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Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring: A Spy on History Book
Your Discover Anna’s secret message using spycraft tools to uncover hidden codes!
It’s a true story of the American Meet the secret Culper Ring, a network of American spies fighting against the army of British redcoats, and historical figures like George Washington and the soon-to-be-infamous Benedict Arnold. And meet Anna Strong, an unsung heroine who found ingenious ways to communicate top-secret messages to her fellow spies, helping to save the American colonies from British rule.
It’s a mystery to There are clues embedded in the book’s text and illustrations. Spycraft materials, including a cipher wheel, come in an envelope at the beginning of the book. Use them to decode Anna’s hidden message and discover the secret mission she undertook for the Culper Ring!
2020 KNEA Reading Circle List Title
It’s a true story of the American Meet the secret Culper Ring, a network of American spies fighting against the army of British redcoats, and historical figures like George Washington and the soon-to-be-infamous Benedict Arnold. And meet Anna Strong, an unsung heroine who found ingenious ways to communicate top-secret messages to her fellow spies, helping to save the American colonies from British rule.
It’s a mystery to There are clues embedded in the book’s text and illustrations. Spycraft materials, including a cipher wheel, come in an envelope at the beginning of the book. Use them to decode Anna’s hidden message and discover the secret mission she undertook for the Culper Ring!
2020 KNEA Reading Circle List Title
96 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2019
4 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 17, 2019
Anna Strong and her family live on Long Island in the colony of New York. Her husband Selah believes strongly in American independence. Late one night a knock on the door announces the arrival of the British Army come to take Selah to prison for "corresponding with the enemy." Anna knows she must be brave and strong for the sake of her children. When a neighbor, Abraham Tallmadge comes to Anna with the news of his brother Ben's new job as spymaster and asks for Anna's help, she's only too willing. Anna uses her knowledge of the Long Island Sound and her position as a matron to find out all she can about the movements of the British to pass along to General Washington. There are ciphers or codes hidden throughout the book and the reader needs to be clever enough to find them, put the clues together and solve the cipher to find the answers.
This is a really fun book! I hadn't heard of Anna Strong before even though I pretty much majored in women's history through the graduate level! I had fun trying to solve the ciphers and figure out the answer to the question. I got that far but the final answer eluded me. One has to be very sharp and aware of the illustrations to figure it out. The clues help but don't give the whole answer.
Anna was as strong as her name and incredibly brave. She risked her life, her family and her home. Anna had to suck it up and participate in Loyalist gatherings with wealthy relatives and ask for help when needed in order to get what she wanted. When the British officers moved into her home she had to leave for a small cottage and spy under their very noses. It's hinted that they suspected at least her American Patriot leanings if not her spying but they couldn't prove anything or didn't bother with her because she was a woman. It's amazing what women accomplished when men thought they were dumb and weak!
The illustrations were not my favorite part of the book. They are drawn in black and white with a splash of red. The background parts of the illustrations contain too many squiggles and designs. I had to really squint to see the small print of the code and figure out what was code and what was decoration.
This is a good book for 10-12 year olds interested in spying and/or the American Revolution. Niece #2 was fascinated by the story of Deborah Samson so I may gift her this book for Christmas.
This is a really fun book! I hadn't heard of Anna Strong before even though I pretty much majored in women's history through the graduate level! I had fun trying to solve the ciphers and figure out the answer to the question. I got that far but the final answer eluded me. One has to be very sharp and aware of the illustrations to figure it out. The clues help but don't give the whole answer.
Anna was as strong as her name and incredibly brave. She risked her life, her family and her home. Anna had to suck it up and participate in Loyalist gatherings with wealthy relatives and ask for help when needed in order to get what she wanted. When the British officers moved into her home she had to leave for a small cottage and spy under their very noses. It's hinted that they suspected at least her American Patriot leanings if not her spying but they couldn't prove anything or didn't bother with her because she was a woman. It's amazing what women accomplished when men thought they were dumb and weak!
The illustrations were not my favorite part of the book. They are drawn in black and white with a splash of red. The background parts of the illustrations contain too many squiggles and designs. I had to really squint to see the small print of the code and figure out what was code and what was decoration.
This is a good book for 10-12 year olds interested in spying and/or the American Revolution. Niece #2 was fascinated by the story of Deborah Samson so I may gift her this book for Christmas.
November 4, 2023
Quick Summary: A young readers time machine to history
My Review: Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring written by Enigma Alberti and illustrated by Laura Terry is associated with the Spy on History series. It is a National Treasure-esque story highlighting the feats of an American Revolution spy ring.
My Final Say: This book, just like Mary Bowser's book, is a superb example of why learning history is so important. Middle grade readers will definitely appreciate the approach taken in this work.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Y
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this book.
My Review: Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring written by Enigma Alberti and illustrated by Laura Terry is associated with the Spy on History series. It is a National Treasure-esque story highlighting the feats of an American Revolution spy ring.
My Final Say: This book, just like Mary Bowser's book, is a superb example of why learning history is so important. Middle grade readers will definitely appreciate the approach taken in this work.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Y
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to this book.
August 29, 2019
Featured in "History Books for Young Readers" on Intellectual Recreation.
Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring is the third book in the Spy on History series. Each book in the series features a spy from American history. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed them all.
With this third book, we've gone back in time to the Revolutionary War. Anna Strong and her husband lived on Long Island under the occupation of the British and were part of George Washington's spy ring. When Anna's husband was arrested, Anna took over so the spy network would not be broken. She communicated to her contact with her laundry, hanging certain colors to communicate certain information. She traveled into New York City multiple times to relay information.
The Spy on History books are a great way to get young readers interested in history. They come with activities in back and a message to decode.
Review copy from NetGalley.
April 3, 2024
I read this with my 9 year old. We both just thought it was okay. He didn't seem to want to do the code though, so we skipped that part.
The story is alright. It does seem a little rushed. There are some questions that should have been answered in the actual story such as what happened to Selah in the story as well as Anna's other kids. On the plus side, it is short enough for young learners to not be overwhelmed.
The story is alright. It does seem a little rushed. There are some questions that should have been answered in the actual story such as what happened to Selah in the story as well as Anna's other kids. On the plus side, it is short enough for young learners to not be overwhelmed.
June 29, 2018
Book received from NetGalley
Review to Come
Review to Come
June 5, 2019
This was good although it was too short and didn't get into as much detail as I'd hoped.
July 7, 2019
Pretty good, but the spy tools were not separate and the solution wasn't sealed.
April 2, 2022
A quick read
The story seems to be 4 younger people
The puzzle is hard (do with this as u will)
Surpasses my expectations
The story seems to be 4 younger people
The puzzle is hard (do with this as u will)
Surpasses my expectations
May 20, 2021
So much fun!! Wish it would have lasted longer! Excited to use this series in my classes soon.
October 18, 2019
"This Whole War Is A Shame."
"Peggy Shippen Says The British Will Win The War By Christmas."
"But Despite The Odds. The Continental Army Battled On."
"I've Got Wonderful News You'll Hardly Believe....The War Is Over."
Arnold Cipher // Cipher Wheel // PigPen Code // Petticoats & Hankercheifs
TRAVELED TO // Setauket, Long Island
MET ALONG THE WAY // Anna Strong, Baby Joseph, Selah Strong, Margaret Strong, Keturah Strong, Abraham Woodhull, Caleb Brewster, Ben Tallmadge, George Washington
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April 29, 2020Nonfiction: Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring: A Spy on History Book
Possible content area crossover: History
This book could be used in a History class to introduce the Revolutionary War and the spies during the war.
Discussion Questions:
1. Remembering: Can you name two things that Anna Strong used in her intelligence work?
2. Understanding: What does a Spy do?
3. Applying: What would result if the British soldiers discovered Anna’s secret?
Answer: If Anna’s secret was discovered by the British soldiers, she and her families would be captured and sent to the prison ship, and they all would be executed immediately. Anna’s companions who involved in the intelligence work may also be captured and executed. What’s worse? America may lose the war.
4. Analyzing: What are the key qualities of a good spy?
Answer: Cleverness, fast-thinking, independence, courage, loyalty, patience, dedication, keen observation.
5. Evaluating: How do you evaluate treason during the Revolutionary War? Explain your opinions.
6. Creating: If you were Anna Strong, can you think of an alternative way to signal Caleb? (Make sure your method will be safe so that British soldiers won’t discover it.)
References:
Alberti, E. (2019). Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring: A spy on history book. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company.
Possible content area crossover: History
This book could be used in a History class to introduce the Revolutionary War and the spies during the war.
Discussion Questions:
1. Remembering: Can you name two things that Anna Strong used in her intelligence work?
2. Understanding: What does a Spy do?
3. Applying: What would result if the British soldiers discovered Anna’s secret?
Answer: If Anna’s secret was discovered by the British soldiers, she and her families would be captured and sent to the prison ship, and they all would be executed immediately. Anna’s companions who involved in the intelligence work may also be captured and executed. What’s worse? America may lose the war.
4. Analyzing: What are the key qualities of a good spy?
Answer: Cleverness, fast-thinking, independence, courage, loyalty, patience, dedication, keen observation.
5. Evaluating: How do you evaluate treason during the Revolutionary War? Explain your opinions.
6. Creating: If you were Anna Strong, can you think of an alternative way to signal Caleb? (Make sure your method will be safe so that British soldiers won’t discover it.)
References:
Alberti, E. (2019). Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring: A spy on history book. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company.
December 17, 2018
**I received an advanced copy of this book for review courtesy of Netgalley. My opinion is my own.**
I loved this book! But then again, I love this whole series. I knew of Anna Strong from the show Turn on AMC, so I was really excited to delve into this book and see what it had to say. My history loving heart couldn't be more overjoyed. This is going to be great to use in my homeschooling classroom when my students are just a bit older! The story is easy to read and follow, the cover is gorgeous, the illustrations really bring the entire thing together. 5 out of 5 stars. I can't say enough honestly. I'm just so excited and want to learn more about this woman now! Thank you, Netgalley and Workman Publishing!
I loved this book! But then again, I love this whole series. I knew of Anna Strong from the show Turn on AMC, so I was really excited to delve into this book and see what it had to say. My history loving heart couldn't be more overjoyed. This is going to be great to use in my homeschooling classroom when my students are just a bit older! The story is easy to read and follow, the cover is gorgeous, the illustrations really bring the entire thing together. 5 out of 5 stars. I can't say enough honestly. I'm just so excited and want to learn more about this woman now! Thank you, Netgalley and Workman Publishing!
December 2, 2022
'Anna Strong and the Revolutionary War Culper Spy Ring' by Enigma Alberti with illustrations by Laura Terry is part of the Spy on History series of chapter books for young readers.
When British soldiers arrest Selah Strong, they think they are arresting a spy, but there is another spy in the house. Soon Anna is helping Abraham and Ben Talmadge to be spies for George Washington. They become the group that helps inform on Benedict Arnold's treason.
This was a really fun read. The actual book comes with a spycraft kit and there is a code to crack. I also liked the historical notes at the end of the book. This would be a great book for young history buffs and it's an exciting story.
When British soldiers arrest Selah Strong, they think they are arresting a spy, but there is another spy in the house. Soon Anna is helping Abraham and Ben Talmadge to be spies for George Washington. They become the group that helps inform on Benedict Arnold's treason.
This was a really fun read. The actual book comes with a spycraft kit and there is a code to crack. I also liked the historical notes at the end of the book. This would be a great book for young history buffs and it's an exciting story.
October 15, 2018
This is a really engaging informational book for children, following Anna Strong's spy efforts for the Culper Ring during the Revolutionary War. The historical note at the end explains that the identity of the lady spy isn't certain but Anna Strong is considered to be the most likely possibility, and the book follows what Anna's spy efforts likely would have been like. It was cool to read about her signaling system and how the Culper Ring helped to thwart Benedict Arnold's traitorous plans.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I learned about spy rings during the Revolutionary War, in this case the Culper Spy Ring. I tried solving the book's mystery, but my eyes aren't what they once were. I decided to read more about spying & spies during the war. I read about Abraham Woodhull, Anna Strong, & other spies. I also read about Nathan Hale & Benedict Arnold, as well as Gen. Arnold's wife, Peggy Shippen.
September 4, 2018
This book is a Children's Historical Non fiction book which talks about a group of spies called "The Culper Ring" which was formed by a couple Americans called during the Revolutionary war against the British under General George Washington.
It's quite descriptive for a child's level yet very much to the point and very well written.
In the end you are left to solve a letter that the lead Anna Strong had given to one of his Ring members. It's not only informative but also very enjoyable for a light read but I couldn't solve the letter in the end, thank God the answer was there but I simply couldn't understand how we got it.🙈
It's quite descriptive for a child's level yet very much to the point and very well written.
In the end you are left to solve a letter that the lead Anna Strong had given to one of his Ring members. It's not only informative but also very enjoyable for a light read but I couldn't solve the letter in the end, thank God the answer was there but I simply couldn't understand how we got it.🙈
October 8, 2019
Fun easy, spy novel for ages 8-12, especially those that struggle with reading, they will find this engaging and interactive.
It has spy activities included in the book, as well as history of a brave woman that is still being discovered. These books in the series are great for teaching history without boredom.
It has spy activities included in the book, as well as history of a brave woman that is still being discovered. These books in the series are great for teaching history without boredom.
January 16, 2019
Great subject and decent introduction to this segment of history, especially for younger audiences. The version I read (epub) didn't download all the pictures, so maybe try another electronic version. Interesting and recommended for fans of American history.
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Net Galley Feedback
April 14, 2019
Cute. A pretty good novelization of a possible storyline the Culper ring, although it incorrectly quotes Nathan Hale's last words in one of the ilustrations (the "... but one life to give for my county" line is actually from Cato). Good for kids interested in history.
July 7, 2019
My least favorite of the series, but still pretty good as a puzzle. Probably the easiest puzzle to solve of the three so far - the story was interesting, though, and makes me want to learn more about the Culper Ring.
November 30, 2019
I was excited about the idea for this book, but found that the writing fell flat. They are still a good curriculum tie in, but I did not enjoy the writing and the solve it yourself pieces were awkwardly placed in the story rather than woven in.
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March 3, 2021This is a based-on-real-history book that also includes a spy/puzzle element that the reader can solve (optional). I would have LOVED it as a kid! Definitely recommended as a way to get kids involved with the mysteries of history. We will look for more in this series for sure.
May 23, 2019
Interesting kids’ book, but I wish there had been more discussion about the codes in the main text.
June 23, 2020
Enjoyed this middle grade read. A great way to introduce young readers to dramatic moments in history.
Want to read
April 4, 2021Cool interactive materials included!
November 9, 2021
Very fast, informative and interesting book for kids in a mystery/fiction format. I like the addition of ciphers within the text.
January 30, 2022
Bravery! Great decoding as you read!
December 29, 2022
Clever and adorable, all history should be taught this way!
November 20, 2023
The codes are fun at first but got old after a while. The story writing was just alright.
June 23, 2021
This was kinda meh. Not super into it, and it didn't feel like a book I would see my students pick up either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews