Laurie Halse Anderson writes historical fiction that is perfect for middle schoolers and this novel about the revolutionary war and small pox is no exception.

Elsbeth is thirteen years old when the Patriots take Boston to drive out the loyalists. As smallpox breaks out among the city, her father goes missing. She has already survived smallpox but must take a job to avoid the orphanage.

Given the age of Elsbeth (13) and the fact that she is acting and taken for being older than that, I feel that this book is better suited for middle school than upper elementary. I do think it should be added to middle school and public libraries.

Thank you to Atheneum, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and Net Galley for the DRC. All opinion are my own.

I can't wait to add this text to my 5th grade curriculum! This book is a high interest and accessible way for students to engage with the American Revolution through a historical fiction lens. This would be perfect for a whole class read aloud or book clubs (mostly likely for more advanced students). Students will definitely need some background knowledge to fully understand this text, so this would ideally be paired with a unit about the American Revolution!

Elsbeth is truly the heart of the story. She was spirited, determined, and resilient - I was rooting her from the first page. The characters and story are sure to capture the hearts of adults and students alike. Once I got halfway through the book, I couldn't put it down - I needed to know what was going to happen next. This is an exemplary piece of historical fiction for middle grades! This will truly be an asset to my 5th grade curriculum.

This is a unique look at the history of Revolutionary Boston as told by a teenager simply trying to live her life. It is an enjoyable novel for middle grade students, even high school students interested in the American Revolution or historical fiction in general.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel.

Thank you so much for the ability to give this book a read before release. Laurie has such a way with words that causes the reader to really immerse themselves into her story telling. I really enjoyed the setting of this.