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The Reb and the Redcoats
In an interesting turnabout, the Revolutionary War is seen through the eyes of a British family to whom an American prisoner of war has been entrusted. Technically the young prisoner is in Uncle Lawrence's custody, but the children soon forge a forbidden friendship with him after he nearly dies in an attempted escape. He becomes the Reb and they, his Redcoats. But when they learn of some events leading to his coming to Europe, even Uncle Lawrence, embittered by the unjust death of a friend in America, thaws toward him--but this doesn't stop the Reb from scheming to escape. Constance Savery deftly weaves themes of trust and forgiveness into an interesting plot with likeable characters.
243 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1961
23 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Constance Savery
66 books28 followersBorn in 1897, in All Saints' Vicarage in Froxfield, Wiltshire, Constance Winifred Savery was the daughter of the Rev. John Manly Savery, and his wife, Constance Eleanor Harbord Savery. The family moved to Birmingham when she was nine years old, and Savery was educated there, at King Edward VI High School for Girls. She went on to Somerville College, Oxford, where she studied English, and was in the first cohort of woman students to be granted degrees, in 1920. She earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education from Birmingham University, and M.A. from Oxford in 1927, and taught briefly (and unhappily), before her mother's death necessitated a return to her father's household in Middleton-cum-Fordley, Suffolk, where she helped him with the parish work.
Savery never returned to teaching, earning her living from then on by writing. She published close to fifty books, and numerous short stories and articles, all informed by her deep Christian (Anglican) faith. She died in 1999.
Savery never returned to teaching, earning her living from then on by writing. She published close to fifty books, and numerous short stories and articles, all informed by her deep Christian (Anglican) faith. She died in 1999.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 2, 2017
Guys. It happened. I am now Constance Savery's loyal and devoted servant. My review can in no way capture my real feelings for this book, but I will do my best. And I will try not to use too many capitals or exclamation points. No guarantees.
I unquestionably, undoubtedly, indisputably, unmistakably, completely and utterly adored this book. I have never read anything similar.
Savery's writing style is simple a delight to read. Old fashioned and flowery, it is absolutely beautiful. I wish more people had a similar writing style. I soaked up every word; every piece of dialogue and bit of description. In. Love.
Let's talk characters: THEY WERE ALL AMAZING!!! (shoot, there I go). I love the "redcoats"; Charlotte, Kitty, George, and Joseph. They were all so adorable! Uncle Laurence was an amazing character also; you positively despised him throughout two thirds of the book, but by the end, you loved him. Mama was also very sweet, as were Grandmother and Grandfather. And then Reb. <3 I just can't even say how amazing the Reb was! Witty, smart, kind, fiercely loyal, and yet so loveable, he was without a doubt the best character!
The story was so unique. Told from the perspective of loyal British subjects, it is not a point of view Americans often learn about. It took me about 3 chapters to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked! This has now become one of my favorite books of all time. I highly recommend it for all ages! It will take a honored place on my book shelf, and be read over and over.
I can't wait to get my hands on more books by this amazing author!
I unquestionably, undoubtedly, indisputably, unmistakably, completely and utterly adored this book. I have never read anything similar.
Savery's writing style is simple a delight to read. Old fashioned and flowery, it is absolutely beautiful. I wish more people had a similar writing style. I soaked up every word; every piece of dialogue and bit of description. In. Love.
Let's talk characters: THEY WERE ALL AMAZING!!! (shoot, there I go). I love the "redcoats"; Charlotte, Kitty, George, and Joseph. They were all so adorable! Uncle Laurence was an amazing character also; you positively despised him throughout two thirds of the book, but by the end, you loved him. Mama was also very sweet, as were Grandmother and Grandfather. And then Reb. <3 I just can't even say how amazing the Reb was! Witty, smart, kind, fiercely loyal, and yet so loveable, he was without a doubt the best character!
The story was so unique. Told from the perspective of loyal British subjects, it is not a point of view Americans often learn about. It took me about 3 chapters to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked! This has now become one of my favorite books of all time. I highly recommend it for all ages! It will take a honored place on my book shelf, and be read over and over.
I can't wait to get my hands on more books by this amazing author!
March 14, 2018
This was an interesting take on the Revolutionary War story! It had been so long since I read the synopsis that I somehow forgot about it being set in Britain. I opened the cover, expecting a average sort of American tale. Nope! It’s the story of a young man taken prisoner by the British and held in a private home by a private gentleman who had been invalided home from a military assignment. The gentleman’s nieces and nephews come on a visit and curiosity leads to friendship, and they become the Redcoats.
This is excellent middle grade to high school historical fiction that is well written and interesting to many ages.
This is excellent middle grade to high school historical fiction that is well written and interesting to many ages.
July 16, 2018
Oh, my heart. Twas even better than I remembered, and my desire for an 18th century wardrobe has dramatically increased.
And no, I'm NOT crying.
:')
And no, I'm NOT crying.
:')
May 7, 2018
(Probably 3.5 stars) MY HEART. 😭 Somehow Constance Savery wraps you up in her stories kind of like a warm blanket. The Reb and the Redcoats was a sweet, touching read. Did I almost cry?! Nope, definitely not. *ahem* There were tears. They were just in my eyes and not slipping down my cheeks. BUT GOSH my favorite is Randal. 💕 Although slower and less exciting than I would've liked, the quality of Savery's stories is there - it was good, and now I'm a little attached. Good, solid storytelling with no loose ends. IT'S FANTASTIC.
February 9, 2015
A nice read. It showed a side of the Revolutionary War that is rarely seen (the English home front) and the characters were warm and lively. A good historical read that I would read again and give to a child of mine someday.
May 10, 2020
The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance Savery is a warm, bright, engaging story of family and friendship during the American Revolution, seen from the rare perspective of a lively young British family near the end of the war. It’s one of my top few favorite books for many, many reasons, and it’s very special to me.
With Constance Savery’s usual sweet heart, delightful humor, and hint of suspense and mystery, The Reb and the Redcoats explores the fascinating difficulty of being friends with one’s enemy. It’s a must-read if you enjoy historical fiction, stories of family and friendship, or quality juvenile fiction that can be enjoyed by all ages.
The story centers around the young nieces and nephews of a British Redcoat officer. The children befriend a young American prisoner of war, who is in the custody of the children’s favorite uncle. The boisterous, joyful Darrington children are saddened by the fact that their beloved Uncle Laurence is not well after being wounded in the war in America--he used to be cheerful and fun-loving, but now he’s gruff, grumpy, and terribly moody. And his frustration with his American prisoner is not helping his temper. . . .
The clever, daring young American in Uncle Laurence’s prison cell will stop at nothing to devise a crafty escape, and his courage and determination have no limit. He nearly succeeds over and over, driving Uncle Laurence far past the limits of his meager patience.
The steely rebel and the Redcoat officer are pitted against one another as fierce enemies, and the children are caught in the middle. They must find ways to help both friend and uncle without betraying either--but the personal war between the young men is something that only the two of them can choose to resolve.
Uncle Laurence is a skillfully developed, vivid character. The author makes me care deeply about him even though he’s not exactly likeable--she shows hidden sides of him that make him human despite his often cranky demeanor. And the other young man, the American, is equally well-written.
The young rebel pitched against this Redcoat officer is as charming and kind as the once-cheerful Uncle Laurence is moody and unpleasant. The "Reb,” as he’s nicknamed by his Redcoats, is mischievous, charismatic, clever, witty, kind, and recklessly brave.
But the Reb also has the flaws of a fiery temper and lofty, unconquerable pride that are equaled only by Uncle Laurence’s own. Pitted against each other in a personal war, the two young men clash with tense friction that eventually erupts in a spectacular explosion.
Despite this, the Reb becomes the Darrington children’s admired friend and comrade, and the growing friendship is delightful to watch. The children care about both young men, and they earnestly wish for their uncle and their favorite rebel to come to an understanding and a truce--a goal that seems impossible.
Above all, The Reb and the Redcoats is focused on relationships--among family, surrogate family, dear friends, enemies, and friends who should be enemies--but especially family. I love each member of the sweet and boisterous Darrington family and their loved ones, and I love the relationships between them. Charlotte, the protagonist, is my favorite, with her sweet heart, kindness and care, lively spirit, and determined good nature. She stands up fiercely for what’s right and good, and encourages her loved ones to do the same. Charlotte has a wonderful example in her mother, Mrs. Darrington. She’s a wonderful mother, and I dearly love her and her relationships with each of her children and family members--and a certain surrogate son.
I hope to write a full review someday, because I have much more to say. But for now, I recommend this book more highly than nearly any other, for the reasons at the beginning of this review. I hope you’ll check out The Reb and the Redcoats if you love historical fiction and sweet stories of family and friend relationships.
With Constance Savery’s usual sweet heart, delightful humor, and hint of suspense and mystery, The Reb and the Redcoats explores the fascinating difficulty of being friends with one’s enemy. It’s a must-read if you enjoy historical fiction, stories of family and friendship, or quality juvenile fiction that can be enjoyed by all ages.
The story centers around the young nieces and nephews of a British Redcoat officer. The children befriend a young American prisoner of war, who is in the custody of the children’s favorite uncle. The boisterous, joyful Darrington children are saddened by the fact that their beloved Uncle Laurence is not well after being wounded in the war in America--he used to be cheerful and fun-loving, but now he’s gruff, grumpy, and terribly moody. And his frustration with his American prisoner is not helping his temper. . . .
The clever, daring young American in Uncle Laurence’s prison cell will stop at nothing to devise a crafty escape, and his courage and determination have no limit. He nearly succeeds over and over, driving Uncle Laurence far past the limits of his meager patience.
The steely rebel and the Redcoat officer are pitted against one another as fierce enemies, and the children are caught in the middle. They must find ways to help both friend and uncle without betraying either--but the personal war between the young men is something that only the two of them can choose to resolve.
Uncle Laurence is a skillfully developed, vivid character. The author makes me care deeply about him even though he’s not exactly likeable--she shows hidden sides of him that make him human despite his often cranky demeanor. And the other young man, the American, is equally well-written.
The young rebel pitched against this Redcoat officer is as charming and kind as the once-cheerful Uncle Laurence is moody and unpleasant. The "Reb,” as he’s nicknamed by his Redcoats, is mischievous, charismatic, clever, witty, kind, and recklessly brave.
But the Reb also has the flaws of a fiery temper and lofty, unconquerable pride that are equaled only by Uncle Laurence’s own. Pitted against each other in a personal war, the two young men clash with tense friction that eventually erupts in a spectacular explosion.
Despite this, the Reb becomes the Darrington children’s admired friend and comrade, and the growing friendship is delightful to watch. The children care about both young men, and they earnestly wish for their uncle and their favorite rebel to come to an understanding and a truce--a goal that seems impossible.
Above all, The Reb and the Redcoats is focused on relationships--among family, surrogate family, dear friends, enemies, and friends who should be enemies--but especially family. I love each member of the sweet and boisterous Darrington family and their loved ones, and I love the relationships between them. Charlotte, the protagonist, is my favorite, with her sweet heart, kindness and care, lively spirit, and determined good nature. She stands up fiercely for what’s right and good, and encourages her loved ones to do the same. Charlotte has a wonderful example in her mother, Mrs. Darrington. She’s a wonderful mother, and I dearly love her and her relationships with each of her children and family members--and a certain surrogate son.
I hope to write a full review someday, because I have much more to say. But for now, I recommend this book more highly than nearly any other, for the reasons at the beginning of this review. I hope you’ll check out The Reb and the Redcoats if you love historical fiction and sweet stories of family and friend relationships.
February 18, 2022
I'm sure I must have picked this up at a library when I was little because I remembered portions of the plot, but there was a lot I didn't remember about it--first and foremost just how young the Reb actually was! :) The kids were 100% true to life and lovable at the same time, although of course Charlotte was my favorite. <3 I really loved the schoolroom bits, and I snickered out loud at several points. Their mother was also fantastic, and the rest of the members of the adult cast were well-drawn and unique. Also--I would never be able to think either that far ahead or that fast on my feet, so if I'm ever a prisoner of war, I'm going to be stuck there. Please don't put me in charge of this kind of escapes whatever you do! XD Seriously mind-blowing!
Content--various comments about magic/superstitions, particularly related to an American "rebel" doll (not treated as real, but a repeated motif); references to the hanging of Major John Andre (no details); some disrespect, threats, harsh treatment, etc. (not condoned); mentions of various injuries and illnesses (not graphic); mentions of a sharp disagreement between father and son; mentions of a family forced to flee their home by looters
Content--various comments about magic/superstitions, particularly related to an American "rebel" doll (not treated as real, but a repeated motif); references to the hanging of Major John Andre (no details); some disrespect, threats, harsh treatment, etc. (not condoned); mentions of various injuries and illnesses (not graphic); mentions of a sharp disagreement between father and son; mentions of a family forced to flee their home by looters
November 24, 2017
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
I . . . I have to admit I didn't really enjoy this book very much, sorry to say :-/ I know it's a huge favorite for a lot of my pals on here--which is totally fine!--but it didn't necessarily do a lot for me. It was very well-written, certainly, but I didn't LIKE the writing style. It was too "distant" for me (3rd person omniscient, very removed)--I much prefer actually getting deep inside the character's head and seeing what he/she is thinking. I'm not very good with the more old-fashioned, "detached" narrator's voice. And there was a bit too much description for my taste; I couldn't grasp it very well and often ended up skimming.
Reb--the protagonist--was pretty cool, though. In fact, I will go further and admit he was quite, quite cool :-P Spunky, cunning, determined, passionate, the whole nine yards. He's such a BABY, though, and I mean that in the kindest way possible--he's fifteen years old. I mean. I have a wee baby sister who's fifteen years old. Children like that should not be fighting in bloody wars and nearly getting themselves killed every five seconds. *adjusts old-lady glasses in stern disapproval*
Lol.
The kids--Charlotte and the others--were sweet and funny, and cute. Pretty realistically drawn, too. And I liked that. Although, I couldn't quite make out how old Charlotte is supposed to be? And am I the only one who is slightly weirded out by Reb saving her locks of hair after they were cut???? LAY OFF, SIR.
I felt like . . . I felt like the grown-ups in this book weren't very "quick on the uptake," let us say. They didn't see through any of Reb's contrivances to escape? Not even the ? And then
And talking about the grown-ups in the story brings me to my biggest complaint:
CAPTAIN. LAURENCE. FREAKING. TEMPLETON.
The man is pretty much an abusive monster, as far as I'm concerned. And I don't need the author constantly reassuring me that "it's only because of his great grief" and "we must be patient with him" and "he's not himself." I don't care. Do. Not. Care. Traumatic experiences and their effects can explain abusive behavior, absolutely, but (and here's the key thing) they can never excuse it. Nothing gives you the right to knowingly hurt another innocent person. NOTHING. No matter how much you may have been hurt yourself. Don't go all Severus Snape on me, Constance Savery, you hear? Because I'm not going to stand here and take that.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . I guess that's all? I'm sorry I didn't enjoy this as much as y'all did :-/ I am glad I took the time to read it, though. And Reb is still cool ;-)
I . . . I have to admit I didn't really enjoy this book very much, sorry to say :-/ I know it's a huge favorite for a lot of my pals on here--which is totally fine!--but it didn't necessarily do a lot for me. It was very well-written, certainly, but I didn't LIKE the writing style. It was too "distant" for me (3rd person omniscient, very removed)--I much prefer actually getting deep inside the character's head and seeing what he/she is thinking. I'm not very good with the more old-fashioned, "detached" narrator's voice. And there was a bit too much description for my taste; I couldn't grasp it very well and often ended up skimming.
Reb--the protagonist--was pretty cool, though. In fact, I will go further and admit he was quite, quite cool :-P Spunky, cunning, determined, passionate, the whole nine yards. He's such a BABY, though, and I mean that in the kindest way possible--he's fifteen years old. I mean. I have a wee baby sister who's fifteen years old. Children like that should not be fighting in bloody wars and nearly getting themselves killed every five seconds. *adjusts old-lady glasses in stern disapproval*
Lol.
The kids--Charlotte and the others--were sweet and funny, and cute. Pretty realistically drawn, too. And I liked that. Although, I couldn't quite make out how old Charlotte is supposed to be? And am I the only one who is slightly weirded out by Reb saving her locks of hair after they were cut???? LAY OFF, SIR.
I felt like . . . I felt like the grown-ups in this book weren't very "quick on the uptake," let us say. They didn't see through any of Reb's contrivances to escape? Not even the ? And then
And talking about the grown-ups in the story brings me to my biggest complaint:
CAPTAIN. LAURENCE. FREAKING. TEMPLETON.
The man is pretty much an abusive monster, as far as I'm concerned. And I don't need the author constantly reassuring me that "it's only because of his great grief" and "we must be patient with him" and "he's not himself." I don't care. Do. Not. Care. Traumatic experiences and their effects can explain abusive behavior, absolutely, but (and here's the key thing) they can never excuse it. Nothing gives you the right to knowingly hurt another innocent person. NOTHING. No matter how much you may have been hurt yourself. Don't go all Severus Snape on me, Constance Savery, you hear? Because I'm not going to stand here and take that.
Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm . . . I guess that's all? I'm sorry I didn't enjoy this as much as y'all did :-/ I am glad I took the time to read it, though. And Reb is still cool ;-)
November 8, 2014
We really enjoyed this book by an already favorite author. While not as action packed as her 'Enemy Brothers'(highly recommended!), we found this book very entertaining, and an excellant look at the American Revolution from the British side.
The whole storyline begins with the arrival of a 'captured' American doll in a British household. Enthralled by the toy's lifelike clay features, the eldest daughter of the family adopts it into her family of English dolls. But what about the Face in the Window? Why is it so familiar?
The plot thickens when the children must move with their mother to Uncle Laurence's house, where he has been given unwilling custody of a Rebel prisoner. The children want terribly to meet 'The Reb', but their uncle is adamant. How can they learn to know him...and win the prize Uncle Laurence offers to anyone who can discover his name? And what happened to their jolly young uncle in the war to change him so completely?
The story is entertaining and believable; the children are cute without being 'too cute' and no sassy or modern behavior. The treatment of the Rebel as a prisoner is dealt with frankly, but not with a harshness that would bother young or sensitive children. Although the author writes from an obviously British point of view, both sides are given a generous impartiality. Well done!
The whole storyline begins with the arrival of a 'captured' American doll in a British household. Enthralled by the toy's lifelike clay features, the eldest daughter of the family adopts it into her family of English dolls. But what about the Face in the Window? Why is it so familiar?
The plot thickens when the children must move with their mother to Uncle Laurence's house, where he has been given unwilling custody of a Rebel prisoner. The children want terribly to meet 'The Reb', but their uncle is adamant. How can they learn to know him...and win the prize Uncle Laurence offers to anyone who can discover his name? And what happened to their jolly young uncle in the war to change him so completely?
The story is entertaining and believable; the children are cute without being 'too cute' and no sassy or modern behavior. The treatment of the Rebel as a prisoner is dealt with frankly, but not with a harshness that would bother young or sensitive children. Although the author writes from an obviously British point of view, both sides are given a generous impartiality. Well done!
May 5, 2020
2.5 stars ... sorry to the fans of this book. 😕 I tried. I didn't really care or like most of the characters. Some of their actions or change of heart just felt contrived. And while I don't agree with being mean to prisoners of war, I don't think you have to accept them into your family and treat them like one (which is the feeling I got from all the family members who were pressuring Uncle Laurence to do just that).
Cleanliness: mentions smoking an alcohol. The children are often not obedient, sometimes sneaky or have a bad attitude.
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Cleanliness: mentions smoking an alcohol. The children are often not obedient, sometimes sneaky or have a bad attitude.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
March 15, 2020
This turned out to be a sweet tale, but the beginning was so boring I almost abandoned ship several chapters in. The writing style prevented me from getting into the story or relating to the characters as I would have liked to. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. And I can't review it because I don't have any opinions to express. This was a surprisely mediocre reading experience.
December 22, 2023
5+ stars (7/10 hearts). This was such a sweet, delightful story. I fell in love with the Reb quickly... he was so brave and clever... and Uncle Laurence won me over after a while. The Redcoats are just adorable, and so are Grandmother & Grandfather. It was both funny and sweet and just a lovely story for any age. ^_^
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Grandmamma settled her spectacles on her nose and read the first page of the sermon on pride.... Every sentence of the first page seemed to be aimed directly at the Reb, and Uncle Laurence gave a disagreeable smirk of satisfaction as he listened.... But on the second page, the first sin ever committed had changed unexpectedly and inexplicably into anger, which was rebuked with great severity. Uncle Laurence stopped smirking and began to fidget. He stood three pages of admonitions to persons with passionate tempers, and then he could bear no more, but burst in with: “Mamma, that old book’s no good! You really must buy a new one. You’ve mixed the pages!”
“I am sure I have not,” said Grandmamma, becoming flustered. She looked at the sermon again, and was not so sure. Then she whipped through the pages in a flurried manner, but naturally she did not come across the rest of the sermon on pride. Charlotte dared not look at Grandmamma’s cushions [where the Reb has hidden the missing pages].
“I will finish what I was reading,” Grandmamma said, when she had given up the search as hopeless. “It is very strange, I cannot find the sermon on pride just now, but we will have it next Sunday.”
...To his utter displeasure, Uncle Laurence was then compelled to sit through the weary length of that stern sermon on anger.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: Grandmamma settled her spectacles on her nose and read the first page of the sermon on pride.... Every sentence of the first page seemed to be aimed directly at the Reb, and Uncle Laurence gave a disagreeable smirk of satisfaction as he listened.... But on the second page, the first sin ever committed had changed unexpectedly and inexplicably into anger, which was rebuked with great severity. Uncle Laurence stopped smirking and began to fidget. He stood three pages of admonitions to persons with passionate tempers, and then he could bear no more, but burst in with: “Mamma, that old book’s no good! You really must buy a new one. You’ve mixed the pages!”
“I am sure I have not,” said Grandmamma, becoming flustered. She looked at the sermon again, and was not so sure. Then she whipped through the pages in a flurried manner, but naturally she did not come across the rest of the sermon on pride. Charlotte dared not look at Grandmamma’s cushions [where the Reb has hidden the missing pages].
“I will finish what I was reading,” Grandmamma said, when she had given up the search as hopeless. “It is very strange, I cannot find the sermon on pride just now, but we will have it next Sunday.”
...To his utter displeasure, Uncle Laurence was then compelled to sit through the weary length of that stern sermon on anger.
April 1, 2015
An absolutely wonderful book, during the Revolutionary war, but set in England! I love Constance Savery's work, and this is one of her best!
July 14, 2018
I haven't read this in a long time, but it was one of my favorites when I was younger.
June 27, 2022
Pre-read this book for my son in 4th grade and it was a delight! I am excited for him to read it and I am a newly introduced Constance Savery fan. I will definitely be looking for other books by her as she is a wonderful story-teller who quickly weaves you in and though she does an excellent job of painting characters in such a way that highlights their virtue or lack of virtue, she does not create perfect characters, nor does she moralize.
I picked up this book in particular because I was looking for a book on the Revolutionary War told from the perspective of the British. As an American, I fell in love with this British family myself while also cheering for the American "Reb" in the story. It stirs up sympathies and perspectives on both sides, which is how I want my son's mind to be broadened. It strikes the right amount of nuance from my perspective for a 4th grader and it is a historical fiction story that will also help me remember the story of Major John Andre, from the Loyalist side who was put to a spy's death, as opposed to a soldier's death, when found with incriminating evidence of plotting with Benedict Arnold by civilians and then turned into General Washington. Yet, his life was mourned by both sides which preaches something unique about him and was the proper inspiration for Savery to weave together a story that bridged the Atlantic Ocean with two admirable families who treated even prisoners as they themselves would want to be treated.
I picked up this book in particular because I was looking for a book on the Revolutionary War told from the perspective of the British. As an American, I fell in love with this British family myself while also cheering for the American "Reb" in the story. It stirs up sympathies and perspectives on both sides, which is how I want my son's mind to be broadened. It strikes the right amount of nuance from my perspective for a 4th grader and it is a historical fiction story that will also help me remember the story of Major John Andre, from the Loyalist side who was put to a spy's death, as opposed to a soldier's death, when found with incriminating evidence of plotting with Benedict Arnold by civilians and then turned into General Washington. Yet, his life was mourned by both sides which preaches something unique about him and was the proper inspiration for Savery to weave together a story that bridged the Atlantic Ocean with two admirable families who treated even prisoners as they themselves would want to be treated.
October 5, 2025
A page-turner that kept me hooked until the end. I loved the history interwoven in this tale; it ended up taking me down a research rabbit trail on the sad end of the real-life Major John André.
The Redcoats were adorable, and the Reb was a true hero. A five-star read that I'm sure I'll revisit again!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Redcoats were adorable, and the Reb was a true hero. A five-star read that I'm sure I'll revisit again!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this story!! I enjoyed the unique aspect of having an American revolutionary war story told from the perspective of four British children and having it set in England!
February 1, 2021
Historical fiction AO yr 4 free read. The kids got really into the story and it was nice to read a book that had British protagonists, so they could see a little more of both sides.
February 17, 2018
The book I read was called The Reb And The Redcoats by Constance Savery. This book I thought was okay, it feels that I couldn’t connect with the characters because the time period was so different when it was written. This book place during the revolutionary war in the British point of view rather than the side of the Americans. What this is about a British family who are holding an American Rebel hostage (who was a part of the war) in their home with them. The plot of this story is very unoriginal, it goes out of the box with putting it on the British side of the story for the war. What I thought was cool about the plot also is that the American becomes friends with the children in the book, he gave them education as their tutor and gave them many fun adventures in the household of the family. The characters are questionable like I said earlier, I feel as if I could not connect with them because my personality is so different from theirs because the generation this took place in is way different than this one. The kids have way more adventurous personalities than I do like George. George is one of the kids who is in the book who is tutored by the Rebel. What would make them better is if they were further explained by the author and telling more of what they like to do or what they do more in free time or if they have special traits. This book is similar to My Brother Sam Is Dead, This book also takes place in the revolutionary war but it’s on the american side of the war. The most obvious event the reader should be aware of is the fact that two sides of the world are fighting each other in a bloody war. I would recommend this book to people who really like slow moving books that take awhile to build up to the main conflict and people who really like war stories. But I feel there really is a life lesson behind this is that even the strongest trust bonds can be broken.
June 19, 2017
Obviously Reb and the Recoats takes place during the Revolutionary War, but the setting is in England. The Reb (Randle) is a prisoner of war in a household with four children. The children are nicknamed the Redcoats by the Reb.
The plot has coincidences that are reminiscent of Oliver Twist and Jane Eyre, where things that connect are a little hard to believe but are enjoyable anyway.
There were a few incidents that were obviously contrived to make things later in the book work, which were a little silly, but not a big deal.
The underlying plot was around John Andre, the British officer that worked with Benedict Arnold that unfolded the year before. I was glad that we had just watched an A&E movie (deserves its own review with cautions) about them because it made the events fresh in our minds and easy for the boys to understand what was happening and why. Andre was caught, and Arnold’s plan to betray West Point was revealed. Apparently people were upset that Andre died the death of a spy; by hanging, and not the death of a soldier. I assume the death of a soldier is done by firing squad?? The excuse that Americans gave for executing Andre by hanging was that Nathanial Hale was also caught as a spy and executed the same way.
I really enjoyed the TJed principles modeled in the story. Randle had a ravenous appetite for learning and “Grandpapa” enjoyed mentoring him. The Recoats were amazed at his interest and couldn’t understand why he liked to study so much. He becomes their tutor and their interest takes off.
We have really enjoyed all the books in The Living History series, which this is a part. I was led to the series by seeking the books Galen and the _Gateway to Medicine_, and _Archimedes and the Door to Science_ which are highly recommended books in several educational models.
The plot has coincidences that are reminiscent of Oliver Twist and Jane Eyre, where things that connect are a little hard to believe but are enjoyable anyway.
There were a few incidents that were obviously contrived to make things later in the book work, which were a little silly, but not a big deal.
The underlying plot was around John Andre, the British officer that worked with Benedict Arnold that unfolded the year before. I was glad that we had just watched an A&E movie (deserves its own review with cautions) about them because it made the events fresh in our minds and easy for the boys to understand what was happening and why. Andre was caught, and Arnold’s plan to betray West Point was revealed. Apparently people were upset that Andre died the death of a spy; by hanging, and not the death of a soldier. I assume the death of a soldier is done by firing squad?? The excuse that Americans gave for executing Andre by hanging was that Nathanial Hale was also caught as a spy and executed the same way.
I really enjoyed the TJed principles modeled in the story. Randle had a ravenous appetite for learning and “Grandpapa” enjoyed mentoring him. The Recoats were amazed at his interest and couldn’t understand why he liked to study so much. He becomes their tutor and their interest takes off.
We have really enjoyed all the books in The Living History series, which this is a part. I was led to the series by seeking the books Galen and the _Gateway to Medicine_, and _Archimedes and the Door to Science_ which are highly recommended books in several educational models.
October 16, 2023
Thank you, Goodreads, for turning this book up on a random list and reminding me I need to collect one of my favorite kids' books from my Dad's house one of these days...one of those shockingly good historical fictions for kids from back in the 50s/60s (too lazy to check). It was fun and exciting, fast-paced and included some genuinely clever twists (the hero should clearly become a lawyer when he gets older). It also contained a layer or two that weren't obvious until I went back to the book a few years later (like the hints of a romance between our hero and heroine once they get a bit older...interesting moment there...).
Damn, now I want to go back and reread "Caddie Woodlawn" and "The Perilous Gard" and "Escape from the Evil Prophecy" and all those Ann Rinaldi books. Kids get good historical fiction. Adults seem to get stuck with either the bodice-rippers/chick lit or really, really dense stuff fraught with historical significance. Or revolutionary war novels written by ex-presidents or current presidential candidates. Not that there aren't good ones out there, but there was something special about those kids' books.
Damn, now I want to go back and reread "Caddie Woodlawn" and "The Perilous Gard" and "Escape from the Evil Prophecy" and all those Ann Rinaldi books. Kids get good historical fiction. Adults seem to get stuck with either the bodice-rippers/chick lit or really, really dense stuff fraught with historical significance. Or revolutionary war novels written by ex-presidents or current presidential candidates. Not that there aren't good ones out there, but there was something special about those kids' books.
May 17, 2021
An enjoyable historical novel for young people set during the Revolutionary War:
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May 31, 2025
To read Savery, is to refresh your spirit as well as learn something new. I adore the Redcoats and the their family, the Reb, and the agonizingly clumsy Mr. Wingate. And of course, Patty the doll. The ending always gives a slight sense of frustration at not getting to read what is alluded to as a highly satisfactory ending, but yet that seems just like the entire book. There's never enough. Ten plus stars!
February 16, 2015
The first time I read this I was like 13 and I really liked it a lot, so I read it again right way! than I seen it on my book shelf and I was like yeah got to read this again I liked it just as much as the first time. :)
June 3, 2008
Another good Bethlehem Book about the Revolutionary War.
August 18, 2012
Interesting MG Christian historical read.
January 29, 2018
Re-reading this book. Always a favorite!
December 14, 2016
Great historical fiction on the Revolutionary War from the perspective of a British Family. It was a great read aloud and provided lots of great discussion with my son.
January 19, 2024
Creative writing and humorous characters made this a delightful read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend 'The Reb and the Redcoats.'
September 16, 2025
Oy, I wish i had not spent money on this. I found this story infuriating. All the chatacters save the uncle are totally and inexplicably enamoured with America and the young ‘Reb’ who is forced to stay with them. The children are totally disobbedient, the mother has no control over them, but also zero respect for her brother, who is in charge of the household and also commissioned to watch the Reb. The whole family, even the grandparents, are in league with the Reb against him. The Reb has no respect or gratitude for his insane my lenient treatment. There is no way I could read this to my children without constantly having to make commentary on their behaviour. This book is more a reflection of the author’s values in the 1960’s than of the time period it is set in.
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