Toliver's Secret (Paperback)

by Esther Wood Brady (Author) "Grandfather must have lost his wits..." (more)
Key Phrases: blue bundle, New York, Mistress Shannon, Ellen Toliver (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"An unusually fine historical novel for this age level."--Booklist.   -- Review

Review
"An unusually fine historical novel for this age level."--Booklist.  

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (October 19, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679848045
• ISBN-13: 978-0679848042
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #90,193 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Toliver's Secret - Historical Fiction With a Good Lesson, July 27, 2001

By	Marlene C. Rolfe (Waterford, NJ USA) - See all my reviews

I used this novel to teach a summer reading class for fourth and fifth grade students. Our theme was the American Revolution. Toliver's Secret is about a timid girl who is asked to help the Patriots by delivering a secret message, hidden in a loaf of bread, to a courier. As the simple plan becomes complicated, she learns to be more self-confident and to believe in herself. Even though the story is set in the past, young readers can relate to her emotions in a timeless manner. I would use this book again to enhance discussion about the American Revolution and to learn about the importance of overcoming fears that get in the way of accomplishments.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical Fiction for Kids!, February 17, 2007

By	Favorite Books (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This book was a perfect novel to illustrate the perils of war, and the American Revolution for my fifth grade class. I used it as the middle level novel for my American Revolution literature circles. It worked extremely well, and I felt my average readers got as much out of our studies as my advanced readers who were able to read a more challenging novel. I highly recommend this book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an outstanding piece of historical fiction., May 22, 1998

By A Customer

This is an outstanding piece of historical fiction for young readers. It can be used in a classroom to bring the Revolutionary War alive in the minds of young readers. You take every step with Ellen Toliver and hold your breath with every obstacle she faces. Ten year old Ellen changes from a timid, shy girl to a confident, spunky girl,and young readers can identify with her feelings. The ending satisfies the reader's need for closure to Ellen's adventures, but it also leaves the reader with a question to wonder about. I couldn't put this book down the first time I read it. My fourth grade students want a sequel!