A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • This thought-provoking page-turner is perfect for historical fiction fans seeking an immersive alternate history to how the American Revolution ended.

“Packed with action, convincing historical speculation, and compelling portrayals of real life and fictional characters, this [is] a page-turner.”—School Library Journal, starred review

In 1776, the rebellion of the American colonies against British rule was crushed. Now, in 1777—the year of the hangman—George Washington is awaiting execution, Benjamin Franklin's banned rebel newspaper, Liberty Tree, has gone underground, and young ne'er-do-well Creighton Brown, a fifteen-year-old Brit, has just arrived in the colonies. Having been shipped off against his will, with nothing but a distance for English authorities, Creighton befriends Franklin, and lands a job with his print shop. But the English general expects the spoiled yet loyal Creighton to spy on Franklin. As battles unfold and falsehoods are exposed, Creighton must decide where his loyalties lie . . . a choice that could determine the fate of a nation.
Gary Blackwood is a playwright and the author of many books for young readers, including, Curiosity, Mysterious Messages: A history of Codes and Ciphers and Around the World in 100 Days. He is best known for the bestselling Shakespeare Stealer series. He lives in Nova Scotia. View titles by Gary Blackwood
  • WINNER
    ALA Notable Book
  • WINNER
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
“Packed with action, convincing historical speculation, and compelling portrayals of real life and fictional characters, this [is] a page-turner.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Well imagined and well plotted, the story turns on questions of honor and of loyalty to one’s country, one’s family, and oneself.”—Booklist

“Readers will be swept along by this what if? Adventure, and will find Franklin’s philosophy as applicable today as ever.”Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • This thought-provoking page-turner is perfect for historical fiction fans seeking an immersive alternate history to how the American Revolution ended.

“Packed with action, convincing historical speculation, and compelling portrayals of real life and fictional characters, this [is] a page-turner.”—School Library Journal, starred review

In 1776, the rebellion of the American colonies against British rule was crushed. Now, in 1777—the year of the hangman—George Washington is awaiting execution, Benjamin Franklin's banned rebel newspaper, Liberty Tree, has gone underground, and young ne'er-do-well Creighton Brown, a fifteen-year-old Brit, has just arrived in the colonies. Having been shipped off against his will, with nothing but a distance for English authorities, Creighton befriends Franklin, and lands a job with his print shop. But the English general expects the spoiled yet loyal Creighton to spy on Franklin. As battles unfold and falsehoods are exposed, Creighton must decide where his loyalties lie . . . a choice that could determine the fate of a nation.

Author

Gary Blackwood is a playwright and the author of many books for young readers, including, Curiosity, Mysterious Messages: A history of Codes and Ciphers and Around the World in 100 Days. He is best known for the bestselling Shakespeare Stealer series. He lives in Nova Scotia. View titles by Gary Blackwood

Awards

  • WINNER
    ALA Notable Book
  • WINNER
    School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

Praise

“Packed with action, convincing historical speculation, and compelling portrayals of real life and fictional characters, this [is] a page-turner.”—School Library Journal, starred review

“Well imagined and well plotted, the story turns on questions of honor and of loyalty to one’s country, one’s family, and oneself.”—Booklist

“Readers will be swept along by this what if? Adventure, and will find Franklin’s philosophy as applicable today as ever.”Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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