Loyalty

by Avi

Newbery Medalist Avi explores the American Revolution from a fresh perspective in the story of a young Loyalist turned British spy navigating patriotism and personal responsibility during the lead-up to the War of Independence. When his father is killed by rebel vigilantes, Noah flees with his family to Boston. Intent on avenging his father, Noah becomes a spy for the British and firsthand witness to the power of partisan rumor to distort facts, the hypocrisy of men who demand freedom while enslaving others, and the human connections that bind people together regardless of stated allegiances. Awash in contradictory information and participating in key events leading to the American Revolution, Noah must forge his own understanding of right and wrong and determine for himself where his loyalty truly lies.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical, Young Adult, American Revolution, Fiction, Childrens

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 8, 2022

About the author

Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Clarion Books for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was such an Avi fan when I was in grades 4-6 ( see The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle). So I leapt at the chance to re-visit his historical fiction targeted at middle grade readers.

It is the late 18th century and the flames of the American Revolution have been ignited. For Noah, his mother and sisters, the death of his clergymen father at the hands of the rebels sends them to Boston. But life there is not easy and with people taking sides, Noah finds himself questioning everything that he thought he believed.

Enjoyable and informative historical fiction that I would certainly add to the classroom library

Publication Date 01/02/22
Goodreads review 01/02/22

[Genevieve Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to pick this book up because we're writing the Revolutionary War from the Tories' perspective, now? In reality, kind of yes but also not really.

Noah is the son of a Tory who is murdered by revolutionaries, and his family is run out of their hometown. He intends to wreak his revenge on his father's murderers by helping the British, up until he starts realizing that a lot of them are bad people too. He's torn, not knowing how to judge between right and wrong, what he used to think and what he now knows.

The only person who's NOT bad is Jolla, the Black freedman Noah meets at work. The moral of the overall story is that all people are bad, war is bad, and slavery is bad. The only loyalty you should hold is individual: to yourself and the people you care about.

As you can see, it's an extremely... modern take on the Revolutionary War. I never actually wondered what a 2021 version of the classic "kid has to choose a side in the Revolutionary War" book would look like, BUT if I ever had -- this book is absolutely it.

It's the quintessential ethos of today boiled down and slapped onto 1776.

And really, it could still have been good and interesting. Except that it tilts way too far towards being boring. The beginning is anything but boring, but as soon as Noah's family comes to Boston, the book almost becomes a chronological list of Revolutionary War events as narrated by Noah. His relationships with his family members all essentially wither on the vine instantly.

He and Jolla have the only real relationship in the book, and it's so focused on getting war news that it hardly detracts from the history book list Noah is compiling. It's odd, because I've read other Avi books and they didn't strike me like this.

[Emily Carter-Dunn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to Avi, Clarion Books and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Noah is a boy when he sees his pastor father dragged from his home and tarred for being a loyalist to the king by rebels in their town. In order to remain safe, Noah, his sister and his mother travel to Boston to stay with his great-uncle and here they witness key events of the American Civil War (or so I believe as I didn't get that far!).

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this at 25%. Apart from the very beginning (the scene with the death of the father) I found the book rather dull. I think the main reason behind this is the language style in which it is written. I believe this is supposed to be an older version of Noah talking about his childhood and this REALLY shows. The language is so formal and old-fashioned that I was just switching off from it and not engaging and I'm 31! A child of the target age will probably struggle with this more than I did so I would not recommend it to any of my students, unfortunately.

[Sophie -( HOLIDAYS!)- · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a book club, and it was good! But, I’m warning you, it has a slightly different ending than I expected. I mean, it does talk about severed limbs at one point, ya know, all normal things.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho many ways can you retell the story of the American revolution? Usually Avi writes amazingly engaging historical fiction, but in this case I felt that he was trying to stuff too much historical into his fiction.

The good points is the author, bringing up through Jolla, the fact that with all the talk of liberty and freedom, this only applied to the white men, and not to the Black men. Jolla is a freeman, but how can he prove it, as he points out to Noah, the narrator, who never has to prove that he is free.

This is where the loyalty comes in. Noah feels he has to be loyal to the crown because that is who is father was loyal to, and was killed for what he believed in. Yet, the more he talks to Jolla, who works at the same pub as he does, he realizes that the British can be brutish too.

This is the main point of the book, of course. And Jolla points out that you have to be loyal to yourself and think for yourself.

As some reviewers said, it began to sag about half way through, when Noah was just talking about what was going on, leading up to the first short of the war.

And as some reviewers also pointed out, the discussions with Jolla were more intriguing than any talk of red coats and rebels.

This is a good book, however, if you want to introduce historical fiction from this time period, with a slightly different point of view, where the main players are still there, but in the background, as seen by the common man.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Clarion Books for the digital advanced reader's copy.

It's 1775 and 13 year-old Noah Cope's father is a decided Loyalist. He is tarred and feathered for such a stance in a rebel town, and afterwards Noah declares his loyalty to England and swears to find a way to avenge his father's death.

However, when Noah's family moves to Boston, Noah has his views challenged. The English army uses press gangs to force men to join the Navy. They take over homes and take food from citizens. Yet, the rebels killed his father, and some of their leaders declare liberty on one hand yet enslave Black people in their homes. Is there a right side?

Noah watches all of this and wonders where his loyalties should lie. His father used to tell him what to do and who to believe, but that's gone now. He has to figure out who he is for himself.

In the words of his Black boss and friend, Jolla, "People are going to be loyal to what keeps them free. But in case you hadn't noticed, it's hard to know what that is."

It's particularly complicated for Jolla, when neither side has offered freedom to enslaved people. He can't even leave Boston, where people know him and will vouch for his free status. Even as a free young man, Jolla is still stuck because he cannot prove his freedom without a white person to speak on his behalf.

This was a quick read, but some parts didn't work for me.

Over time, Jolla's character does develop, but often he feels like a stock foil to Noah - there only to help and challenge Noah on his journey, and not a fully-developed character with his own life, frustrations, and struggles.

Also, while necessary to the story, there are some coincidences that simply felt too coincidental and made Noah's story feel less realistic.

And, ultimately, I guess that's why the book felt flat. It didn't feel fully grounded in a historical reality. It felt more like a story teaching a worthwhile and thoughtful lesson, than a compelling and authentic story of a young man living in the midst of the earliest days of the Rvolutionary War during the seige of Boston.

The best portions for me were less of Noah and more about what was happening in Boston itself.

All in all, a solid read with a thought-provoking premise with plenty of opportunities for discussion, particularly when considering our own times and what it truly means to be loyal and patriotic today.

[Katie Mac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I devoured Avi's books when I was younger--I still think about The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle--so I eagerly requested this one when it became available. I was also intrigued by the journalistic plot device and having the story of the Revolutionary War told from the perspective of a British supporter rather than an American rebel.

Overall, while the violence is just as visceral as his other books, this feels like it has less depth. It focuses heavily on the events of the Revolutionary War and less on the people, though we do get a glimpse into Noah's family life. His friendship with Jolla, a free Black man, is the most substantial; while there's a dearth of historical fiction--particularly juvenile historical fiction--about the role of slaves and other Black folks during the various American wars, there's a heavy-handed "SLAVERY AND RACISM ARE BAD" message here. I appreciate Jolla's incorporation, but it's almost like he's a tokenized figure in some scenes.

I'm pleased Avi's still writing books, but I liked this less than his others. If you or your younger readers love this period and don't mind some descriptive wartime violence, pick this up.

[Joanne Kelleher · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Avi’s latest foray into historical fiction takes us to Boston on the eve of the American Revolution. As I began reading, I wondered if and how Avi might have updated his excellent storytelling skills for a reader living in these times. If I had read the Author’s Note first, I would’ve had the answer to my question; the last line reads: And when you consider events such as the storming of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021, it is clear that the definitions of “patriots” and “traitors,” and of “loyalty” itself, are also still being defined.
This line supports the theme of the book. Fourteen-year-old Noah Cope, thrust into the role of head of household after the untimely and savage death of his preacher father at the hands of the Rebels, vows to join the British Army to avenge his father’s death and keep his family safe. But experience is a harsh teacher, and Noah learns that in a revolution, the sides are not easily defined, and “safety” is an illusion. Throughout the book, Noah struggles to find the deserving target for his loyalty.

Embedded in the story were many lines that encourage readers to look at their world with open eyes:
-“If nothing scares you,” said Jolla, “you’re not paying attention.”
-“To look upon the world is one thing. To look upon the world in search of a hiding place requires different eyes.”
-“The more people believe a thing, the crueler they are defending it.”
-“How do you know so much?” “When your life depends on knowing, you better know.”

Though the book carried an important message, it was on the longish side for kidlit.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of previous historical fiction books by Avi, I was excited to read his latest book, Loyalty, which is about a young teen's life in Boston in the days leading up to the American Revolution.

This is listed as a middle grade novel, but the opening scene is quite brutal for readers of any age. I appreciate that Avi does not write down to his readers, but instead challenges their thinking and beliefs. Indeed, Loyalty is an examination of conscience as much as it is a spy thriller.

Although I did find the plot riveting, I found the pace uneven. The beginning of the book up through the middle as Noah begins spying are the best parts of the book. The latter part gets bogged down as the city of Boston anticipates the onset of war. Noah as a character is an outstanding example of a boy who is forced to grow up and face demands that many adults never have to face. His inner turmoil as he considers what loyalty means to him, as well as his relationship with Jolla form the foundation of the story.

I will recommend this to mature kids and teens (and adults, too) who enjoy historical fiction. Middle school teachers who want to teach about all sides of the American Revolution would find value, too.

Thank you to the publisher, Clarion Books and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Alice Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm fascinated by children's historical fiction set during the American Revolution -- so much so that I wrote a dissertation for my MA in Children's Literature on this topic (I analysed the portrayal of female characters living through the Revolution, looking at books published in 1893, 1931 & 1977). Avi's insightful novel, set in Boston and surrounding areas in the lead up to and beginnings of the conflict, is an excellent addition to children's Revolutionary War historical fiction. I hugely enjoyed the weaving of actual events and people with fictional characters -- Avi did extensive research to find historical nuggets to give the narrative authenticity, and the afterward provides readers with some information on his research process and approach to historical fiction.

But it is Avi's exploration of the moral ambiguities and complexities of the American Revolution that make this book especially powerful. Young Noah's father, a fierce Loyalist, is tarred, feathered and dies, and Noah is beaten up by those advocating for independence (not a spoiler -- this happens right at the beginning). Noah is determined to remain loyal to the Crown, but a series of events challenge his heartfelt beliefs. His friend Jolla, a free Black young man, is even more conflicted as many Americans wanting independence, including their military leader George Washington, are slave-holders, and Jolla is afraid of being sold into slavery. The British aren't much better, placing little value on the lives of Black people, using them as pawns in a political & military game. The fundamental question of the book is 'what does loyalty mean, and who should we be loyal to?' Noah and Jolla find their own ways to answer this question.

Highly recommended.

[Amanda Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Just wow. I was born in 1976. My parents made a big deal of it being the bicentennial year. I always worked on the theory that in the revolutionary war, the British were the bad guys and the Americas were the good guys. It seems obvious to me now that this can't be true. Things are rarely that black and white. Noah and Jolla made that so clear to me. I love that Noah's first independent choice was made to help someone that mattered to him more than he mattered to himself. The notes at the end of the book from the author are almost more powerful than the book itself. He says, "it seems to me that it is still going on, with much, such as "All men are created equal" still to be fully achieved."

My only complaint about this book is that it is not broken up into chapters which made it hard for me to feel like I was making progress.

[Mehreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. We are introduced to Noah Cope via the horrible murder of his father in early 1774. This book led my friend and I to a journey to Concord and learning about the history of these events was truly eye opening. It consistently blows my mind how our founding father espoused such virtues as all men are created equal while enslaving members of the population. The perception of good and evil and who deserves your loyalty are truly questioned in this book.

We are raised in this country to believe that Patriots fought for freedom against an oppressor, but this book teaches us it's really not that simple. Tories and whigs, we all suffer, we are all deceived, and at the end of the day, we all treat black people like slaves. Avi really makes us question what is right and wrong and through Noah's journey, we learn to question our beliefs and think for ourselves. There is so much to be learned from this, simply excellent.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story from a Loyalist point of view of the war. It has great explanation of terms and ideas for readers first learning this subject, but in a way that feels natural and not like a text book or dictionary reference. The main character is likable and relatable. There seems to be no aspect of the events leading up to the start of the war that is left out. It covers a plethora of different events, emotions, and experiences. This is a great overview of all the aspects that kids may want to learn about, but also is specific enough that you don't feel like you are just learning about the war. You get very involved in the main characters development and can learn right along side with him. Great story.

[Jolee B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Avi was my favorite author as a kid and I was excited to see him still writing. This book is an interesting take on the Revolutionary War, and I think it would be really interesting to read aloud to/with students, to discuss the principles of loyalty and how we decide who gets our loyalty. Unfortunately, this book was about 100 pages too long and really bogged down in the middle. I’d still suggest it for a school setting, but my 10 year old who devours books probably wouldn’t love this because it’s pretty boring.
I was also sad to see a lack of character development for any of the family - though, I see that that wasn’t the main purpose of the book, so not a total deal breaker.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've loved Avi's previous books, but was a bit disappointed in this one. It reads older than the target audience--so much graphic violence in the beginning chapters! I felt Noah should have been an older teen. And while I appreciate that the author was trying to give readers who may not be familiar with all that happened during that time period a sense of what was going on then, there was way too much telling and not enough showing. The diary entries made the middle of the book drag. I think this would have been a better book had it not been in diary form.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, complex and interesting novel about a boy who’s family are loyal to King George III in Massachusetts in 1775. His father is murdered by Sons of Liberty and he clings to his father’s beliefs but the war and atrocities on both sides makes it more confusing on which side is right.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newbery Medalist Avi explores the American Revolution from a fresh perspective in the story of a young Loyalist turned British spy navigating patriotism and personal responsibility during the lead-up to the War of Independence.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this because the middle schoolers are doing this at my new job. It's a lot better than I expected and surprisingly woke-ish. I started out really hating the main character because he was really annoying but he grew on me. I ended up shipping the two leads together which made the book a lot better in my mind and it also made the plot work a bit better if they were gay and that's why everyone abandons them. But they also won't talk about that because it's literally set in 1775. Not bad for middle grade.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book about the Revolutionary War, I actually REALLY enjoyed this!

[annabel lecklider · Rating 3 out of 5]

well i read this books for school so that makes me not like the book immediately

this book actually wasn’t terrible. i think my 4th grade self would have LOVED it

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avi writes engaging historical fiction, and Loyalty is a thought-provoking story set at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Noah is a loyal boy, but early on he struggles with the object of his loyalty, unsure of where his loyalty should lie. I’m not sure I have ever read the POV of a child loyal to the King of England, which is how this story begins. It is more common to read from the patriot perspective. The ending could have been a bit better developed, but it was a satisfying conclusion to another fine book by Avi.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a book club and I just got really bored with it and I dislike the ending so much. If you're a history buff, this book is up your alley, but if you're not, then don't even bother.

[Penny Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

No child should have to witness a brutal act against his father, but thirteen-year-old Noah Cope does. Noah's father, a Tory loyalist, dies as a result of being tarred and feathered by Whigs who oppose British rule in the American colonies. Noah is brutally beaten too. After his family flees to Boston, he vows to do his part to fight the rebel Whigs. Too young to join the British army, Noah is hired on as a spy. His cover is a job at a local tavern where rebel leaders such as John Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere gather to discuss politics. Fiercely determined to remain loyal to the British like his late father, Noah nevertheless begins to see both sides of the situation leading up to the American Revolution.

While working at the tavern, Noah is befriended by a free Black teen named Jolla. Jolla constantly challenges Noah to think for himself rather than just blindly accepting the opinions of others. Neither of the boys are very sure whether the rebels or loyalists are in the right. Both sides keep Black people enslaved, and both sides commit murder. Through it all, Noah must figure out how to protect his family, how to survive, and where his loyalties should lie.

I was thrilled to discover that Avi had written another book despite being in his eighties. One of his previous works, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, has long been a favorite of mine. Loyalty, however, while thought-provoking, falls short of some of Avi's previous works. The novel seems to have been written as a history lesson in story form. Avi showcases the American Revolution from an unbiased point of view, including a timely look at how Black people were treated at the time. His key points are important: War is hell, both sides committed atrocious acts, and people must learn to think for themselves. The book itself, while great as a history lesson, falls a bit flat as a story, however.

Clarion Books categorizes Loyalty as children's fiction, but I daresay it is not. Although the protagonist is a young teen, he sees horrific things no boy should have to see. Avi is not shy in describing men writhing in agony, brains spilling out, surgeons sawing off limbs, young characters being expected to carry amputated body parts outside to be disposed of while trying not to slip in pools of blood on the floor, the stench of an impromptu clinic, and more. As a parent of older elementary school children myself, I wouldn't want them to read this fodder for nightmares until they are young adults or teens at least. Clarion Books and Avi should categorize Loyalty as young adult fiction or tone down the gratuitous, bloody descriptions considerably. The ending was ambiguous and somewhat unsatisfying as well. As it is, I can only give Loyalty a 2.5 star rating.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Clarion Books through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Originally reviewed at https://www.powerwordsediting.com/loy...

[Jody Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a fan of Avi's other historical fiction I was excited to read the newest one. Loyalty follows Noah who is from a Loyalist family during the American Revolution. The opening is quite brutal as Noah sees his father tarred and feathered by the Son's of Liberty. Noah vows to always be loyal to England and the King. He eventually gets a job at a tavern as a spy for the Royal army. He meets Jolla, a free Black man, there who makes him question what liberty really is. I appreciated the perspective that showed flaws in the freedom fighters as well as the hypocrisy of men who owned slaves who were also fighting for freedom.

I was provided a free E-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Noah and his family live outside of Boston in April, 1774. The father is a preacher and a Loyalist, and when he won't denounce the King, he is tarred and feathered and subsequently dies. With few options, especially with tensions increasing in their town, the mother approaches a local lawyer to try to sell the family house. He takes the house in exchange for his son, Abner, taking the family and their one trunk of possessions to the mother's uncle, William, in Boston. The uncle, who is a bachelor, reluctantly agrees to take the family into his small home, and is well pleased when they clean it up and make life easier for him by cooking. Noah needs a job, and manages to get connected to General Thomas Gage, who was an influential officer in the Birtish army in Boston. He gets Noah a job at the Green Dragon tavern, and has him report back on the activity of the Sons of Liberty. There, he meets a young, free Black man named Jolla who basically runs the tavern. The two get along, and Jolla and Noah's travels around Boston show Noah that not everything the British are doing is all that nice. Press gangs, enslaved Black soldiers, and other unfair practices shift Noah's opinions of where his loyalty should lie. When the Siege of Boston looks imminent, and Noah's older sister is with child and has a husband who is a militia man, Noah manages to get his family out of Boston. He and Jolla manage to survive for months, but in the end, realizes that the Boston he wants to see is at odds with the British vision for it, and that the victory of the colonists isn't as bad as he would have thought.
Strengths: Quick! Name a book about the Revolutionary War. If you said Johnny Tremain, remember that this was written in 1943. This is an important historical era, yet fictional books on the topic are hard to come by, and ones that understand current thoughts about colonialism and race relations are even harder to find. Anderson's 2008 Chains is a good start, but it's a topic I've been trying to update for a long time in my library. Avi has the historical chops to do this justice, and for an 84 year old, has kept up with current thoughts on many topics. Jolla's inclusion is well done, and it's interesting to see Noah's perspective as a Loyalist and how that changes. The details of every day life are good, and the story moves along quickly. There's enough action and intrigue for the most die hard war obsessed reader, and the length is perfect.
Weaknesses: The diary format seemed a bit forced in this instance, although having the dates was helpful.
What I really think: Buy a copy of this and weed Johnny Tremain. Really. It's fairly boring, and it was old when I was in school. History does change, or at least perception of events, and it's important to keep on top of these changes as they are reflected in the literature. Also look at Anderson's Chains series, Hughes' Five Fourths of July, and Calkhoven's Daniel at the Siege of Boston.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adult rating: 4 stars
Kid rating: 2 stars

I'm a fan. I love history. I tend to enjoy Avi's writing. However, this is rarely true of kids. With the exception of The Cross of Lead, I have a hard time convincing kids to read Avi's books. It's not just him. Of all the wars, kids are more interested in World War 2 than either the Revolutionary War or Civil War. And while this book does have its moments of high intensity, there are also moments when it drags. This book will make the purchase list for my library because I need good Revolutionary War books for that rare kid who has an interest, but I honestly don't expect it to be checked out much.

What I love most about this book is that it gives us the loyalist perspective. In fact, I believe it's the first Revolutionary War book I've read that does so. The book opens with Noah's father, a pastor and loyalist, being stripped of his clothes by a group of rebels, then tar and feathered. He dies soon after. Then Noah himself is kidnapped and beaten until he denies loyalty to the British king. Fearing for her family's safety in the rebellious suburbs, his mother decides to move the 20 or so miles to Boston to live with her uncle.

All Noah wants to do is join the British Army to honor his father. Unfortunately, at age 13, he's too young and too small. Instead, he's recommended for a spy position working at a local tavern where the Sons of Liberty hold meetings. At first he loves the job. He's making good money, finds a friend in Jolla, a free black man, and gets a thrill informing on the American rebels. But as he observes the actions of both sides, he begins to question his father's staunch loyalist position. In many ways, the British behave no better than the Americans. And for sure, neither side seems interested in freeing black slaves, even though they both say they stand for freedom. Noah's internal wrestling with this conflict is well done.

Avi gives great historical details, such as a clandestine movement of British ammunition out of a warehouse which leads to a false rumor that the British fired on civilians. He also contrives a reasonable plot point which puts Noah in Lexington and Concord when the "shot heard around the world" is fired at the North Bridge. Beyond that, Avi works hard to give a detailed picture of life in Boston. The streets and wharves, a tavern, a typical house, the terrain, the movement of people, first into, then out of Boston, the closing of the ports and the impact that had on the food supply. There is a lot packed into this book. Revolutionary War fans will love it. Unfortunately, it does not have what it takes to create new fans, thus 3 stars only.

PS: A map of old Boston would have done wonders for this book.

[Leslie Nettleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot of Avi as a middle/high school student- and always enjoyed the books, as they not only gave you a bit of history or social commentary, but they gave you something to think about. This book, Loyalty, was no exception. In fact, Loyalty has so many parallels to modern life-- I had no trouble imagining different scenarios both for the protagonist, Noah, or for a modern young person today. Loyalty talks about the beginnings of the American Revolution from the point of view of a Loyalist family. It begins in 1774, when 13 year old Noah witnesses the violent torture and death of his father, who is tarred and feathered in front of him-- due to his beliefs in the British Government and the Anglican Church. The experience is even more horrific because everyone who did the torturing and murdering was from his small town--- all people that he knew. Noah was left with a hatred of the colonial militia--Which became even more pronounced when he himself was repeatedly beaten. Noah, his mother, and two sisters take refuge with an uncle in Boston, where Noah's only wish is to join the British Army to get revenge on the people who killed his father. But it is not so simple. Noah volunteers to spy for a British officer by working at a tavern that is frequented by rebels and reporting what he hears. While doing this, he meets Joffy Freedman, a free black man a few years older than him. Joffy hasn't taken a side. Why should he? Neither side is thinking of offering freedom for slaves-- and he lives a precarious life, where he can, at any time, be captured and sold. Over the course of the book, Noah sees brutality and hypocrisy in both sides, and as he grows to truly understand the plight of Joffy, he realizes he is no longer on anyone's side. I would not be surprised to see this book banned in Florida, or in other states that don't want young people exposed to parts of history that are not good--- but it is too bad, because I can see this book making people think. In a strange sort of way, it also made me think of the people who stormed the Capital on January 6. Don't get me wrong! That was reprehensible and illegal--- but many of those people had been caught up in the fervor of a lie--- that it was their patriotic duty. To whom do you owe loyalty? And will the people who you are loyal to also be loyal to you! 3.5. A compelling middle school YA book.

[Robin]

From Newberry Medalist, Avi, Loyalty follows the emotional journey of Noah Cope, whose father is killed by rebel patriots and whose family must flee to Boston in the aftermath. Determined to avenge his father's death, Noah turns to spying for the British, putting himself in a precarious situation. It is during this back and forth interaction with both British soldier and American patriots that Noah realizes everything is not as it appears, and he must lean on his relationships to discover who he truly is.

Set using the American Revolution, Loyalty is a coming of age story. When we first Noah, he's a young 13 year old trying to cope with his father's death. He's naive and determined to do anything he can to make his father proud. Throughout the two year span of this novel, we see Noah grow and as his mother challenges, think for himself. This is the story of a young man who must navigate what he sees and hears, along with what he knows about his friend a young Black freeman. Where do Noah's loyalties lie in a volital time in history?

I read this book with my 10 and 14 year olds. We shared this one as a family read aloud and I was glad I didn't just hand it off to either of them. The challenging thing about Loyalty is that it mirrors real life. Characters are complex. Situations are complex. And the reader is often left with a feeling of standing on shaky ground. Historical figures are examined from multiple angles, both in relation to politics, loyalties, and stance on slavery. It's often times hard to discern good guys from bad guys.

I would recommend this book with a few caveat... read it with your children... discuss it with your children... talk about the complexities of human nature. This was a tough read at times because it really was difficult to discern where Noah's loyalties should lie. Also be aware that there are a handful of very graphic scenes. The opening where Noah's father is killed is particularly difficult to read and I censored it as we read aloud. I would definitely not categorize this as a middle grade book. At best, this book is geared toward the high school years, but again with discussion and guidance by parents. Loyalty is a unique look at the American Revolution, but not without its challenges.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Shella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book as most Avi books are. The reason I think this could be an important book for kids is that it gives a point of view that they will rarely find in history books or in school lessons. It presents war as difficult for everyone and no real winners. The theme of loyalty is VERY STRONG. It examines loyalty from many angles. There is a free black man character that presents another point of view that is rarely presented in history. I disagree with other viewers that said this is more of a tell rather than show. It is written in a journal format- either you like that or don't. This allows for more historical elements to be included. I thought the dialogue was written very well. The beginning scene with his father and his own beating is very intense. In Avi fashion, the brutality of past historical practices is not sugar coated. I think these scenes will draw in readers. It also had an excellent example of how false rumors can have drastic consequences. That is a really important discussion given the times and events of today. The middle of the book does lag some. It will take some reading stamina from the reader to see it through. The audio book is excellent, so if this book a higher level or historical fiction is a newer genre, younger readers would benefit from listening to the audio while reading the hard copy. If you are a parent that reads with your older child, this is a good book for family discussions. This next part is a spoiler so stop reading here if you have not read the end..... I do not think the conclusion is an act of a "white savior." I think it represents the theme of loyalty. The main character is not trying to save the black character out of pride or wanting to feel better. He truly understands what it means to be loyal and puts his FRIEND ahead of his own needs without expecting ANYTHING in return. I think this book is Newbery worthy, however since it does not follow the normal all Redcoats are bad and all Patriots are good narrative, it may be dismissed.

[Anita Ojeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Sons of Liberty kill Noah Cope’s father over a prayer, Noah, his mother, and sisters must decide what to do. Ever since he can remember, Noah’s father has dominated every thought and action in the Cope family. But now his mother tells him HE will have to take charge and make important decisions. But how can a boy of 13 decide what’s best for a family if he doesn’t even understand what’s best for himself?

Noah understands one thing—the Rebels have killed his father and Noah wants revenge. Too young to join the British army, Noah discovers a way to prove his loyalty to his king and country—become a spy.

Noah’s front-row odyssey through the events in Boston, MA in 1774 and 1775 prove more confusing than enlightening. Both the British and the Rebels claim they want the same thing—freedom. And both demand loyalty while taking away the very thing they claim to uphold—freedom.

How can a boy decide where his loyalty lies amidst the confusion?

What I Loved About This Book

Avi brings a fresh (and more historically accurate) twist to the pantheon of Revolutionary War literature for young readers. As a history teacher, I find it refreshing to have a more nuanced representation of the birth of our country. History books in schools often overlook the true social milieu of the Revolutionary Era.

The founding fathers didn’t offer freedom to all. They only offered freedom to some. And in their quest for freedom from the king of England, they trampled the freedoms of those who wanted to support the king.

Noah Cope grapples with the intense coming-of-age questions which resound across centuries. Who deserves our loyalty? When should we give it or withdraw it? And who decides on the greater good? Noah’s thoughtful narration helps young readers understand the need to think for themselves despite outside pressures.

Middle-school and high-school teachers will want to adopt Loyalty for their Revolutionary War reading lists.