“Sophia’s War: A Tale of the Revolution,” by Avi.
Beach Lane Books, New York, 2012, 302 pages, grades 5-7.
The story of the founding of the United States is filled with heroism and bravery. At the same time, it is a time of great turbulence, confusion and treason.
Those faithful to the Crown, the Tories or Loyalists, felt it was their duty to oppose the Revolution and serve the King. Those participating in the rebellion, known as the Patriots to the Americans and as the Rebels to the British, believed that the country must be independent. Three characters play preponderant roles in this critical drama. The first is Nathan Hale. Arrested for spying by the British, he is hanged early in the Revolution. The second is Major John Andre. An influential British officer, Andre will be intimately involved with the bribing of General Benedict Arnold and getting him to commit treason. The last person, of course, is General Benedict Arnold, one of the most odious men in American history. Avi writes a compelling novel which combines historical truth and fiction in retelling this gripping saga. The name of this fine book is “Sophia’s War: A Tale of the Revolution.”
In 1776, Sophia Calderwood is a 12-year-old girl in New York City. Her brother has joined General Washington’s Continental Army which has recently suffered several severe defeats. Her father has left New York, trying to find a place of safety for his family. When he attempts to return to the city, he is wounded by British soldiers. He staggers home, and Sophia and Mrs. Calderwood attempt to nurse him to health. But due to his injuries, he is unable to work, and Sophia takes a job as a printer’s apprentice to earn some money for the family. There she meets a mysterious man, Robert Townsend. This diminutive man is actually a spy for the Continental Army and is trying to recruit Sophia into a spy ring.
At the same time, the British force the Calderwoods to house an English officer named John Andre. The young officer is gallant, talented and charming, and Sophia is quickly infatuated with him. But news comes to the family that Sophia’s brother has been taken prisoner and is suffering on a prison ship in New York Harbor. In her head, she knows that she should support the Revolution, but the dashing officer in his beautiful red uniform bewilders her. This soon comes to an end when Andre is transferred and Sophia learns the bitter news that her brother has died of deprivation on the prison ship. With this, she makes her choice and joins Townsend’s spy group.
Sophia is sent to be a maid at the English commander, General Henry Clinton’s house. Major Andre is Clinton’s Chief of Staff. Sophia learns that she must deceive and lie to the English to get vital information for the Revolution. She soon becomes cunning and a master at deception. It is there that she comes across the treasonous plans of Major Andre and General Benedict Arnold to turn over the fort at West Point. But what can a young girl do to thwart the plans of such calculating men? She knows she must do something, and she acts with daring.
What does Sophia do? Is her life ever at risk? What is the cost of freedom? What happens to Major Andre and General Benedict Arnold? To find out, go to the library and read this excellent novel.
Avi is the pen name for Edward Wortis (1937-present). He is an accomplished writer and winner of many awards. This interesting novel about the American Revolution blends history and fiction into a very satisfying tale. The central character, Sophia, is placed repeatedly in situations where she lies to protect secret information vital to the Revolution. It is clear that she doesn’t like to lie and doesn’t feel good about it, but senses she must do so to deceive the British soldiers seeking to uncover the spy ring.
Avi is an outstanding writer and has written an excellent book. I hope you get a chance to encourage 5-7 graders in your family to read this exciting novel. Enjoy!
