Because his parents run the Boston tavern where British officers are staying, 12-year-old Daniel must be careful not to divulge his family's allegiance to the Sons of Liberty. His father joins the New England army, leaving Daniel to help at the tavern and gather what information he can. Early in the story, Daniel is too frightened to cross the British in any way, but he slowly becomes more resolute and determined, and in the end, he risks his life to reveal a traitor to General Washington. Set in 1776, this historical novel weaves actual people, places, and events of the Siege of Boston into an engaging fictional narrative. Back matter includes a historical note, a time line, a glossary, a list of historical characters, and a bibliography of recommended reading. A good beginning for the Boys of Wartime series.

While his father fights for the Patriots, Daniel and his mother care for the British officers lodging in his family's tavern. Daniel's loyalties are with his father, and he must be braver than the typical twelve-year-old to protect his family and survive alongside British soldiers and Loyalists. Mystery, espionage, and treachery fuel this tale about the onset of the American Revolution. Reading list, timeline. Glos.

Twelve-year-old Daniel Prescott becomes a man during the siege of Boston in the early days of the American Revolution. Coming of age in the crucible of war is a common theme in literature, and Calkhoven carries it off well, placing Daniel in the midst of many of the key historical events. There's an unfortunate Forrest Gump quality to stories like this, which aim to teach history to young readers: The protagonist seems to be everywhere—overhearing the British plan to sabotage the Sons of Liberty; helping John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Dr. Joseph Warren; being at Bunker Hill; meeting General Washington; even uncovering treacherous acts that could determine the outcome of the Patriots' efforts. But young readers will learn much about the period, and the excellent backmatter is a fine resource, including solid suggestions for further reading. Two archival maps are provided, but a map drawn specifically for the volume would have been more useful in showing sites essential to Daniel's narrative. Overall, though, a fine introduction to the times for an audience not yet ready for Johnny Tremain . (historical note, children's roles in the American Revolution, historic characters, timeline, glossary) (Historical fiction. 8-12)