Book Review :: Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies by Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead

Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies is a juvenile fiction novel written by father/son team Robert J. Skead and Robert A. Skead. The Skeads have family ties to the Revolutionary War, so this book seemed to be particularly special for them. 

Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies is a 19-chapter, 192-page novel (the actual text of the story covers from page 9 through page 174). There is also some additional bonus material:

• Note from the Storytellers
• Acknowledgements
• Discussion Questions
• Historical Characters
• Glossary
• Letters by General George Washington
• Excerpt from the sequel: Submarines, Secrets, & A Daring Rescue

There are a few black and white/line art illustrations included, as well. (There are 7 total illustrations spread throughout the story.)

As for the story itself, the year is 1777 and 14-year old twin boys (John & Ambrose Clark) are tasked with getting a top secret message to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. The boys' father (Lamberton Clark) is part of the Culper Spy Ring, and must pass his mission on to his boys after being injured.

Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies keeps a steady pace right from the start. The book is interesting, start-to-finish.   

I enjoyed reading Patriots, Redcoats, & Spies and have passed it on to my 9-year old son to read. We will also be keeping our eyes out for the sequel, Submarines, Secrets, & A Daring Rescue, scheduled to be released in August of 2015.

FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.