Phoebe the Spy

by Judith Berry Griffin, Margot Tomes (Illustrations)

Someone is planning to kill George Washington, and young Phoebe Fraunces is trying to save his life. Phoebe gets a job as George Washington's housekeeper, but her real job is to work as a spy. She listens and watches very carefully, and she meets her father every day to tell him what she has learned. One day Phoebe's father tells her that Washington is planning to leave town in a few days, and the person plotting against him will act before then. Phoebe is very frightened, but she is determined to figure out who is after Washington before it's too late. . . .

"This episode drawn from the Revolutionary War is related with historical accuracy and suspense and illustrated with finesse."( School Library Journal )

Genres: Historical Fiction, Childrens, American History, School, Historical, American Revolution, Fiction

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's a fun book to start Independence Day week off with! Full of adventure and mystery that is sure to entertain the littles, it only takes about 30-40 minutes to read out loud and there's pictures on every page.

Ages: 6 - 12

Cleanliness: mentions wine. Someone exclaims, "By God."

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fabulous read, lots of fun for kids to get a different perspective of George Washington and revolutionary times from a young black girl's eyes. This is the true story of how a little free black girl and her father saved George Washington's life. I Highly recommend it! Grades 2-6

[SCES · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little (true) story about how an African-American girl saved the life of George Washington. This would be a great addition to your study of the American Revolution. Kids seemed to enjoy! Many wonder why they have never heard of the story. -Susan

[Shannon Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids enjoyed this book. Very good story! Would read again. Used for Week 5 for George Washington.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, which I totally found by chance on the shelf at the Library, but it really left me curious and wanting more. The author's note at the end states that the book is essentially historically accurate, but what does that mean really? She says that Phoebe's father, Samuel Fraunces, really did own a tavern in New York City in the 1700s and he was rewarded for his loyalty to the newly organized USA. In fact, I found out online, that the Tavern is still open and serves very expensive burgers! However, I really, really, really expect more explanation than what was given. Did Phoebe really work as a maid for George Washington? Did the scene in which she saved his life really take place? But since you can find out a heck of a lot more about Miley Cyrus in your public library than Phoebe Fraunces, I fear I'll never know. And that, my friends, is a sad commentary on what we are providing for our young people to read about and admire!

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly easy to read book (although I wouldn't classify it as a reader). I love to find "easy" books for children that have compelling characters, interesting action, historical contexts and especially ones that inspire bravery. This book does all of that, and it's enjoyable.

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How a young girl discovers an assassination plot. The murderer is someone who is friendly and brings her gifts. Her watchfulness saves the day. Perfect for discussion with kids about who you can trust and what it means to be a hero.

[Nicholeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about the revolution. I think I am going to suggest it to the Liberty Girls, instead of Felicity. I just need to find other books to go with it. Any ideas?

[Stingle8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty quick read. My kids (ages 8 and 11) were engaged the whole time and kept begging me to keep reading. They loved that it was a true story.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as a part of our American History Curriculum. This was a wonderfully written short story. It was very engaging for myself and my kids.

[Angie]

A great read for my own Phoebe!

[Ekram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe the spy by Judith Berry Griffin. In this story Phoebe was sent from his dad Samuel Frances to General gorge Washington house. But it was a hard thing she will miss the tavern and his dad and this mission is to hard. She has to protect someone from someone called Mr.t. But can she protect this person and will this person die or will he die.

Also in this book when I was done I was thinking if this really happened would Mr.t go to jail or would he not because. from the likes of it, Mr.t could of been jealous of General Gorge Washington since he is always a leader could of been that. And my opinion of this book is it is really good. Because it has some history, fun, and some other good things.

Also from the world to this book has a connection from the past and to the future because. If General Gorge Washington didn't win the war we will be talking like a different accent. Also in this book in some of these pages in the book you will find some pieces of an article from the past.Also if you're the kind of person who likes history or mystery then you will todaly like this book.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating, historical story about a brave little girl. It's about a girl named Phoebe who helps prevent an assassination attempt on George Washington during the American Revolution. Phoebe is a hardworking, steadfast girl and an unlikely, inspiring heroine. The story is a glimpse into the revolutionary period. While the book states that it's based on a true story, and many of the characters were real people, most of the story is fiction.

There was a plot to kill George Washington. Thomas Hickey was executed for treason. Samuel Fraunces really did know Washington and was the owner of the Fraunces Tavern, but most current evidence shows that he was white, not African American. He may or may not have been involved in uncovering the assassination plot. There is however, no evidence of his having a daughter named Phoebe or that any of his daughters worked in Washington's household.

Even if it's not an altogether true account, Phoebe the Spy makes for an exciting historical tale of the period.

[Avaladez1 · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story of this text was very confusing and interesting at the same time. Its about a young female spy working for a rich family to spy on a certain indidvidual who has been working on a way to take the family's wealth. D uring the final chapter the crook makes his well thought out plan to take the family's wealth. Not knowing the sopposed daughter Phobe was a spy for the local authorities they upprehanded the crook and took him into coustedy.
The reason I chose this book is because during summer break my mother forces me to read large books that are from our home library. I was looking through the shelfs when I spotted a little book that passed off as a chapter book and thats how I found this book.

[Stephen Bauer]

In 1776, a free black man, the owner of a tavern in New York, sends his young daughter work as a domestic in George Washington's house for the purpose of listening for information about a suspected plot to kill Washington by someone on his staff. I liked the story, the social, and historical context. As per the author's note at the end, the story is largely historically accurate. The black man was named Samuel Fraunces, and his saloon is the site of the present day Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan. We need more children's books like this.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful historically accurate book. This book is very engaging for elementary aged children. I read this to my 8 year old son, Camden. This was my second time reading this book. I read this to my older children last time we studied early American history. Since we are studying early American history this year, I thought this book would be she appropriate for Camden. We were able to read this book in one day. He really enjoyed it! A must read for elementary aged kids! But any age would enjoy it!

[Nicole Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's book is interesting because it keeps the children in suspense. Phoebe is a woman assigned by her father to be a spy around George Washington Her mission is to find out who is trying to murder him. As the story unfolds the children learn how Phoebe solves this mystery. Iwould use this book during my American Revolution Unit for literature circlereading. Although the book is fiction there are many historical facts that reinforce what the children are learning in class.

[Jennifer Heise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice, short story about a young black girl serving as Washington's housekeeper during the Rev. War and saving him from being assassinated. It's based on historical stories, but those stories seem to be unsubstantiated:
https://www.thefederalistpapers.org/h...

Would be a good reading for a critical thinking discussion in 3rd or 4th grade about the Rev. War.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my absolute favorite books and I loved using it in my 4th grade classroom. I love Phoebe, I love George Washington, I love the mystery and the twist. I love this book so much that I want to name my dog Phoebe the Spy. Fortunately for the dog, my husband thinks this is a terrible idea.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

gr 2-6? 45 pgs


American Revolution, NYC. Phoebe's father, owner of Fraunces Tavern, overhears a plot to assassinate General George Washington. In order to find out more, Phoebe is sent to work as a maid in General Washington's headquarters. Phoebe has to decide who she can trust...


Interesting

[Melissa De Wever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice piece of historical fiction. Still trying to find a good life theme for a person to take from it; likely, to "speak little and listen much" or "loyalty is more than appearances."
The tale is quite inspirational, promoting an underdog being an important part of a large picture. Very sweet, but should be presented and prefaced as fiction.

[Savanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

i learned alot from this book.
one time my dad was talking and i tolled hime about a girl who saved the presidant, well he thought i was making it up.i give it an extra star for giving me a fact the 6 years later i could use to out smart my dad!

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dedication in this book is to Jean Fritz. This is very appropriate. It reads like an easy reader Jean Fritz book with an element of mystery. We loved this book. It's so amazing to try and imagine revolutionary times. I'm looking forward to visiting this tavern in New York.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute enough (and true) story, but the slave comments about Washington really bothered me. I think they were inaccurate and cruel. It makes me question other parts of the story. I would like to read another (unbiased) account.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been on my Mom's classroom bookshelf for as long as I can remember and I never read it. Today I was sorting through her books, deciding which to give away, and started paging through. I couldn't put it down until it was done. Great suspenseful history story for kids.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids enjoyed this book so much they asked me to read it again. My daughter enjoyed it because a girl saves the day. My son liked it because he is a history buff. Oh, and I liked it too! Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read...9/17/14

Read this book again today because we just got to the part about Washington and the Revolutionary War in the book "Poor Richard". Great tie - in and the kids remembered loving this book..krb 1/5/17

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture book based on a true story, this is an account of Phoebe Fraunces, of Fraunces Tavern in New York City, who saved the life of General George Washington when one of his bodyguards tried to kill him by poisoning his peas.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice elementary level reader that is about a young girl which makes it easy for the reader to feel like they are part of the story. A true story of how a family sets out to protect George Washington from an assassination plot.