This post contains affiliate links. One of the pleasures of homeschooling is that I learn right alongside my daughters. For instance, for her history, PB & J Girl read Sophia’s War: A Tale of the Revolution by Avi. This fiction book is told from the perspective of a young girl, Sophia, who is instrumental in bringing down both Benedict Arnold and his accomplice, Major Andre.
About Sophia’s War by Avi
The book opens when young Sophia is only 12 years old. She and her mother stumble upon the hanging of Nathan Hale. Sophia is, understandably, traumatized.
Shortly after she and her mother return home, they are required to board an English soldier, Major Andre. Even though Sophia is a ferverent Patriot–her brother is an American soldier–she can’t help but swoon over Andre, especially since he spends time with and flatters her. When he is moved elsewhere, she is upset. However, she is also upset by what she considers Andre’s betrayal, when he refuses to help her captured and imprisoned brother.
In time, Sophia is recruited to be a spy, and she proves to be adept at this new role. The information she discovers changes the course of history.
My Thoughts on the Book
Overall, the book was well-written and kept our attention. Of course, I knew of Benedict Arnold, but I did not know, or did not remember, Major Andre’s role. I found myself sympathizing with Andre and feeling sad at the turn of his life, while Arnold escaped with non-fatal repercussions.
The only part of the story I found unbelievable was how easily Sophia was able to find information once she was planted as a spy. I have trouble believing Major Andre would be so careless with such sensitive information.
If you want to bring history alive for your kids, this is an excellent book to read.
I give Sophia’s War: A Tale of Revolution by Avi 4 out of 5 stars on the Mom’s Plans’ scale.
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