Loyalty by Avi
Published by Clarion Books on February 1, 2022
ISBN: 0358248078
Pages: 352
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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In the year 1774, it was not advisable to pray for King George with the windows open. Loyalist pastor Solomon Cope did just that and it cost him his life. His family watched in horror as he was dragged outside his home, tarred, and feathered. That day, twelve-year-old Noah Cope became the head of the household. This is where our story begins. Newbery winning author, Avi, weaves historical moments of the American Revolution with the challenges of adolescence throughout Noah’s story. To care for his mother and sisters and to honor his father’s legacy, Noah becomes a spy for the British. The reader watches as everything that Noah ever thought about the meaning of loyalty is challenged. Especially as his friendship deepens with Jolla Freeman, his black supervisor at the Boston tavern where the Sons of Liberty meet. Filled with action, this moving novel encourages readers to think for themselves and learn that the strongest loyalty is in friendship. This book should be added to the middle-grade collections of both school and public libraries.

Reviewed by Liz Davis, Children’s Librarian, Waterville Public Library