Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is how you make history not suck. Instead of another dry recounting of battles and dates, Allen focuses on the invisible war—the spies, codes, and covert operations that actually helped America win independence.

The genius move is including interactive elements: Washington's actual codebook, techniques for invisible ink, messages to decipher. Kids aren't just reading about history, they're participating in it. One parent review mentioned their kid gave up video game time to keep reading, which honestly might be the best endorsement possible.

The 2007 publication date means it's not as visually flashy as some modern nonfiction, but the content holds up beautifully. Allen did serious archival research, and it shows—this feels like uncovering secrets rather than memorizing facts. The Culper Ring, the double agents, the clothesline communication systems—most adults don't know this stuff.

It does require a confident reader who can handle dense historical narrative, so this isn't for struggling readers or kids who need constant visual stimulation. But for the right kid—especially one who loves mysteries, strategy, or just wants to feel like they're learning something genuinely cool—this delivers.

Age Fit

Best for ages 9-14, particularly kids who already show interest in history, mysteries, or how things work behind the scenes. The reading level and density of historical detail require solid comprehension skills, but the spy angle keeps it from feeling like a textbook.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Presents American Revolutionary War history through an age-appropriate lens focusing on espionage and strategy rather than battlefield violence. The tone is educational and engaging without being preachy. Models resourcefulness, patriotism, and strategic thinking. The narrative approach makes historical figures relatable without sanitizing the stakes of war.

Imaginative

88

The spy angle transforms familiar Revolutionary War content into something genuinely intriguing. Includes interactive elements like Washington's actual secret codebook that kids can use, invisible ink techniques, and coded messages to decipher. The Culper Ring and covert operations provide mystery and intrigue that invites kids to think like spies. Cheryl Harness's pen-and-ink illustrations add visual engagement to archival materials.

Safe

92

This is history presented for young readers—no graphic violence, no mature content. The focus is on intelligence operations, codes, and strategy rather than battle gore. War context is present but handled appropriately for middle-grade readers. Parent reviews confirm kids voluntarily chose this over video games, indicating engaging but non-problematic content.

Enriching

91

Exceptional historical education that reveals a lesser-known dimension of the Revolutionary War. Thomas B. Allen sifted through primary sources and historical documents to uncover genuine spy operations. Kids learn about cryptography, intelligence networks, double agents, and strategic thinking while absorbing American history. The inclusion of Washington's actual codebook and interactive decoding elements turn passive reading into active learning. Supports Common Core ELA standards.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Takes dry Revolutionary War history and makes it genuinely thrilling through the lens of espionage and covert operations
Interactive elements let kids decode actual messages using Washington's codebook—this isn't just reading, it's doing
Based on real historical documents and primary sources, so kids are learning actual history, not dumbed-down versions
Parent reviews report kids choosing this over video games, which is basically the highest compliment a nonfiction book can receive
Reveals the Culper Ring and other spy networks that most adults don't even know about—feels like discovering secret history

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What to Watch For

This is a text-heavy nonfiction book best suited for confident readers who already have some interest in history
War context is present throughout—not graphic, but the stakes of the Revolution are clear
Published in 2007, so some presentation style may feel slightly dated compared to flashier modern nonfiction, though content remains solid

Conversation Starters

"If you were a spy during the Revolutionary War, what kind of code would you create to send secret messages?"
"Why do you think Washington kept some of his spies' identities secret even from himself? Would you trust people you didn't know?"
"The British were way more powerful than the Americans—how did the spy networks help level the playing field?"
"What surprised you most about George Washington as a spymaster versus what you learned about him as a general or president?"

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George Washington, Spymaster