The Spirits of '76 by T.W. Fitzhugh

What worked:

Emmeline has developed a pessimistic attitude toward the world, as others often seem to take advantage of her ability. An abusive man purchased her, and he only cared about making money from her ability to see into the future. During her escape, she learns that a seemingly kind and friendly crew member would jump at the chance to turn her over to British loyalists, for a price. Emmeline is leery of people’s motives when they offer help, but she can’t reunite with her sister by herself. She flees to a schoolhouse in a small, faraway town and uses the name Roo for most of the book. She’s joined by an impulsive girl named Izzy, a runaway slave named River, and the schoolmaster named Imason.

The story maintains a level of tension as Roo tries to keep her ability secret. Most people are skeptical when they first find out, so she’s reluctant to talk about it. The real threat comes from a man named Chitwood. He purchased Emmeline to make money from her ability, and he forced her to dress as a boy and beat or starve her if she disobeyed. He’s furious when Emmeline runs away, and he won’t stop searching until he retrieves her. Readers will be surprised when they learn he’s accompanied by a bounty hunter named Doon who takes pleasure in hurting others. Readers won’t know when Chitwood or Doon will reappear, but they’ll know it will eventually happen.

Historical information from the Revolutionary War is embedded in the plot, and it may be new to young readers. It’s set in the time period just before war breaks out, and characters are on edge about the coming conflict. Young readers may be surprised that some colonists are loyal to the King of England, and it’s almost impossible to identify spies working for the colonies or the British. Some boroughs in New York will be familiar, but it’s the site of the first major battle igniting the Revolutionary War. Imason copies the Declaration of Independence because he loves the sound and meaning behind the words. The townspeople skirmish with British warships, and Emmeline foresees that the battle in New York won’t happen until these two ships arrive.

What didn’t work as well:

The story includes a ghost, but it doesn’t have a major impact. It primarily affects one minor character’s wish to speak with her deceased mother, but it’s not necessary to the overall plot. Perhaps the ghost will be more significant in the sequel.

The final verdict:

This exciting adventure, based on historical facts, will pique the interest of young readers. The danger supplied by Chitwood and Doon, along with the impending Revolutionary War, creates suspense throughout the entire book. I recommend you give it a shot!