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Original Bobbsey Twins #12
Bobbsey Twins: Adventure in Washington
While visiting the nation's capital, the Bobbseys become involved in a search for the stolen blueprints of a space rider project
105 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1919
About the author
Laura Lee Hope
603 books79 followersLaura Lee Hope is a pseudonym used by the Stratemeyer Syndicate for the Bobbsey Twins and several other series of children's novels. Actual writers taking up the pen of Laura Lee Hope include Edward Stratemeyer, Howard and Lilian Garis, Elizabeth Ward, Harriet (Stratemeyer) Adams, Andrew E. Svenson, June M. Dunn, Grace Grote and Nancy Axelrad.
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
Laura Lee Hope was first used in 1904 for the debut of the Bobbsey Twins, the principal characters of what was, for many years, the Stratemeyer Syndicate's longest-running series of children's novels. Other series written under this pseudonym include: The Outdoor Girls (23 vols. 1913-1933), The Moving Picture Girls (7 vols. 1914-1916), Bunny Brown (20 vols. 1916-1931), Six Little Bunkers (14 vols. 1918-1930), Make Believe Stories (12 vols. c. 1920-1923), and Blythe Girls (12 vols. 1925-1932).
The first of the 72 books of the Bobbsey Twins series was published in 1904, the last in 1979. The books related the adventures of the children of the middle-class Bobbsey family, which included two sets of mixed-gender fraternal twins: Bert and Nan, who were 12 years old, and Flossie and Freddie, who were six.
Edward Stratemeyer himself is believed to have written the first volume in its original form in 1904. When the original series was brought to its conclusion in 1979, it had reached a total of 72 volumes. At least two abortive attempts to restart the series were launched after this, but in neither effort was the popularity of the original series achieved.
Speculation that Stratemeyer also wrote the second and third volumes of the series is believed to be incorrect; these books are now attributed to Lilian Garis, wife of Howard Garis, who is credited with volumes 4–28 and 41. Elizabeth Ward is credited with volumes 29–35, while Harriet Stratemeyer Adams is credited with 36–38, 39 (with Camilla McClave), 40, 42, 43 (with Andrew Svenson), and 44–48. Volumes 49–52 are attributed to Andrew Svenson, while 53–59, and the 1960s rewrites of 1–4, 7, 11–13, and 17, are attributed to June Dunn. Grace Grote is regarded as the real author of 60–67 and the rewrites of 14 and 18–20, and Nancy Axelrad is credited with 68–72. Of the 1960s rewrites not already mentioned, volumes 5 and 16 are credited to Mary Donahoe, 6 and 25 to Patricia Doll, 8–10 and 15 to Bonnibel Weston, and 24 to Margery Howard.
--from Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 17, 2023
The Bobbsey family travel to Washington for a visit and see all the famous tourist sites. They wait outside the White House hoping to catch a glimpse of the President, and they see him and the First Lady driving out of the gates. They smile and wave, and the First Lady blows a kiss to the cute twins.
Bert and Nan are on the look out for a special set of china dishes. Their neighbor has promised to pay $100 to anyone who can find her stolen heirloom dishes. Everyone keeps telling the twins that it's very unlikely that the dishes will every turn up again, since they were stolen years ago, but the Bobbsey twins are trusting to luck to perhaps find the missing china.
I used to love these books when I was a girl. The writing is very simple and the plot is straight-forward. Not much really happens. It's mostly peaceful and happy with little adventures that resolve quickly. Just right for little readers.
I have enjoyed reading more of these books as an adult. They are just so peaceful and soothing, reminding me of happy times in my childhood.
Bert and Nan are on the look out for a special set of china dishes. Their neighbor has promised to pay $100 to anyone who can find her stolen heirloom dishes. Everyone keeps telling the twins that it's very unlikely that the dishes will every turn up again, since they were stolen years ago, but the Bobbsey twins are trusting to luck to perhaps find the missing china.
I used to love these books when I was a girl. The writing is very simple and the plot is straight-forward. Not much really happens. It's mostly peaceful and happy with little adventures that resolve quickly. Just right for little readers.
I have enjoyed reading more of these books as an adult. They are just so peaceful and soothing, reminding me of happy times in my childhood.
March 31, 2017
3.5 stars
The Bobbsey Twins (Freddie and Flossie, age 6, and Bert and Nan, age 12) go on a school trip to Washington, D.C. and try to solve two crimes while they're there!
It was a cute book, and well-written, but I couldn't get over how the twins (even the six year old ones!) were allowed to wander the city alone. I can't see this happening even in 1963, especially since one of the crimes they were trying to solve was a real, "grown-up" theft and not just a neighborhood mystery.
I read this aloud to my 6- and 8-year-old nieces, who really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed watching them figure out certain clues and theorizing about what might happen next.
This book was technically first written in 1919, but was completely rewritten in 1963. I read the 1963 version and it's so drastically different I don't see how it can be referred to as the same book. Many of the other reviews about this book are about the 1919 edition and the mishaps that readers mentioned are not included in this updated edition. (This hasn't affected my rating at all, I just think it's interesting to note.)
The Bobbsey Twins (Freddie and Flossie, age 6, and Bert and Nan, age 12) go on a school trip to Washington, D.C. and try to solve two crimes while they're there!
It was a cute book, and well-written, but I couldn't get over how the twins (even the six year old ones!) were allowed to wander the city alone. I can't see this happening even in 1963, especially since one of the crimes they were trying to solve was a real, "grown-up" theft and not just a neighborhood mystery.
I read this aloud to my 6- and 8-year-old nieces, who really enjoyed the story. I enjoyed watching them figure out certain clues and theorizing about what might happen next.
This book was technically first written in 1919, but was completely rewritten in 1963. I read the 1963 version and it's so drastically different I don't see how it can be referred to as the same book. Many of the other reviews about this book are about the 1919 edition and the mishaps that readers mentioned are not included in this updated edition. (This hasn't affected my rating at all, I just think it's interesting to note.)
November 25, 2015
Loved this book as a child. Wholesome adventure. Loved reading this again as a Grandma. It was written @ the beginning of the Space Race so it was very interesting to re-read it again 44 years later!
October 30, 2015
Cute, but not my favorite of the Bobbsey twins book.
August 6, 2017
I was three when this book was published. It was the only reading choice at the cottage thanks to a devastating Kobo fail so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I couldn't stop reading it aloud to my niece and stepkids on the cottage dock. First: who knew that there are TWO sets of Bobbsey twins!? I loved that a couple of six-year olds were allowed to roam Washington under the watchful eyes of their twelve-year old siblings, chasing criminals and helping the DC cops crack a case!
July 23, 2020
Interesting tidbits about our nation's capital. I only wish there had been a little more focus on history for kids to learn instead of wasting pages for another Danny Rugg escapade. Every time anyone turned around, he was playing a trick. It was a little heavy-handed in this one.
I also didn't like that the little twins were allowed to go on an upper grades field trip "just because". And I sure wouldn't want to be an adult chaperone when the Bobbsey Twins took a trip. Bert was worse than Freddie and Flossie in this one, constantly jumping off the bus without permission to chase someone or something. I actually felt a little sorry for Danny when the twins kept holding up their bus or their tours.
I wish Charlie and Nellie had played bigger parts. They were on the trip, but did very little. I added a star for a few reasons. The mystery was interesting, the historical tidbits (as mentioned earlier) and I like this particular illustrator (although some of the drawings weren't up to his/her usual standards). I also liked the character of Miss Vandermeer.
Just a side note. I'm reading the "purple" editions which are a more updated version than many other reviewers are reading, so the story tends to be a bit different.
I also didn't like that the little twins were allowed to go on an upper grades field trip "just because". And I sure wouldn't want to be an adult chaperone when the Bobbsey Twins took a trip. Bert was worse than Freddie and Flossie in this one, constantly jumping off the bus without permission to chase someone or something. I actually felt a little sorry for Danny when the twins kept holding up their bus or their tours.
I wish Charlie and Nellie had played bigger parts. They were on the trip, but did very little. I added a star for a few reasons. The mystery was interesting, the historical tidbits (as mentioned earlier) and I like this particular illustrator (although some of the drawings weren't up to his/her usual standards). I also liked the character of Miss Vandermeer.
Just a side note. I'm reading the "purple" editions which are a more updated version than many other reviewers are reading, so the story tends to be a bit different.
July 5, 2016
Great!
What trouble the littlest twins get into!
Freddie got lost at the Sears Tower, read to find out where and what they found him doing.
Flossie got lost at the Library of Congress, she was looking for a picture book, read to find out where they found the little cutie pie.
Flossie's hat blue out the window of the Washington monument. Did she get it back??? you will have to read and find out!
Freddie rang the fire bell and called "FIRE!!" on the boat on the way to Mt. Vernon, to find out what a commotion that caused you will have to read the book...
and many more things happened.
I did not want to spoil all the fun for you, so I left a few more mishaps out.
I love reading these cute, endearing, moral books from my childhood.
What trouble the littlest twins get into!
Freddie got lost at the Sears Tower, read to find out where and what they found him doing.
Flossie got lost at the Library of Congress, she was looking for a picture book, read to find out where they found the little cutie pie.
Flossie's hat blue out the window of the Washington monument. Did she get it back??? you will have to read and find out!
Freddie rang the fire bell and called "FIRE!!" on the boat on the way to Mt. Vernon, to find out what a commotion that caused you will have to read the book...
and many more things happened.
I did not want to spoil all the fun for you, so I left a few more mishaps out.
I love reading these cute, endearing, moral books from my childhood.
March 23, 2012
Perhaps my imagination is too active, but knowing that these B. Twins books were written by ghost writers and committees, I felt like whomever wrote this one has a wicked sense of humor. There seemed to be a faint touch of irony to the formulaic descriptions of the kids and a tongue implanted in a cheek during some of the "mishaps" that so readily befall the kids in these stories. I only have 3 of these left to read from the original public domain avialable series and this is far and away the most entertaining one so far.
May 10, 2009
The Bobbsey's visit Washington DC on a class tripand solve two mysteries: The missing plans of an inventor they know, and the missing pieces of a tea set for Miss Pomfret.
My what another world it was. Where kids could leave their school trip and go all over DC by themselves, walking up to strangers and ask questions. LOL
I loved the DC setting with all its visits to landmarks and places I know. I laughed at their amazement at the "foreign" food shishkabobs. Very nostalgic read.
My what another world it was. Where kids could leave their school trip and go all over DC by themselves, walking up to strangers and ask questions. LOL
I loved the DC setting with all its visits to landmarks and places I know. I laughed at their amazement at the "foreign" food shishkabobs. Very nostalgic read.
November 25, 2024
Hope Chests #12
Bobbsey Twins #12
Family goes to Washington in this next tale in the most annoying family known to mankind.
The younger twins still wander off like a pair of complete donkeys and they need a good clip around the ears still.
The older twins have a bit more going for them and happen to solve the 'mystery' which is not really a mystery, but anyway the old geezer, their father won't let them have the reward the stingy old recalcitrant goon.
Anyway there was some interest but a lot more annoyance in this one.
Bobbsey Twins #12
Family goes to Washington in this next tale in the most annoying family known to mankind.
The younger twins still wander off like a pair of complete donkeys and they need a good clip around the ears still.
The older twins have a bit more going for them and happen to solve the 'mystery' which is not really a mystery, but anyway the old geezer, their father won't let them have the reward the stingy old recalcitrant goon.
Anyway there was some interest but a lot more annoyance in this one.
March 31, 2026
I never read many Bobbsey Twins' books as a child; I bought this one for the beautiful vintage cover with the cherry blossoms. I don't know what the original story was about, but I thought it was fun that this 1960s re-write centered around the space race happening at the time. As an adult and a mother, though, I was a bit distracted by the freedom these children were given on a school trip to wander all over the city, and in the end, did the police do any of the work to solve the case? All the clues seemed to come from the Bobbsey Twins.
December 24, 2025
Cute story! The twins were just as fun, innocent, and mischievous as I remembered. The handful of asides were odd, but I chalked them up to old-fashioned styling and moved on. The most charming thing was how Dinah said she didn’t need any gifts because the Bobbseys coming home was gift enough. Beautiful display of genuine humility! I have a feeling she cherished the gift the twins gave her as an added blessing.
July 2, 2019
HB-B, @ 1947, read 6/4/89. Juvenile fiction. Series, bk 12.
The twins cause trouble in Washington. 3 ☆'s = Good.
The twins cause trouble in Washington. 3 ☆'s = Good.
March 22, 2020
This is an entertaining classic book for kids. They teach a bit about the landmarks in Washington, D.C.
February 22, 2021
Deadass there's a line in the book where one of the kids says to a cat "here pussy! come and let me rub you!"
LMAO
LMAO
February 19, 2022
I enjoyed reading about all the landmarks in the DC area but I’m afraid that some of the details/descriptions were shortened in this “revised and abridged” edition…
May 15, 2023
One of my least favorite books in the series that I’ve read.
October 14, 2024
2 1/2 stars.
March 18, 2025
A cute and nostalgic read!
July 12, 2025
A nice series entry with a typical "A" and "B" plot. The boys' A plot involves stolen space-program blueprints, and Nan and Flossie's B plot involves helping a neighbor complete an heirloom china set.
July 13, 2010
This was trip down memory lane for me. I loved The Bobbsey Twins series when I was a kid, and I read all that I could put my hands on. I had discovered a set of them in my grandmother's attic, and they were all the original editions, published in the early years of the 20th century. This is a title that I never found. I loved visiting with Nan and Bert, and Freddie and Flossie. The plot is simple: Mr. Bobbsey takes the family to Washington, DC on an extended business trip. The children go sightseeing, and locate some missing china for an elderly neighbor. The writing is dated, and certainly reflects the attitudes and culture of the turn of the century. As an adult, I can cringe, but I can also be transported back to my childhood. This Kindle edition has not been rewritten for present-day children, and as such, would not appeal to present-day young readers.
June 11, 2011
I read every Bobbsey Twins adventures I could get my hands on from the age of 9 through 11. Summers were wonderful and I could borrow from the library and read these books. I could borrow 8 books every 2 weeks. Soon, I needed more than that and had to fight the librarian for more books. Now, I can do 8 books in a day. Sigh.
May 10, 2020
The Bobbsey Twins Adventure in Washington (Original Bobbsey Twins #12) by Laura Lee Hope (Grosset & Dunlap 2004) (Fiction - Children's). The twins go on a field trip to the nation's capitol. Adventures seen to follow wherever they go! My rating: 7/10, finished 1967.
May 29, 2010
I remember reading the Bobbsey Twins books when I was little. Reaqding one as an adult brought back memories. The book is a bit silly with the little twins doing naughty things and not getting in trouble.
November 20, 2013
I still think that this book is boring.............
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April 23, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews