Daniel at the Siege of Boston 1776

Boys of Wartime #1

by Laurie Calkhoven

Twelve-year-old Daniel Prescott cheered when the Sons of Liberty dumped English tea into Boston Harbor. Then King George sent his soldiers to take over Boston and its port. Now Daniel's home is a city under siege. When his father slips away to join the rebels, Daniel works in the family tavern and eavesdrops on Redcoat officers. He soon learns how to slip across British lines and becomes a messenger and spy, bringing vital news of the enemy to his father, and even to General Washington. To do so puts Daniel?s life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk.

Genres: Historical Fiction, American Revolutionary War, Childrens, Historical, Fiction, Adventure, Young Adult

195 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was nowhere near as interesting and exciting as my son thought it would be. Probably because it has such a looooooong, sloooooooooow start. Halfway through the book, and there still was no real action.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gory!

[Rebecca Caufman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a ton about the Revolutionary War. Lots of spying!

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book and recommend to people who love history.

[Eleanor]

School - 4th

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely for younger kids. Story didn't pick up until like halfway through and it was a bit slow.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Twelve-year-old Daniel cheered when American colonists dumped English tea into Boston Harbor to protest taxes. But King George sends soldiers to punish the rebellious colonists, and friends turn on one another to protect themselves. Daniel works in the family tavern and spies on Redcoat officers after his father leaves to fight with the Patriots. He soon learns how to slip vital information across British lines to his father and General Washington. He must face his fear and put his life in danger. But, to a Patriot, liberty is well worth any risk."*

My eight-year-old grand daughter was visiting and she is into reading "chapter books." So I was delighted when she wanted to read this book. Her reaction? She thoroughly enjoyed it, saying....

"It was exciting and very interesting to read but a little scarey in places." We visited "Old Salem" in North Carolina shortly after she read this book, and she wanted badly to visit the Old Salem Tavern because "Daniel worked in the family tavern" in the story. Sadly, it was closed at this time because of renovations. Her reaction to Daniel's story is that she wants MORE!

This book is one of the series "Boys of Wartime" and takes the young reader right into the heart of the action during the period 1775-1776. A young reader can envision himself as "Daniel" as he hears conversations from the Redcoats (British) and decides that he, a "mere child" can also do a part for the Patriots in the colonist fight for freedom.

As I read this children's book, I was surprised at the vivid descriptions of life during this time of war and siege. Fear of the enemy in his father's tavern as his mother cares and cooks for the British military leaders and as he, Daniel, serves them their food. Fear at seeing a "spy" hanged whilst the British hold him, Daniel, firmly. Fear as he runs through the countryside to reach the Patriots' encampment only to be accosted by a bullet from a "frontiersman's" long rifle. The book completely convinced me that this engaging story can indeed carry the young reader right into the Siege of Boston beside Daniel.

ISBN-13: 978-0142417508

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of "Daniel at the Siege of Boston 1776" by author, Laurie Calkhoven, in exchange for an honest review.

*From a description on Goodreads.com

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

On March 5, 1770, the British occupiers of Boston fired on a crowd killing a former slave named Crispus Attucks and five others. After this, England repealed all taxes but the tax on tea. Three years after the Boston Massacre, the Sons of Liberty ended a three weeks standoff by throwing a shipment of tea into the harbor. The British retaliated by blockading the harbor so that no goods could go out or come in. The citizens of Boston had to depend on the other colonies for the goods needed for survival. After the siege begins, the Prescott family’s tavern becomes headquarters for several British officers. Twelve year-old Daniel Prescott relays vital information about British troop movements to the patriots via his school master. The night before the 5th anniversary of the Boston Massacre, Daniel and his father overhear the British officers plotting to start a riot so they can arrest the leaders of the Sons of Liberty- John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Dr. Joseph Warren. A British ensign will throw a rotten egg at Dr. Warren to get the colonists angry. Daniel must “accidentally” bump into the soldier in order to ruin the plot, but he’s too afraid to act. Schoolmaster Richardson pushes Daniel into the ensign who falls to the ground. The egg breaks. During the speech about the tyranny of the British, officers cry, “Fie. Fie.” Someone else starts crying, “Fire. Fire.” The hall clears and danger is averted. The Son of Liberty leaders quietly travel to the countryside. When the British march to Concord to capture the rebel leaders and munitions, the war begins in earnest. Mr. Prescott joins the Continental Army and leaves Daniel and his mother to run the tavern. Daniel continues to spy on the British and pass on what he learns.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Libby Ames · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is March 1775 in Boston and tension is high. England has passed the Intolerable Acts and filled the city with soldiers. Daniel and his family are forced to serve the Redcoat soldiers living in their tavern, but they must hide that their real loyalty lies with the Patriots. When the war begins, Daniel’s father leaves to fight with the Patriots. Daniel is afraid, but tries to hide his fear as he spies on British soldiers. His bravery is tested when he learns some important information about upcoming battles. Will he be able to get to his father and the other Patriots in time?

This book is an interesting look at a significant part of American history. Calkhoven keeps the pace of the story perfect for young readers, revealing the harsh side of war while keeping descriptions and facts appropriate. My only complaint is that young readers without a lot of historical background, might be a little lost to the overall picture of the war. Calkhoven includes a timeline in the back of the book, but I think a brief summary of the Revolutionary War would be helpful before reading. If you are giving this book to someone young, it would be a good idea to point out the timeline and maybe give some explanation of the Revolutionary War. That would help to make the reading informative as well as entertaining.

This series includes several other books about boys during other significant wars in history. It is a good series for learning about the role of children in our nation’s history.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel is part of the “Boys of Wartime” series written by Laurie Calkhoven. Daniel is a 12-year-old boy living in Boston during the Revolutionary War. After his father joins the Army, Daniel helps his mother in the tavern they own, which is frequented by many British officers. Daniel begins listening to the officers' conversations and becomes an unofficial informant for his father. He becomes increasingly determined to support the Patriots by acting as a spy, and that’s the basic plot of this story. Daniel is frequently in dangerous situations as he crosses enemy lines to deliver information to his father, to his father’s dismay. The storyline was not very intriguing in my opinion, though it might be somewhat confusing for some children because of the complexity of wartime characters and subplots. (The back of the book includes an index of historic characters, timeline and glossary.) The book is recommended for grades 4 – 7, but I think it’s more specifically suited for 4th and 5th graders. I recommend this book as an option for independent reading by students, but I don’t think I’d use it as part of my instruction of curriculum.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical fiction book set in the siege of Boston, 1776. It is written from a kid-friendly perspective but adults will enjoy it too. Daniel is a twelve-year-old patriot spy, working for General Washington himself. This may sound amazing, but there's one problem- his parents own a tavern at which the British are staying. Because he can't sneak out without being noticed, he give the information he hears to his friend the schoolteacher, Master Richardson. But when his father joins the army and Master Richardson is found out to actually be a British spy, Daniel must make the long journey to the patriot camp alone. But will he be brave enough to do it? Or will he stand by and watch the British win? A wonderful mix of fact and fiction, this book is guaranteed to keep kids hooked from the first page.

[Cole Cucitrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book "Daniel at the siege of Boston" by Laurie Calkhoven was a very interesting book. A 12 year old boy named Daniel is from boston and at the time America was fighting the British. His father decided to join the war to support america. All of a sudden Daniel became a American spy. he would sneak over british territories to tell the general what has been going on. But soon enough the general does not want Daniel risking his life for the war. he stated that he already had enough spies. What does Daniel do now? This book is a novellas because it's not a short story but not a novel. I gave this book 3 stars because the beginning was very boring and hard to understand. I recomend this book for the people who are interested in what happened in boston at 1776.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel at the Siege Of Boston 1776 - by Laurie Calkhoven

This is a young adult, Historical Fiction set during the Revolutionary War. Daniel's family run an inn in Boston where they pose as sympathizers for the British. One of the British Generals and his officers reside at the Inn during the occupation of Boston. Daniel and his father gather vital information that could be useful to the Patriots in trying to win the way against England.

This is a fast paced book and easy to read.

[Miss Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

gr 4-6 177 pgs

1776, Boston, Mass. 12 year old Daniel and his family are spies for the Patriots. They carefully listen to the British officers who stay in their tavern and pass along information to other Patriots.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy adventure stories.

I liked how this book showed how the Revolution caused divisions between neighbors and even within families. Also, that it was sometimes hard to tell where people's loyalties were.

[Sarah Tilatitsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kinda didn't really like it a lot becuase I felt that there was something missing in it. I don't really know...anyway, I didn't really like it a lot. I just really feel the vibes that signaled to me that it would be good, if I was younger. I mean, it is a good book. It's just that this book is good for a younger person. So, people that are 10 and younger. It would be better. ☺☺☺

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about the beginnings of the Revolutionary War in the Boston area. I love how it gives a lot of details about how citizens were treated during this time. I includes events from Lexington and Concord to Washington at Boston. Mainly describing the inner spy network while the British are occupying Boston.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calkhoven takes a twelve year old boy through the struggles of cowardness to becoming a man and knowing real fear yet doing what it right. She holds the reader's attention even while incorporating the details of the time, place and activity. Well researched, authentic and fast moving.

My boys did not want to stop reading.

[CLM]

I have not read this yet but it was a big hit with my nine year old nephew - he went out of his way to ask me for another book by the author, which I promptly ordered. I hope he is not disappointed that it is about a different character and later war.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Definitely aimed at a middle grade audience, and yet not flimsy or boring. Brought this time of history alive. I especially enjoyed at the end of the book the brief rundown of which characters and events were real history and which were fictional.

[Amanda Dominik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not excited to read historical fiction, but this book was not as boring as I feared it would be. Offered a good deal of information packaged in a relatively fun book. Good for introducing kids to the revolutionary war.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This an excellent historical fiction about a boy living in Boston during the Revolutionary War. The author did an excellent job of depicting dynamic characters who come to see cowardice and bravery and what war is really like. Recommended for 9-13 year old boys.

[Sherrie Rebel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical fiction book that helps explain the siege of Boston. Not too difficult for 5th graders or too easy either. Great content that helps them learn historical information as well as enjoy the story.

[Natalie]

I'm saving this so I don't forget about it when Tom's bigger. I'm looking for American Girl-esque books for boys and Dan spotted this at the library :-)

[Kim Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't call my name. It took me a long time to finish it. I got really interested at the end. I think it has it's merits but not something that will be flying off the shelves.

[Woohyun Jeong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good historical fiction. I suppose there was too much things for a boy his age to do in the Revolutionary war. You'll find out what I mean.

[Meggen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical fiction following the life of a young boy in Boston during the early parts of the Revolutionary War. It wasn't as good as Johnny Tremain, but I still enjoyed it.

[RoseAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read on the Revolutionary War.

[Josh Newhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

both of her books are strong, engaging historical fiction... entertaining and educational, with some liberties with history and fairly contemporary speech patterns.

[Huang.jiang · Rating 3 out of 5]

i like it

[Lutzwi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about a young spy in the Revolutionary war and he lives in Boston and the British have control of Boston