"Loyalty" by Avi
Release Date: 2.1.2022

Noah flees with his family to Boston when his loyalist father is killed by rebels. Noah decides to avenge his father's death by becoming a spy for the British.

While working for the British, Noah realizes that there are bad people on both sides. He's torn, not realizing right from wrong or what he believes. Noah makes the decision to help Jolla, a Black free teen. Jolla challenges Noah to think for himself, instead of the opinions of others. Noah realizes that that freedom was only granted to those deemed worthy by the Revolutionists.

I was excited to read this novel, as this was an American Revolution novel in the perspective of a 13-year-old loyalist. The story became a chronological list of the battles. This also was not really set up with chapters, which made it a little challenging to read. I appreciated this coming of age story set during the Revolutionary War, encouraging young people to challenge their beliefs.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read for exchange for my honest review.

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A slow burn of a historical fiction.

An interesting perspective on the American Revolution. After the murder of his father by American rebels, Noah must adapt to a new life in Boston - away from his provincial hometown. Initially, seeking revenge for his father's murder, Noah attaches himself to the British army as they build their base in the city. However, as he begins to see and hear shifting narratives, and as he builds his friendship with Jolla - a freed man who he meets through his work at an inn. Jolla provides a sense of perspective to the story, and to Noah's life, as Noah explores his own thoughts free from his father's doctrines and tries to work out who he is.

It's written in the form of a diary - tracking the events of the time from Noah's perspective - and thus has, at points, a slightly slow pace. This, in my opinion, is counteracted by the historical interest and the character of Jolla.

As a fan of previous historical fiction books by Avi, I was excited to read his latest book, Loyalty, which is about a young teen's life in Boston in the days leading up to the American Revolution.

This is listed as a middle grade novel, but the opening scene is quite brutal for readers of any age. I appreciate that Avi does not write down to his readers, but instead challenges their thinking and beliefs. Indeed, Loyalty is an examination of conscience as much as it is a spy thriller.

Although I did find the plot riveting, I found the pace uneven. The beginning of the book up through the middle as Noah begins spying are the best parts of the book. The latter part gets bogged down as the city of Boston anticipates the onset of war. Noah as a character is an outstanding example of a boy who is forced to grow up and face demands that many adults never have to face. His inner turmoil as he considers what loyalty means to him, as well as his relationship with Jolla form the foundation of the story.

I will recommend this to mature kids and teens (and adults, too) who enjoy historical fiction. Middle school teachers who want to teach about all sides of the American Revolution would find value, too.

Thank you to the publisher, Clarion Books and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

When the Sons of Liberty kill Noah Cope’s father over a prayer, Noah, his mother, and sisters must decide what to do. Ever since he can remember, Noah’s father has dominated every thought and action in the Cope family. But now his mother tells him HE will have to take charge and make important decisions. But how can a boy of 13 decide what’s best for a family if he doesn’t even understand what’s best for himself?

Noah understands one thing—the Rebels have killed his father and Noah wants revenge. Too young to join the British army, Noah discovers a way to prove his loyalty to his king and country—become a spy.

Noah’s front-row odyssey through the events in Boston, MA in 1774 and 1775 prove more confusing than enlightening. Both the British and the Rebels claim they want the same thing—freedom. And both demand loyalty while taking away the very thing they claim to uphold—freedom.

How can a boy decide where his loyalty lies amidst the confusion?

What I Loved About This Book

Avi brings a fresh (and more historically accurate) twist to the pantheon of Revolutionary War literature for young readers. As a history teacher, I find it refreshing to have a more nuanced representation of the birth of our country. History books in schools often overlook the true social milieu of the Revolutionary Era.

The founding fathers didn’t offer freedom to all. They only offered freedom to some. And in their quest for freedom from the king of England, they trampled the freedoms of those who wanted to support the king.

Noah Cope grapples with the intense coming-of-age questions which resound across centuries. Who deserves our loyalty? When should we give it or withdraw it? And who decides on the greater good? Noah’s thoughtful narration helps young readers understand the need to think for themselves despite outside pressures.

Middle-school and high-school teachers will want to adopt Loyalty for their Revolutionary War reading lists.

No child should have to witness a brutal act against his father, but thirteen-year-old Noah Cope does. Noah's father, a Tory loyalist, dies as a result of being tarred and feathered by Whigs who oppose British rule in the American colonies. Noah is brutally beaten too. After his family flees to Boston, he vows to do his part to fight the rebel Whigs. Too young to join the British army, Noah is hired on as a spy. His cover is a job at a local tavern where rebel leaders such as John Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere gather to discuss politics. Fiercely determined to remain loyal to the British like his late father, Noah nevertheless begins to see both sides of the situation leading up to the American Revolution.

While working at the tavern, Noah is befriended by a free Black teen named Jolla. Jolla constantly challenges Noah to think for himself rather than just blindly accepting the opinions of others. Neither of the boys are very sure whether the rebels or loyalists are in the right. Both sides keep Black people enslaved, and both sides commit murder. Through it all, Noah must figure out how to protect his family, how to survive, and where his loyalties should lie.

I was thrilled to discover that Avi had written another book despite being in his eighties. One of his previous works, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, has long been a favorite of mine. Loyalty, however, while thought-provoking, falls short of some of Avi's previous works. The novel seems to have been written as a history lesson in story form. Avi showcases the American Revolution from an unbiased point of view, including a timely look at how Black people were treated at the time. His key points are important: War is hell, both sides committed atrocious acts, and people must learn to think for themselves. The book itself, while great as a history lesson, falls a bit flat as a story, however.

Clarion Books categorizes Loyalty as children's fiction, but I daresay it is not. Although the protagonist is a young teen, he sees horrific things no boy should have to see. Avi is not shy in describing men writhing in agony, brains spilling out, surgeons sawing off limbs, young characters being expected to carry amputated body parts outside to be disposed of while trying not to slip in pools of blood on the floor, the stench of an impromptu clinic, and more. As a parent of older elementary school children myself, I wouldn't want them to read this fodder for nightmares until they are young adults or teens at least. Clarion Books and Avi should categorize Loyalty as young adult fiction or tone down the gratuitous, bloody descriptions considerably. The ending was ambiguous and somewhat unsatisfying as well. As it is, I can only give Loyalty a 2.5 star rating.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Clarion Books through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Loyalty
by Avi
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
Clarion Books (formerly HMH Children's Books), Clarion Books
Children's Fiction


I am reviewing a copy of Loyalty through Clarion Books and Netgalley:



Noah flees with his family to Boston after his Father is killed by rebel vigilantes. He is intent on avenging his Father. Noah becomes a spy for the British and firsthand witness to the power of partisan rumor to distort facts, and the hypocrisy of men who demand freedom while enslaving others, and the human connections that bind people together regardless of stated allegiances.




Noah must forge his own understanding of right and wrong and determine for himself where his loyalty truly lies.




I give Loyalty five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

Another fantastic exploration of American History through the eyes of a child. In Loyalty, Avi dives into the American Revolution through the eyes of Noah Cope and his Loyalist family. I am sure this one will find its way into many classrooms.

Thank you NetGalley and Clarion Books for the opportunity to read an advance reading copy.

Avi has another winner! As a history buff, I enjoyed his view on the American Revolution. Hopefully this book will find its way into American History classes. Discussions should be plentiful. As always the brutality of war and what leads up to a war is carefully woven into this well written tale.

In 1774 Massachusetts, Noah's father, a pastor, sees the church and England as inseparable and is thus considered a traitor as members of their small town create a militia. This leads to the death of Pastor Cope as he is tarred and feathered and the abuse of Noah, who the militia thinks has information.

Noah, angry about both his father's death, the betrayal of a childhood friend, and his beatings, declares himself a Loyalist. He and his remaining family flee their small town for Boston where the British Army is headquartered.

In Boston, Noah witnesses up close the actions of the British army and meets Jolla Freeman, a free Black teen. These new perspectives shake up his world view.

He's left struggling to understand who he is, what he wants, and who or what he's loyal to.

This book is a fine choice for teachers who want to show various perspectives on the American Revolution. It’s narrated by Noah Cope, a thirteen-year-old boy growing up in a strongly Loyalist home, dominated by his father, a clergyman. Noah’s acceptance of his father’s view of loyalty to England is dramatically challenged when members of the Sons of Liberty break into the Copes’ house, tar and feather his father, and ultimately cause his death. This dramatic beginning is what causes Noah to question the very meaning of loyalty. As the events of the American Revolution unfold, Noah’s confusion becomes so strong it largely dominates the book. Noah’s views change with his personal experiences and his growing friendship with a black man who helps him further question his beliefs. Over time, Noah changes and develops into a more thoughtful, clear-sighted, mature person, ending the book in a satisfying way. Avi’s descriptive and informative writing make this book a page-turning read. Noah Cope’s development into a more thoughtful, independent person should easily interest middle schoolers and teens, while the book’s historical information should make history teachers happy. An Author’s Note at the end of the book helps readers separate fact from fiction.

Avi writes engaging historical fiction, and Loyalty is a thought-provoking story set at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Noah is a loyal boy, but early on he struggles with the object of his loyalty.

The first book I read by Avi was The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and I immediately fell in love with Avi's writing. Throughout middle and high school I would devour his books and reading Loyalty was so nostalgic. I read Loyalty with my son who also enjoyed it and I will definitely be purchasing a copy of Loyalty for my classroom library. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the twists and turns that are in all of Avi's books.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book.

I think I requested this book from NetGalley because I was so astonished Avi is still writing books. I remember reading The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle when I was in seventh grade - and now I have a seventh grader myself. I'm always interested in scoping out new books for my kids, too, and they love history.

That said, I myself am not much of a historical fiction reader and this was kind of a drag for me. It's the kind of book that is more to teach history than meander through a story. And that's fine. We need those books, and Avi is a master at unlocking an event through the eyes of a young person.

Here, the book starts by Noah Cope witnessing the death by tar and feathering of his father, a preacher loyal to England, in 1774. This begins a time for Noah when he doubts everything he knows as his life is ripped away and he and his family must rebuild. They move to Boston, where Noah becomes a spy for the British army - but his loyalty is constantly in question, especially by his new friend Jolla, a free Black teenager.

The friendship and conversations between Jolla and Noah was by far my favorite part of this book, as Jolla makes Noah question what loyalty and freedom really are.

I had to pick this book up because we're writing the Revolutionary War from the Tories' perspective, now? In reality, kind of yes but also not really.

Noah is the son of a Tory who is murdered by revolutionaries, and his family is run out of their hometown. He intends to wreak his revenge on his father's murderers by helping the British, up until he starts realizing that a lot of them are bad people too. He's torn, not knowing how to judge between right and wrong, what he used to think and what he now knows.

The only person who's NOT bad is Jolla, the Black freedman Noah meets at work. The moral of the overall story is that all people are bad, war is bad, and slavery is bad. The only loyalty you should hold is individual: to yourself and the people you care about.

As you can see, it's an extremely... modern take on the Revolutionary War. I never actually wondered what a 2021 version of the classic "kid has to choose a side in the Revolutionary War" book would look like, BUT if I ever had -- this book is absolutely it.

It's the quintessential ethos of today boiled down and slapped onto 1776.

And really, it could still have been good and interesting. Except that it tilts way too far towards being boring. The beginning is anything but boring, but as soon as Noah's family comes to Boston, the book almost becomes a chronological list of Revolutionary War events as narrated by Noah. His relationships with his family members all essentially wither on the vine instantly.

He and Jolla have the only real relationship in the book, and it's so focused on getting war news that it hardly detracts from the history book list Noah is compiling. It's odd, because I've read other Avi books and they didn't strike me like this.

I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley #netgalley

I highly recommend this book for history lovers young and old alike!

I was given and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. Just wow. I was born in 1976. My parents made a big deal of it being the bicentennial year. I always worked on the theory that in the revolutionary war, the British were the bad guys and the Americas were the good guys. It seems obvious to me now that this can't be true. Things are rarely that black and white. Noah and Jolla made that so clear to me. I love that Noah's first independent choice was made to help someone that mattered to him more than he mattered to himself. The notes at the end of the book from the author are almost more powerful than the book itself. He says, "it seems to me that it is still going on, with much, such as "All men are created equal" still to be fully achieved."

My only complaint about this book is that it is not broken up into chapters which made it hard for me to feel like I was making progress.

Ho many ways can you retell the story of the American revolution? Usually Avi writes amazingly engaging historical fiction, but in this case I felt that he was trying to stuff too much historical into his fiction.

The good points is the author, bringing up through Jolla, the fact that with all the talk of liberty and freedom, this only applied to the white men, and not to the Black men. Jolla is a freeman, but how can he prove it, as he points out to Noah, the narrator, who never has to prove that he is free.

This is where the loyalty comes in. Noah feels he has to be loyal to the crown because that is who is father was loyal to, and was killed for what he believed in. Yet, the more he talks to Jolla, who works at the same pub as he does, he realizes that the British can be brutish too.

This is the main point of the book, of course. And Jolla points out that you have to be loyal to yourself and think for yourself.

As some reviewers said, it began to sag about half way through, when Noah was just talking about what was going on, leading up to the first short of the war.

And as some reviewers also pointed out, the discussions with Jolla were more intriguing than any talk of red coats and rebels.

This is a good book, however, if you want to introduce historical fiction from this time period, with a slightly different point of view, where the main players are still there, but in the background, as seen by the common man.


<em>Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.</em>

Thank you to Avi, Clarion Books and Netgalley for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Noah is a boy when he sees his pastor father dragged from his home and tarred for being a loyalist to the king by rebels in their town. In order to remain safe, Noah, his sister and his mother travel to Boston to stay with his great-uncle and here they witness key events of the American Civil War (or so I believe as I didn't get that far!).

Unfortunately, I had to DNF this at 25%. Apart from the very beginning (the scene with the death of the father) I found the book rather dull. I think the main reason behind this is the language style in which it is written. I believe this is supposed to be an older version of Noah talking about his childhood and this REALLY shows. The language is so formal and old-fashioned that I was just switching off from it and not engaging and I'm 31! A child of the target age will probably struggle with this more than I did so I would not recommend it to any of my students, unfortunately.

Noah is thirteen when this book opens and it is the eve of the Revolutionary War. Noah's father, a minister in the Church of England who supports the Loyalists and England, is rewarded by his neighbors for his trouble by being tarred and feathered. This is far from a laughing matter and he dies shortly from his injuries. Noah is also taken and beaten. Following this, the family is turned out of their home and they take refuge in Boston.
Throughout the story, Noah wishes to stand up for his father and his father's Loyalist beliefs. But, he also meets some of the rebels and he becomes conflicted.
He is thrown together with a free black man, Jolla, and then he really does not know what to believe. Jolla explains to him that no matter that both sides say they are fighting for freedom, neither side is willing to give freedom to the slaves in America.
This is a timely book that presents the contradiction between the freedom fought for by the Revolutionary War and the treatment of black people in America. Because Avi presents Noah's thoughts, the reader is able to see the conflict and can sympathize with Noah in his inability to really make a decision: who should he support?
This would be a good supplemental book for any middle grade or middle school classroom studying the Revolutionary War. Avi's research is well done and the writing is compelling.

In this coming of age story, set during the War of Independence, Noah Cope is learning what it means to think for himself. The best part of this book was the fact that it comes with a fresh and different perspective. It also leads us along and we discover each historical event with fresh eyes. We know where Noah started in his loyalties (hence the name of the book) but the friends he makes along the way encourage Noah to make his own decisions, based on the facts that he sees - not just what someone tells him This is important for us all!