About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a fear of trying new things or feels they lack the 'natural' bravery of their peers. This historical adventure centers on Ellen Toliver, a ten-year-old in Revolutionary War-era New York who views herself as timid and small. When her grandfather is injured, Ellen must disguise herself as a boy and cross British lines to deliver a secret message hidden in a loaf of bread. As Ellen navigates the physical dangers of 1776, she undergoes a profound internal transformation. The story beautifully illustrates that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it. It is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy historical realism, high-stakes tension, and stories about building self-reliance and grit.
