Revolutionary Rogues: John Andre and Benedict Arnold

Reviewed by: Amy McInerney - Falmouth Elementary School, Falmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

This narrative informational text details the events of John Andre and Benedict Arnold'ss attempts at treason during the Revolutionary War. Readers are introduced to Major John Andre, a young general excited to prove himself in the British Army. The backstory of Major General Benedict Arnold is also presented, as are the motives which led him to become a traitor. Author Castrovilla details the meeting of the two near West Point and layers suspense with disbelief as Major Andre is caught and hanged. Although Arnold later became a member of the British Army, he never found success or happiness. Valuable back matter is presented, and the reader is directed to further reading and locations of interest. Timelines of both men's lives are available for reader's reference, and section headings stating the time and place of each event in the story set the pace for the action. Castrovilla does a fine job honoring this unbelievable true plot; students and teachers will find this book useful and interesting in a multitude of ways.

Overall Book Score: good