A Spy Called James

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

The story of James, a slave who helped the Americans win their freedom from the British. James, who only is known by one name, is allowed by his owner to join forces with General Washington and General Lafayette, to act as a spy against the British. James, who is allowed to roam freely among the British gathers information that is used by the Generals to help defeat their enemy at the Battle of Yorktown. The details of James's struggles after the war to gain his freedom add to the story, as well as the fact that he also became a slave owner himself. This book would be a great addition to a school library or classroom studying the Revolutionary War, black history, and the contributions of slaves to the building of America. The story also would be an interesting introduction to the many facets of slavery in America. The illustrations are colorful and bring the story and characters to life.

Overall Book Score: very good