Sybil Ludington was a real hero of the American Revolution. She chafed at the restrictions keeping her from the freedoms and possibilities boys enjoyed, but when her father is charged by General Washington with establishing a spy ring, she and her sister learn to code and decipher secret messages.
At the age of sixteen, she embarks on a nighttime ride to muster her father’s troops, traveling 3 times the distance as Paul Revere and completing her ride alone. Riding through the night, she arrives home at dawn, exhausted, to find her ride was successful and her father’s regiment is surrounding her home. The author weaves magical fireflies into this historical fiction account; fireflies who guide and sustain Sybil at different points in the story.
This is an engaging story for middle grade readers and would make an excellent addition to a Revolutionary War curriculum. ( )

Life during the Revolutionary War comes across with an amazingly, natural flow thanks to a girl, who packs a little spunk, tons of bravery, and a tiny pinch of magic.

Sybil knows her father is in a dangerous spot as an ex-officer for His Majesty's army, who in reality, supports the rebel cause. She wishes she could help, but isn't even allowed to take her own siblings to school without being accompanied by her friend, who is a boy. She's as good as him, although her mother insists Sybil needs to keep her head where it belongs and settle into her life as the girl she is. But when her father requests her help in building a spy ring, she finds herself caught up more and more in the revolution. Soon, she'll need to step past traditional roles to save those things she cares about most.

This is a short book and very well done. It starts out with a grabbing scene as Sybil's family is again being threatened by the British supporters, and her father is forced to make a difficult choice. But her life doesn't center only around this cause. The author lets Sybil live as a girl with a bit of spunk would, during the time frame. Her problems are relatable, despite the time difference, and her decisions and concerns are easy to understand. The author presents her in such a natural manner allowing Sybil to be a normal girl.

The details and information surrounding the time are dribbled in bit by bit, never breaking the flow of the tale. It allows the reader to sink in without feeling as if they are being taught. The tale grabs as the danger of the situation becomes more and more obvious. There's never a boring moment, but then, the book isn't long enough for there to be either. And that's also a huge bonus, since it never drags or bogs down. Still, dates, events, and important individuals are mentioned and weave in and out through the tale. The reader does learn about the history, gets a feeling for the situation, and connects with the events through the eyes of someone their age. But then, even as an adult, I enjoyed the story.

I do recommend this one, and not only for libraries or the homeschooling crowd. It's an enjoyable read for anyone who doesn't shy from a little adventure. ( )

Such a cute way for kids to read and maybe learn a little about the Revolutionary War! I loved the main character in this book. I think kids will really connect with her. ( )