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Sophia's War: A Tale of the Revolution Audiobook
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(3.05) - 326 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Acclaimed children's author Avi's many accolades include a Newbery Medal and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. Inspired by true stories from the American Revolution, Sophia's War begins in 1776, when British troops arrive on the doorstep of 12-year-old Sophia Calderwood's home in New York. After the disappearance- and possible capture- of her brother, and the execution of Nathan Hale, Sophia has vowed to do all she can to help the cause for independence. But the war will test her in ways she never imagined.
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"While wildly improbable that a fifteen year old girl was the only one with the information needed to stop Benedict Arnold from handing West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War, this was a gripping and exciting story. Based largely in facts surrounding the American Culper Spy Ring, the historical elements of this book were well researched and accurate. The storyline with Sophia as a young spy was well told and exciting, but required a large suspension of disbelief. She is, however, a fantastic and strong heroine determined to aid her country and avenge her brother's death. The truth of history does leave a sizable gap in the whole adventure, leading many to suppose there was a spy who set the whole thing in motion. Sophia is that spy in Avi's novel. I listened to this on audio book and found it a great way to experience the story. I was riveted by the storytelling and found myself gripping the steering wheel in suspense as Sophia races time to save West Point. Also a good look at the War from the New York point of view - so often the story focuses in Boston or Virginia, while New York had it's own place in the history, including the harrowing British prison ships. These ships accounted for more American deaths than all the battlefields combined, a fact I never knew. I think this would be a great classroom read aloud!"
— Kayla (5 out of 5 stars)
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“Sophia’s War is outstanding historical fiction, bringing to dramatic life the human story behind extraordinary events…Rich in period detail, the atmospheric prose vividly recreates old New York and allows readers to experience Sophia’s conflicting emotions.”
— School Library Journal (starred review) -
“Few historical novels are as closely shaped by actual events as this one during the last 100 pages. Working within the bounds of credibility, Avi manages to keep the fictional narrator on the scene for a good deal of the action and uses real moments to bring the imagined story to its dramatic heights.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Newbery Medalist Avi channels the mood, language, and danger of the Revolutionary War in this seamless blend of history and fiction, set in British-occupied New York City…The book is chockfull of fascinating historical details, including the conditions for those stranded in New York and the failed meetings between Arnold and John André, his (real-life) British contact. Avi doesn’t sugarcoat the brutal realities of war…in this rich, nail-biting thriller.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Avi’s setting is impeccable (especially the descriptions of the prisons where rebel soldiers were kept); the intrigue on the home front, real; and the tension of living in enemy territory, intense.”
— Horn Book
Awards
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A 2012 Booklist Editors’ Choice Selection for Youth
Sophia's War Listener Reviews
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" I have never been a huge fan of Avi`s books, but this one was great. Sophia was a very cool and realistic character. I like the plot and how everything flowed and made sense. Very good. A few things were missing- how did she leave without telling her parents?? for example. "
— Ally, 2/14/2014 -
" I recently read an old book, also aimed at young readers, about Benedict Arnold. This book retold that story in a way that was much more entertaining. Although it was fictional, most of the characters were historical. A great way to learn a history lesson. "
— Catharine, 2/8/2014 -
" Read my review at Let's Talk Books "
— Terrie, 2/1/2014 -
" Watching Nathan Hale's hanging puts the ugly face of war on young Sophia Calderwood. In this historical fiction Avi's weaves three revolutionary stories together through this strong female lead; the atrocities that leading to her brother's death on the British prison ships, the traitorous actions of famed Benedict Arnold, and Sophia's heroism in thwarting them off. Middle school readers will enjoy resolving the mystery of who is the America traitor and figuring out how will Sophia, only a 15 year old patriot, foil their plans. I wish that Avi had chosen a male lead. It's my middle school boys who I need to convince that history can come alive. I found the last section a bit clunky when the perspective changed, but otherwise an enjoyable read. "
— Holly, 1/27/2014 -
" While not quite as good as Chains, whose characters were much more developed, this book also delves into the Revolutionary War in New York City. But this book mainly sticks with the Benedict Arnold saga. I learned a lot especially reading this and another historical fiction about the Revolutionary War back to back. "
— Andrea, 1/22/2014 -
" Fictional character Sophia Calderwood's journey through the terrifying times of the Revolutionary War is so interesting. I read this book to be able to discuss with my granddaughter, who's writing a book report on this book, and again, I learned - or re-learned - a lot of what I'd missed about Benedict Arnold, Jon Andre, General Clinton, etc. in history classes. Great book! "
— Jo, 1/20/2014 -
" I really enjoyed this book and feel that even though it is historical fiction it is a good book to teach young adults about the Revolutionary War. I also like how the author includes a bibliography of books he used to research for this and a glossery of terms at the end. "
— Rebecca, 1/6/2014 -
" Saw this at the library and grabbed it just for fun. It was enjoyable. As he says at the end, the story of Sophia is fiction but the other parts are real. He just used Sophia to connect events that may or may not have had a connection. Generally, I like the books I've read by Avi. "
— Marnie, 12/31/2013 -
" Interesting read that details the treachery of Benedict Arnold. Especially interesting because of the area, so close to ours, where the events unfolded. "
— Chris, 12/15/2013 -
" Solid revolutionary war historical fiction. "
— Lynn, 12/14/2013 -
" The Revolutionary War presented through the eyes of a young girl, turned spy. Good for 6th grade "
— Heather, 12/2/2013 -
" This was a decent read. I do like historical nonfiction, especially in the colonial era, and Avi always delivers a story rich in historical detail. "
— Karen, 7/20/2013 -
" Intriguing tale of a brave young girl in the heart of the Revolutionary War. Great history lesson along with a compelling storyline. Avi weaves another masterful tale! "
— Mary, 5/7/2013 -
" Good historical fiction. I really like Avi. "
— Kimberly, 3/6/2013 -
" Interesting spy/historical novel about the revolutionary war. I just have a problem with the way avi writes. It sounds two third grade essayish. There's a lot of furthermores, and on the other hands that ruin the flow of the story. "
— Kerri, 1/30/2013 -
" The story of Benedict Arnold and the Revolutionary War told through the eyes of a young American girl who becomes the spy who foils Arnold's plan. Avi mixes truth with fiction in a fashion that I think young history buffs will enjoy. "
— Lisa, 1/21/2013 -
" Avi has a way of working historical facts into suspenseful stories; this is no exception. Sophie finds a way to avenge her brother's death by becoming a Patriot spy. A strong female character point of view telling another side of the Revolutionary War. "
— Cheryl, 1/11/2013 -
" I had a hard time getting through this one. It felt like something I would have had to read for school. "
— Liz, 1/5/2013 -
" Solid historical fiction with a well-crafted narrative voice. "
— Sandy, 10/22/2012 -
" Written in the voice of a young girl turned Patriot spy, the authentic dialogue will take some time to get used to. This would be a great read aloud during the study of the Revolutionary War! The use of a strong female character intermixed with historical facts and figures is an engaging read. "
— Linda, 10/7/2012
About Avi
Avi is the author of more than fifty books for children and young adults, including the 2003 Newbery Medal winner Crispin: The Cross of Lead. Along with his two Newbery Honors, he has won many other awards for his fiction. He lives with his family in Denver.
About Angela Goethals
Angela Goethals is a native New Yorker who has appeared on and off Broadway in Picnic, Four Baboons Adoring the Sun, and The Good Times Are Killing Me, for which she won an Obie Award and a Drama Desk nomination. Since moving to Los Angeles with her husband, she has appeared on Grey’s Anatomy, Without a Trace, and Boston Public, with a recurring role on 24.