George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans outspied the British and won the Revolutionary War
Author: Thomas B. Allen
Publisher: National Geographic, 2004
ISBN: 0792251261
Age: 8-12 years
Grade Level: 3-7

Summary: In George Washington, Spymaster you are about to enter the shadowy world of double agents and covert operations, of codes and ciphers – a world so secret even the spymaster himself doesn’t know the identities of all his agents. Meet members of the “Culper Ring”, help uncover a “mole” in the Sons of Liberty, and see how invisible ink and even a clothesline were used to send secret messages, as you follow the successes and failures of the Americans in their War of Independence.

Standard(s): Utah Social Studies Core Curriculum U.S. History I Standard 5: Students will understand the significance of the American Revolution in the development of the United States.

Annotation: George Washington, Spymaster is a very unique look at the history of spies and intelligence operations during the Revolutionary War. The readers learn of Washington’s history of intelligence gathering during the French and Indian War which began his career and eventually led to him becoming the leader of the Continental Army and master of an extensive spy ring. Numerous pen and ink sketch illustrations by Cheryl Harness are included as well as archival art from that time period which makes this unique journey into history not only a visual delight, but a great learning experience.

Subjects/Themes: American Revolution, George Washington, spy networks

Awards:
· ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2005)
· James Madison Book Award (2005)
· Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Award (2006)
· Garden State Teen Book Award (2007)

Reviews:
· Booklist
· School Library Journal
· Library Journal

High Interest Annotation: The captivating story of the successes and failures of George Washington’s spy network during the Revolutionary War.