Saratoga Secret [Hardcover]

Betsy Sterman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1998 | Age Level: 10 and up

In this suspenseful novel set in New York of 1777, the events swirling around the Battles of Saratoga propel a young American girl into a dramatic test of her courage, loyalty, and love. When a secret letter falls into the hands of sixteen-year-old Amity Spencer, the ordinary farm girl is thrust upon a dangerous journey to pass the letter to the Continental Army. On the lookout for spies and traitors, she must also puzzle out her feelings for a handsome peddler with secrets of his own. Betsy Sterman has written two novels for younger readers with her husband, Samuel: Backyard Dragon and Too Much Magic. Betsy Sterman lives in Chappaqua, New York.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-8-A historical novel set around the Battle of Saratoga, considered to be a turning point of the Revolutionary War. Amity Spencer is a 16-year-old farm girl who stays with her mother and baby brother while her father goes off with the other men and boys of her community to fight the British. A neighboring farm boy thought to have been killed in battle shows up on the Spencer's doorstep with a tale of how he survived and news that someone they thought they could trust is a traitor. The young patriot also carries an inadvertently obtained letter that tells of an imminent attack by Burgoyne's troops. He is too weak to travel, so Amity must get the letter to the generals of the American Army. The book presents a good picture of rural life and the realities of war and its effects on civilians, and also attempts to put a human face on the idea of "the enemy." The writing is sometimes awkward, as is the case in many historical novels in which an author tries to give the dialogue an old-fashioned tone, but the real sense of fear and danger is sustained throughout. Amity's play at intrigue as well as her confused romantic feelings towards another character keep the story moving. A solid book for assignments or for readers who want to go beyond the "Dear America" series (Scholastic).
Carrie Schadle, New York Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The author of Backyard Dragon (1993) and Too Much Magic (1987) here ventures into the realm of realistic historical fiction. Sixteen-year-old Amity Spencer and her family live in the Upper Hudson River Valley in 1777. Although most of the Revolution has been south of their farm, rumors persist that General Burgoyne and his troops will attack the area. When Amity accidentally learns the date of Burgoyne's invasion, she must travel to Stillwater to warn the Continentals. Sterman does a good job intertwining the fact and fiction of her story (carefully delineating which is which) in a way that readers will appreciate. She touches on both the realities of war (and the surprising things people must do in order to survive) and the uncertainties of knowing who to trust. A satisfying romance as well as a suspenseful adventure, this one should appeal to fans of Seymour Reit's Guns for General Washington (1990), which tells a related story featuring Fort Ticonderoga. Kay Weisman

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dial; 1st edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803723326
• ISBN-13: 978-0803723320
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,770,773 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A breath taking adventure of the battle of Saratoga!, October 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Saratoga Secret (Hardcover)

This book is by far one of the best I have read in a long time. This is one book I couldn't put down! The first paragraph caught me up in the story. You realy have to read this book. It's great for a book report. Enjoy the book!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A girl comes of age during the Battle of Saratoga., September 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Saratoga Secret (Hardcover)

Amity Spencer is a sixteen year old farm girl living near Saratoga, New York, in 1777. The war seems far away to Amity, a Patriot - until the British take over nearby Fort Ticonderoga. Suddenly the war is close - too close. Racing against time, Amity must deliver a message to the Continental army, warning them of an attack the British are planning. At the same time, she must discover where her heart lies - with a handsome, secretive young peddler, or with the her best friend's brother, a farm boy she grew up with? I highly reccomend this wonderful book.

5.0 out of 5 stars READ THIS BOOK - READ THIS BOOK - READ THIS BOOK, August 7, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Saratoga Secret (Hardcover)

WOW! This was a way good book with a way good story line. Now we all like to rave on about our favorites and how much we love em and all, but I'm going to give you a little background. Amity Spencer is your average sixteen year old farm girl. She milks the cow, does the gardening, and all the other chores too. She also is in love with the humble peddler, Cheppa John Chapman. Well, often, this peddler brings news about the war. When he dissappears (after Father goes off to war), she begins to wonder. Well, anyways, Amity comes upon a secret message that will determine how the rest of the war goes on. She takes it upon herself to get this letter to General Arnold in Stillwater, to inform him of the surprise attack that will take place on Oct 7. Can Amity get him the letter in time to prepare? Can she ever get there? Does she ever work out her feelings with Cheppa John? Well, READ THIS BOOK - READ THIS BOOK - READ THIS BOOK and see!