Cover Image: Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington

Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I loved this true story of Ariel Bradley, a nine-year-old boy who spied for General Washington and helped to win the Battle of White Plains. Terrific illustrations and an inspiring story make this a must-read for young history classes studying the American Revolution and for parents who want to introduce their children to history and inspire them to make a difference. 5/5

Thanks to the author, Vanita Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

Was this review helpful?

I was excited about his book when I first heard about it. I flew through the pages because I needed to know more about Ariel Bradley. This book is based on true events, which further intrigued me. He becomes a hero. He helped George Washington as a spy. Ariel is a great role model for children today. Great story! Highly Recommend!

Was this review helpful?

First let me thank Netgalley for the digital copy. I really enjoyed this book that tells of the true story of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old, and how he helps George Washington during the Revolutionary War by pretending to be a "Johnny Raw" to spy on the enemy troops. I loved the illustrations in this book and would definitely recommend it as a read for all ages. I must also add that I really enjoyed the notes at the end of the book taking extra time to tell about Ariel Bradley's life as a grown up.

Was this review helpful?

Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington is the true tale of a brave nine year old boy who acts like a country bumpkin to infiltrate the British and German camps near White Plains, New York. Under the guise of looking for a mill, he manages to estimate the numbers of soldiers, weapons, and the health of their camps. He rides on past the unassuming enemies and reports back to General Washington, sharing information that ultimately leads to victory in the Battle of White Plains.
A brief but riveting story of daring and adventure for young readers with short chapters and excellent illustrations.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a digital copy to review.

Was this review helpful?

"Ariel Bradley, Spy for George Washington" is a book about a young boy who goes undercover to spy on British troops. This book is based on true events which took place in the Battle of Long Island of 1776, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. I loved this book because it has beautiful illustrations which are whimsical and relatable for a young child. In my opinion, Ariel Bradley, the young spy, is a great role model for all children. It give the message that even children can make a difference. "Ariel Bradley, Spy for George Washington" by Lynda Durrant is a great way to introduce children to history.

Was this review helpful?

Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington is an early chapter book that tell the true story of nine-year-old Ariel Bradley who acted as a spy for George Washington's Continental Army by making a reconnaissance mission into the British army camp.

This story is well-written and the humor and suspense will keep the attention of the reader. The story will bring the Revolutionary War alive to the modern child.

Was this review helpful?

A nice little book based on a true story, about a young boy who really did help Gen. Geo. Washington by spying on the British. It has really nice watercolor drawings to accompany the story. The 'More to the Story' at the end was very good too, as well as the 'Glossary.' I also learned about the 'Fisher House Foundation' at the end, which is a foundation that provides free housing to VA families visiting loved ones at hospitals. This is a great way to learn some interesting history!
I did receive this e-book from NetGalley, in return for my own independent, fair & honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This story was based on a true account of a nine year old spy for George Washington. Ariel Bradley knew about the importance of getting the upper hand on General Howe and the Hessians. His two older brothers were both in the Continental Army. Washington asked for his help, and he delivered.
This was a good short story that targeted the appropriate age group. There was also a glossary section where the author explained certain unfamiliar terms.

Was this review helpful?

The story is about Ariel Bradley, a young boy who suddenly get to be a spy for General Washington. He has to spy on the British and Hessian army near New York. Which is a scary and exciting thing to do for a young lad of course.

It is a lovely short story for a young audience. This is the kind of book you need to make new generations interested in history and teach them how to read at the same time. To finish it off there are few beautiful illustrations. Great book for 6-9 year old kids.

Was this review helpful?

This is based on the true events of Ariel Bradley, a nine year old asked by General George Washington to spy on a British camp. It was a simple and easy read and Ariel was fun to follow.

Was this review helpful?

Thi patriotic short novel is based on a true story. During the Revolutionary War, Ariel Bradley, a 9-year-old boy, was asked to spy the British soldiers. This book tells, in a cute and entertaing way, about that adventourus night of Ariel. I think this is a very good way to help children to learn about Revolutionary War. Perhaps is a bit too short, though.

Was this review helpful?

Ariel Bradley is a 9 year old boy living on a farm during the Time of the Revolutionary War. When his two brothers visit from home during their days off from fighting in the war, Ariel is asked to go down to the British and Hessian camp as a " Johnny Raw" a
country bumpkin who acts like he is foolish and count the soldiers, tents and horses for General Washington.
You will have to read the book for yourself to see if He is successful without getting caught. The illustrations are colorful and they bring the characters and settings to life

Was this review helpful?

Well done story with colorful illustrations about Ariel Bradley, A Spy for General Washington. Written as an easy believable read to introduce to elementary students the Revolutionary War. This would be a high interest book for students due to the fact that a young man is able to make a positive impact spying for General Washington. The book could be used to introduce the Revolutionary War.

Was this review helpful?

When 9 year old Ariel Bradley's brothers return home during the war the hopes of his family is that there may be signs of an end-- instead they have a message and request from General George Washington himself. The General would like young Ariel to act a Johnny Raw--or as if he were a country bumpkin, and sneak into the enemy encampments to see how their troops were.

Ariel completes this task and returns a hero having provided helpful information for General Washington and his troops.

This book seems like it would be good for readers a level above beginner. There are not that many illustrations, so it might not keep the attention of a younger crowd, but the illustrations that are there are well done.

Was this review helpful?

Based on a true story, this book is a great beginning chapter book for kids. With fun illustrations that capture the spirit of the story, and well-written short chapters, this book is both entertaining and informative. Kids won't even realize they're learning! There's also a glossary at the back that defines some of the more archaic terms used in the story, and a short recounting of the life of the real Ariel Bradley!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this little known tale about an American spy. Great storytelling!

Was this review helpful?

Thanks to Netgalley and respective publisher.

“Might Ma make a cobbler just for me?”

Exceptional book describes how a person helped George Washington in the war time.
Ariel has done a job guided by his brothers.
He explained all the imp. news found out in British troops.
Simple, easy read.
I liked it.

Was this review helpful?

Ariel Bradley: Spy for General Washington is a delightful history book for young children. It combines eye-catching artwork with a fascinating story that is based on a true event - a nine year old boy who spied for General George Washington during our country's struggle for independence. I can't wait to read it to my grandchildren when I visit them next month. My grateful thanks to the author for such a wonderful read.

Was this review helpful?

Ariel Bradley, Spy for General Washington by Lynda Durrant is based on a true story and a terrific one at that! A nine year old boy is asked to spy for George Washington, which he does and helps win the battle due to the intel he collects. A great story showing that size and age doesn't matter. A story of courage and heroism. Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this great book.

Was this review helpful?

Histotical events come alive in this book that is sure to please readers.

Was this review helpful?