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Time Travel Adventure #2
George Washington's Spy
This spellbinding time-travel fantasy makes for a riveting sequel to Elvira Woodruff's bestselling classic, GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SOCKS.
When Katie and her twin cousins step into a mysterious rowboat, Matt and his three buddies run to their rescue. But they are too late--and soon the seven are swept back in time--to Boston in 1775. The British have occupied the city, and George Washington and his troops are planning an attack. While the boys are trying to find their way to the girls after being separated, the boys become entangled with patriot spies.
Meanwhile, the girls have been taken in by the wealthy Hewson family, whom they soon discover are "redcoats"! Now, on opposite sides of the war, (cont'd.)
When Katie and her twin cousins step into a mysterious rowboat, Matt and his three buddies run to their rescue. But they are too late--and soon the seven are swept back in time--to Boston in 1775. The British have occupied the city, and George Washington and his troops are planning an attack. While the boys are trying to find their way to the girls after being separated, the boys become entangled with patriot spies.
Meanwhile, the girls have been taken in by the wealthy Hewson family, whom they soon discover are "redcoats"! Now, on opposite sides of the war, (cont'd.)
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
57 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Elvira Woodruff
32 books86 followersElvira Woodruff is an American children's author known for blending fantasy and history in her stories. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, she studied English literature at Adelphi and Boston University. Before becoming a writer, she worked a variety of jobs and later found inspiration while working as a librarian in Easton, Pennsylvania. Woodruff has published numerous children's books, including George Washington's Socks, The Memory Coat, and Dear Levi. Her work has been praised for its engaging storytelling and historical depth. Throughout her career, she has created imaginative, heartfelt stories that continue to captivate young readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 12, 2020
As a 5th grade teacher I’ve read George Washington’s Sock’s for many years and have always enjoyed it. I decided to give George Washington’s Spy a read. Ironically the sequel was written 19 years later which I found interesting. I really liked GW’s Spy and highly recommend it. You don’t have to have read the first novel either to understand or enjoy the book. Same time period (The American Revolution), mostly the same kids, and enough intrigue and suspense to keep you reading. Loyalist or Patriot I think you’ll enjoy this book.
November 13, 2020
I spy a great book!
“George Washington’s Spy” is an easy-read page-turner. The book mixes history, mystery, adventure, moral-wrestling, MacGyver-like tricks, and intriguing trivia (e.g., cockroaches can live without their heads but will die of starvation; you can get Vitamin C from birch bark).
If the author ever does decide to update her book, I would recommend she take a look at the following observations:
P 17 “George Washington was in Cambridge with his troops, but they were outnumbered.” Washington counted 14,000 men at the start of the siege, though some others say it was as high as 20,000, if one included soldiers not fit to fight. Howe had some 11,000 troops that departed at the end of the siege. Though Washington certainly had troops leaving his command by the end of the siege due to expiring enlistments, he is most often said to have had 7 to16 thousand men, with the British having 4 to 11 thousand men. Whether Washington had less than Howe at the end of the siege, and so was outnumbered, is possible, but not documented. What is certain, though, is that Washington didn’t have enough men to outright attack the British. P 33 “Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below ninety-four or less, which takes approximately three hours.” OK, hypothermia at 94/95 F, but why or under what circumstances 3 hours is not explained. P. 75 “And they knew there was no [smallpox] vaccine in 1776 to prevent it.” OK, technically, there may have been no smallpox vaccine in 1776, but there was a method of vaccination, which the book later mentions Washington using.
The author closes her book with an excellent set of notes about loyalists, colonial spies, 1776 Boston, leeches, and the Battle of Dorchester. A useful glossary is also included. In the section on leeches, the author even includes a fascinating ditty from a doctor at the time:
When patients come to I
I physics, bleeds,
And sweats ‘em.
Then if they choose to die
What’s that to I — I lets ‘em.
Bottom-line and as a fellow author, I highly recommend this well-written, very enjoyable book!
“George Washington’s Spy” is an easy-read page-turner. The book mixes history, mystery, adventure, moral-wrestling, MacGyver-like tricks, and intriguing trivia (e.g., cockroaches can live without their heads but will die of starvation; you can get Vitamin C from birch bark).
If the author ever does decide to update her book, I would recommend she take a look at the following observations:
P 17 “George Washington was in Cambridge with his troops, but they were outnumbered.” Washington counted 14,000 men at the start of the siege, though some others say it was as high as 20,000, if one included soldiers not fit to fight. Howe had some 11,000 troops that departed at the end of the siege. Though Washington certainly had troops leaving his command by the end of the siege due to expiring enlistments, he is most often said to have had 7 to16 thousand men, with the British having 4 to 11 thousand men. Whether Washington had less than Howe at the end of the siege, and so was outnumbered, is possible, but not documented. What is certain, though, is that Washington didn’t have enough men to outright attack the British. P 33 “Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below ninety-four or less, which takes approximately three hours.” OK, hypothermia at 94/95 F, but why or under what circumstances 3 hours is not explained. P. 75 “And they knew there was no [smallpox] vaccine in 1776 to prevent it.” OK, technically, there may have been no smallpox vaccine in 1776, but there was a method of vaccination, which the book later mentions Washington using.
The author closes her book with an excellent set of notes about loyalists, colonial spies, 1776 Boston, leeches, and the Battle of Dorchester. A useful glossary is also included. In the section on leeches, the author even includes a fascinating ditty from a doctor at the time:
When patients come to I
I physics, bleeds,
And sweats ‘em.
Then if they choose to die
What’s that to I — I lets ‘em.
Bottom-line and as a fellow author, I highly recommend this well-written, very enjoyable book!
March 30, 2020
sacrifices need to be made to achieve great things
June 28, 2018
I had the privilege of reading this remarkable novel recently, and it has impacted me far more than I expected.
I’m a fourth grade teacher at a Title I public school near Charleston, SC. As I was looking for books to use for my teaching next school year, this was not originally on my list because I had not heard of it... oh, but how could I not? I stumbled across it by accident, checked the lexile, and was so captured by the artwork on the cover, that I immediately checked it out of the library.
As I read, I was wonderfully surprised by the details, historical accuracy, perspectives, and themes that emerged. So much of this story could be influential discussion starters. I HAVE to use this story as a teaching tool this year!
I’ve created a Donors Choose project in hopes of getting a class set. If you read this review and would like to help donate these books to my classroom, please follow this link. Even $1 makes a huge difference. Thank you so much!
https://www.donorschoose.org/project/...
I’m a fourth grade teacher at a Title I public school near Charleston, SC. As I was looking for books to use for my teaching next school year, this was not originally on my list because I had not heard of it... oh, but how could I not? I stumbled across it by accident, checked the lexile, and was so captured by the artwork on the cover, that I immediately checked it out of the library.
As I read, I was wonderfully surprised by the details, historical accuracy, perspectives, and themes that emerged. So much of this story could be influential discussion starters. I HAVE to use this story as a teaching tool this year!
I’ve created a Donors Choose project in hopes of getting a class set. If you read this review and would like to help donate these books to my classroom, please follow this link. Even $1 makes a huge difference. Thank you so much!
https://www.donorschoose.org/project/...
November 25, 2018
By the time I was reading Chapter 3, I was pretty pissed at the author. She had the boys doing "adventure club" while the girls were playing "princess dress-up." That type of gender role stereotyping is maddening and no one should be publishing nonsense like that anymore. But I kept reading, and realized when the girls met Mistress Hewson that the dress-up was a plot device to allow the girls to enter the Hewson home. So I lightened up a little. A little. What I really did like about this book, though, was seeing the war for independence from both sides--seeing the events from both Patriot and Loyalist viewpoints. It's good for kids to learn that things are not black and white. I had trouble believing that the boys were 10 year olds--they seemed older. But, it was an enjoyable read and a painless way to learn some American history, so thumbs up.
December 9, 2022
An engaging time-travel adventure! Deals with some heavy topics that I think could have been explored more fully, even in a children’s chapter book. What does it mean when you find that people you think are supposed to be your enemies are actually kind to you and try to look out for your safety? And how about when the people you believe are on what you may see as the good side, the side that you identify with, are cruel and harm you or innocent people? Still, I this book does a great job of introducing that complexity. Just would have liked to see it explored a bit more.
June 2, 2024
Great book! It was probably one of my lil sisters 3rd grade reading books, but I really needed a break from Pride and Prejudice so it was perfect. Very similar to the Magic Treehouse series when I was younger. It was cute and fun and the kids travel back in time to historic events. They went to the Revolutionary War in 1776 (fun fact is when Jane Austen was born). Nice lil story about the Battle of Dorchester. I bet kids hated reading it but it was cute. I am not illiterate yay
April 29, 2019
A moving and historical account of colonists at the beginning of the American Revolution. Gives the viewpoints of both patriots and loyalists, and quite realistically shows some of the war's horrors and that no side is "good" or "bad." Warning, as some parts are quite shocking, but it is truly worthwhile.
August 18, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable follow-up to GW's Socks. The time travel (totally believable) back to Boston allowed me to see myself walking along Long Wharf. This book also excels at conveying the patriot viewpoint and the Loyalist viewpoint, a rare comparison, which sets this book apart.
Time well spent for me.
Time well spent for me.
January 10, 2020
A great sequel- written 17 years later- and I'm so glad it was written. This is another great book that teaches about the Revolutionary War through the eyes of time traveling kids. My 5th grade students will love it!
August 1, 2022
Such a great historical fiction book for young readers. The time travel aspect was fun (a bit of a Magic Treehouse vibe). The glossary and facts at the back of the novel is a good resource. I learned a few things about the early days of our country fighting for its freedom.
December 7, 2023
I read this aloud with my kids as we studied the American Revolution. They loved it. The book does take God's name in vain a few times, which wasn't necessary, but easy to leave out when reading aloud.
July 4, 2017
Good demonstration of different perspectives and rhemes of family and loyalty and friendship
January 8, 2018
This was a really fun read with my 9 year old stepson. It was funny while also being really interesting from a history perspective.
May 1, 2018
A bit graphic for younger, more sensitive readers.
January 27, 2019
I think this book is pretty good! My teacher recommended it to me. I like how the are more people on the boat this time.
February 23, 2019
Very good, a quick read for anyone over the age of nine, but still an enjoyable one.
Read
September 29, 2019I had to read this for school and dreaded almost every second its not my least favorite book but I hated it.
March 7, 2020
This is a great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 24, 2021Love this, would definitely read out loud to my students. Didn’t rate it because of the reading level, but as an educator I definitely think this is a valuable book (even for reluctant readers!)
September 14, 2022
Loved reading this time travel book to my boys. We all enjoyed it!
March 18, 2025
Awesome book! Really well written, I felt like I was really there!
Read
June 1, 2025read as potential 5th grade class novel
November 18, 2010
Looking for exciting time travel books for your young patrons or students who've read their way through the Magic Tree House, the Time Warp Trio, and others series of that ilk? Elvira Woodruff's George Washington's Spy might just fit the bill for these readers. A magic rowboat at a lake near their home sweeps fifth grader Matt, his annoying little sister Katie, and four friends from their Nebraska home back to 1776 Boston, where they land in a freezing and dark forest and their magic boat quickly disappears. It's a dangerous time, with the British in Boston and George Washington and his troops trying to drive the British from the city.
The boys go to look for help for Katie, who has injured her foot, while the girls remain behind, but with the freezing weather, they must seek shelter when the boys do not quickly come back for them. They are fortunate to be taken in by a kind woman, Mistress Hewson, and her young daughters, who, through a series of funny misunderstandings, believe that the girls are related to the British Earl of Essex. They take the three girls into their home, where they try to blend in by acting "colonial." They soon discover that the family who is so kind to them is a Loyalist family--enemies of George Washington and the Patriots!
And what has become of Matt and his friends? They've been taken prisoner by a group of Patriots, where they meet Benjamin Franklin, and Matt is drawn into George Washington's spy network, complete with letters written in invisible ink, messages hidden in buttons and secret passwords. Can Washington make the British Redcoats leave Boston, and will Matt, Katie, and their friends ever get back home?
The author does not shirk from exploring the complex politics of the time, when even Benjamin Franklin's own family was split, with his son siding with the Tories and the King. Everything is not black and white, like the children thought from history class. Mistress Hewson "may have been a Tory, but she acted like any other mother." At the book's conclusion, the children ponder the moral complexities of the Revolution, wondering how good people like the Hewsons could be America's enemies. "I thought choosing sides would be so simple, but it's not," remarks one of the girls.
While this title is a sequel to Woodruff's George Washington's Socks, there's no problem reading this one without having read the earlier book. I particularly enjoyed how Woodruff weaves real historical figures into the story, including Washington (who makes a brief appearance toward the end) and Franklin. In addition to offering plenty of suspense and adventure, the author fills her book with plenty of humorous details, such as the kids' repeated tries to get their cell phones to work in 1776 (out of range and no signal light up on the phone), their cravings for pizza, chocolate, and marshmallows, Benjamin Franklin trading his boots, with buckles made by Paul Revere, for the sneakers of one of the time-travelers, and the Hewson girls' fascination with nail polish and underpants, But in addition to humor, we also see the harshness of the times, with prisoners in the stocks, smallpox epidemics, public floggings, a character being tarred and feathered, while another is hung for treason by the British.
Author's notes provide historical details on a number of topics, including Loyalists, colonial spies, and the Battle of Dorchester. The book also includes a glossary of revolutionary-war vocabulary used in the book, as well as a brief bibliography.
This book would be an excellent choice for students interested in history, adventure stories, or time travel. I can also imagine this book as a very fun and engaging read-aloud for teachers to use in the classroom. Also, this book would be appropriate for children who are younger than 8 but who are advanced readers for their age. And at 229 pages, this novel won't intimidate reluctant readers.
The boys go to look for help for Katie, who has injured her foot, while the girls remain behind, but with the freezing weather, they must seek shelter when the boys do not quickly come back for them. They are fortunate to be taken in by a kind woman, Mistress Hewson, and her young daughters, who, through a series of funny misunderstandings, believe that the girls are related to the British Earl of Essex. They take the three girls into their home, where they try to blend in by acting "colonial." They soon discover that the family who is so kind to them is a Loyalist family--enemies of George Washington and the Patriots!
And what has become of Matt and his friends? They've been taken prisoner by a group of Patriots, where they meet Benjamin Franklin, and Matt is drawn into George Washington's spy network, complete with letters written in invisible ink, messages hidden in buttons and secret passwords. Can Washington make the British Redcoats leave Boston, and will Matt, Katie, and their friends ever get back home?
The author does not shirk from exploring the complex politics of the time, when even Benjamin Franklin's own family was split, with his son siding with the Tories and the King. Everything is not black and white, like the children thought from history class. Mistress Hewson "may have been a Tory, but she acted like any other mother." At the book's conclusion, the children ponder the moral complexities of the Revolution, wondering how good people like the Hewsons could be America's enemies. "I thought choosing sides would be so simple, but it's not," remarks one of the girls.
While this title is a sequel to Woodruff's George Washington's Socks, there's no problem reading this one without having read the earlier book. I particularly enjoyed how Woodruff weaves real historical figures into the story, including Washington (who makes a brief appearance toward the end) and Franklin. In addition to offering plenty of suspense and adventure, the author fills her book with plenty of humorous details, such as the kids' repeated tries to get their cell phones to work in 1776 (out of range and no signal light up on the phone), their cravings for pizza, chocolate, and marshmallows, Benjamin Franklin trading his boots, with buckles made by Paul Revere, for the sneakers of one of the time-travelers, and the Hewson girls' fascination with nail polish and underpants, But in addition to humor, we also see the harshness of the times, with prisoners in the stocks, smallpox epidemics, public floggings, a character being tarred and feathered, while another is hung for treason by the British.
Author's notes provide historical details on a number of topics, including Loyalists, colonial spies, and the Battle of Dorchester. The book also includes a glossary of revolutionary-war vocabulary used in the book, as well as a brief bibliography.
This book would be an excellent choice for students interested in history, adventure stories, or time travel. I can also imagine this book as a very fun and engaging read-aloud for teachers to use in the classroom. Also, this book would be appropriate for children who are younger than 8 but who are advanced readers for their age. And at 229 pages, this novel won't intimidate reluctant readers.
February 26, 2012
This is a nice attempt to write a sequel to a near-perfect original. George Washington's Socks is a great time-travel tale about the events leading up to the Battle of Trenton. In her original novel, Elvira Woodruff captured the tension and the humanity of the soldiers during that historic event in a way that young readers of historical fiction could connect and empathize. In this sequel, Woodruff attempts to show that the Revolutionary War was not one-sided with colonists' allegiances solely on the side of the patriots. She helps her readers see that there were many loyalists who wanted the patriots to fail in their attempts at independence. She also attempts to show the role of spies and the dangers they faced.
The plots in this book are not as tightly integrated as they were in the first novel. There is less focus on the members of the adventure club, and there is little evidence of their camaraderie to help each other. Likewise, when the two main plots come close together and could possibly intersect, they remain separate from each other. Finally, the means by which the members of the club return to the present is seemingly rushed and forced.
The book does offer a great afterword with many explanations about historical facts. It could stand alone as a resource for teaching about the early days of the American Revolution.
The plots in this book are not as tightly integrated as they were in the first novel. There is less focus on the members of the adventure club, and there is little evidence of their camaraderie to help each other. Likewise, when the two main plots come close together and could possibly intersect, they remain separate from each other. Finally, the means by which the members of the club return to the present is seemingly rushed and forced.
The book does offer a great afterword with many explanations about historical facts. It could stand alone as a resource for teaching about the early days of the American Revolution.
April 24, 2013
Just like the first book ("George Washington's Socks, which came out almost 20 years earlier!), the author has done a wonderful job of incorporating an interesting and well-paced story along with historical perspective.
While I believe aimed at children in the 8+ range (give or take), both books include partial story lines that are decidedly emotionally and intellectually difficult regarding the reality of war and ethics.
However, each also does a very nice job of providing enough information and grounding for the young reader to both feel for the character and understand the gray lines that are drawn in difficult times.
My son is 9 and the difficult passage in "Spy" did affect him - he was very concerned for what happened. But, we took time to discuss the events and the factors involved, which is the point of reading together, isn't it?
I appreciate the thought and craft the author put into these books and highly recommend both.
While I believe aimed at children in the 8+ range (give or take), both books include partial story lines that are decidedly emotionally and intellectually difficult regarding the reality of war and ethics.
However, each also does a very nice job of providing enough information and grounding for the young reader to both feel for the character and understand the gray lines that are drawn in difficult times.
My son is 9 and the difficult passage in "Spy" did affect him - he was very concerned for what happened. But, we took time to discuss the events and the factors involved, which is the point of reading together, isn't it?
I appreciate the thought and craft the author put into these books and highly recommend both.
June 20, 2014
This story was more adventurous than I hoped. I was hoping for more of a history story, but in the end, everything ended out well.
The story takes place in the modern time with Matt, and his friends, twin cousins, and his little sister, accidentally land back in the world of the Revelutinary War. When Matt and his friends are separated from his cousins and sister, he has to find his way back to them, as well as deliver a special message to a certain spy that belongs to George Washington.
Meanwhile, Katie, and the twins, are residing with a wealthy loyalist family. Everyone is suffering through the pox, and one of the family’s daughters catches it. Katie suffers from a broken ankle, while the twins, Lilly and Emma, are trying their best to reach home but are unable to get a signal.
All and all, they get home and get a lot of scolding from their parents, for no time has passed at all from the present time. Everyone is super glad to be home after a time of craziness.
The story takes place in the modern time with Matt, and his friends, twin cousins, and his little sister, accidentally land back in the world of the Revelutinary War. When Matt and his friends are separated from his cousins and sister, he has to find his way back to them, as well as deliver a special message to a certain spy that belongs to George Washington.
Meanwhile, Katie, and the twins, are residing with a wealthy loyalist family. Everyone is suffering through the pox, and one of the family’s daughters catches it. Katie suffers from a broken ankle, while the twins, Lilly and Emma, are trying their best to reach home but are unable to get a signal.
All and all, they get home and get a lot of scolding from their parents, for no time has passed at all from the present time. Everyone is super glad to be home after a time of craziness.
April 25, 2011
When Matt's sister Katie and her two friends can't be found, Matt and his friends set out to look for them. He finds the girls at the lake--sitting in the old rowboat that took them all back to George Washington's time! The boys jump in just in time, finding themselves back in 1776 in Boston, in the midst of the Revolution. The girls get separated from the boys and find themselves with a family of Loyalists, while the boys align with the Patriots, who enlist Matt to perform a special assignment. The kids must keep their origins secret, not get noticed by the opposition, and try to find each other--and the rowboat--so they can get back home. Sequel to GEORGE WASHINGTON'S SOCKS, although I didn't feel I missed anything by not reading the first book. Cleverly disguised history lesson that only very occasionally feels like a history lesson.
September 2, 2012
In this book, the gang from George Washington's socks goes on another time travel adventure with the addition of two new friends. Matt, Q, Tony and Hooter are back with Katie, Emma and Lily. They arrive in the Boston area just prior to the Battle of Dorchester in 1776. The boys and girls get split up with the boys landing with rebels and the girls with a Tory family. Through their eyes, we see both sides of the conflict, the terrible injustices and the hardships of the time.
I didn't like this book as much as the first one. It was a bit drawn out at times and slow moving - although so was 18th century life and the travel of news. There was a lot of learning here for my kids as they saw the life parallels between then and now. And of course, a peek at the events of history from ground level.
Overall a good read, especially for history lovers.
I didn't like this book as much as the first one. It was a bit drawn out at times and slow moving - although so was 18th century life and the travel of news. There was a lot of learning here for my kids as they saw the life parallels between then and now. And of course, a peek at the events of history from ground level.
Overall a good read, especially for history lovers.
June 29, 2022
This author, Elvira Woodruff, writes historical fiction and I've heard that her books are okay for us, though I have not read them all. My years as an elementary librarian taught me that few kids today will read historical fiction unless forced. But this series may be an exception. It is a time-travel plot, like an older kids' version of "Magic Treehouse," and just as painless to read as the Treehouse books. (Volume 1 was titled "George Washington's Socks.") Scary scenes include "leeches sucking blood from an open vein" (p.155) and rioters pouring boiling hot tar on a man (p.169).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews