George Washington's Secret Six (Young Readers Adaptation): The Spies Who Saved America, by Brian Kilmeade

(Paperback, 176 pages, first published in 2020)

A page-turning middle-grade adaptation of the New York Times bestseller about George Washington's top-secret spy ring that helped defeat the British.

The American Revolution is well under way in 1776, but things are looking bleak for General George Washington and his Continental Army. With Washington's hasty retreat from New York City in August, many think the war might soon be over. After all: how on earth is this ragtag group going to defeat its enemy, the well-trained and well-funded military of the largest empire in history?

But Washington soon realizes he can't win with military might. Instead, he must outsmart the British, so he creates a sophisticated intelligence network: the top-secret Culper Spy Ring. Drawing on extensive research, Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger tell the fascinating stories of these long unrecognized spies: a reserved merchant, a tavern keeper, a brash young longshoreman, a curmudgeonly Long Island bachelor, a coffeehouse owner, and a mysterious woman.

This vivid and accessible young readers adaptation of the New York Times bestseller features an exclusive new introduction, extensive back matter, and eye-catching art throughout. Chronicling a crucial moment in American history, this historical thriller will excite and inspire the next generation of patriots

Cautions: This very engaging true-story spy thriller briefly and matter-of-factly references two hangings that occurred during the Revolution (one of American spy Nathan Hale, the other of a spy for the British, whose sketch is shown at the gallows). It also mentions the Hessian mercenaries' hangover from Christmas Day revelries, one of the conditions that enabled Washington's safe passage across the Delaware on December 26; the book does not explain what a "hangover" is, just that the Hessians had celebrated Christmas the evening before and were not expecting the Delaware crossing.

Recommended Age: 10-15