Dark Treason: Great Historical Fiction for Young Patriots

Dark Treason: An American Revolution Spy Thriller is the fourth book in Robert J. Skead’s American Revolutionary War Adventures, a middle grade historical fiction series intended for readers between the age of 8 and 12.

The series begins with Patriots, Redcoats & Spies, set in 1777, when twin boys John and Ambrose Clark are 14 years old. After their father is shot by British soldiers, the boys discover their father is part of the Culper Spy Ring. They decide to fulfill their father’s mission of getting a secret message to General George Washington, a trip filled with danger and intrigue. The series continues into 1778 with Submarines, Secrets & A Daring Rescue, in which the twins help transport gunpowder to the patriots, man one of the first submarines, and attempt to rescue one of their older brothers from prison. In book 3, Links to Liberty, John and Ambrose help defend the Great Chain that stretched across the Hudson River at West Point, blocking British war ships in 1779.

Now it is 1780, and John and Ambrose are seventeen-year-olds. Ambrose is training to join the dragoons,
while John is studying at Yale to become a preacher. Both become involved when Benedict Arnold, the hero who captured Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 and was wounded in the 1777 Battle of Saratoga, traitorously tries to give his present command post, West Point, to the British through their master spy, Major John André.

Skead has done an excellent job of integrating his fictitious characters among a host of historical ones that young readers should know.  Especially now, when the nation is celebrating its 250^th year, this series helps readers understand both the tragedy and triumph events that shaped America. Well grounded in real events and peopled with real people, including Patriots George Washington and Benjamin Tallmadge, and those on the other side, including Major John Andre, Benedict Arnold and his young wife, Peggy, young readers are encouraged to enhance their understanding through the historical letters and biographical information in the back of the book. There are also discussion questions and a glossary. Additional teacher materials are available on his website.

The book ends with hints that a fifth book will further explore the role of the Culper Spy Ring, especially Agent 355, a mysterious woman who lived in New York and may have played a significant role in gathering information for the Patriots.  

Robert Skead lives in Wyckoff, NJ, and frequently visits classrooms to visit with his readers. You can learn more about him and his books at his website.