characters as how they would have looked then. It just really added to the overall enjoyment of reading the book.
I received this ebook as an Advanced Readers Copy through Netgalley for an honest review.
I received this ebook as an Advanced Readers Copy through Netgalley for an honest review.
January 3, 2017
Oh this book was so good! It points out that in history classes, you learn mostly about the white men who lead the American Revolution and helped to shape the nation, but you rarely hear about the lower classes, and even rarer about the slaves who fought in the Revolution. But here is a book about one! I also liked the fact that it didn't shy away from the fact he wasn't treated well after the war. He was denied the freedom he was promised for a couple years because he wasn't a solider by a spy. The author's note at the end is very informative and there are a number of further reading suggestions.
February 4, 2017
James was a slave who served as a spy during the American Revolution. Although African American soldiers who fought in place of their masters were freed after the war ended, that did not extend to spies, so James still was not free. The text is short, but fascinating and focused. I can definitely see this being used as part of fourth grade social studies curriculum. Enough background information is provided, but not too much. The illustrations are muted, but detailed. Overall, I am very impressed with this title.
February 27, 2017
True story of a little known but important figure in the American revolution - an enslaved man who became a double agent! James, who eventually added Lafayette as his surname, was sent to work in the British camp, bringing important information back to Washington. His own fight for independence took much longer and was finally aided by General Lafayette.
A fascinating story! Floyd Cooper's beautiful soft illustrations add immediacy and power. Author's Note and Further Reading list included. This is an important book to add to Revolutionary War units and Black History Month collections.
A fascinating story! Floyd Cooper's beautiful soft illustrations add immediacy and power. Author's Note and Further Reading list included. This is an important book to add to Revolutionary War units and Black History Month collections.
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