Submarines, Secrets and a Daring Rescue by Robert J. Skead with Robert A. Skead (American Revolutionary War Adventures)

About the book: A Revolutionary War action-thriller filled with spies and heroes, targeted to boys and girls 8-12. In this second book in the American Revolutionary War Adventure series, twins Ambrose and John Clark find themselves volunteering for another mission to help the newly forming United States of America. Inspired by their success in delivering a secret message to General George Washington himself, the boys step up to help transport much-needed gunpowder to the patriots and end up in an even more dangerous situation, manning one of the first submarines and then, later, attempting a prison break to rescue their older brother, Berty.

Written by Robert Skead with the help of his father, the main character is based on their ancestor who fought in the American Revolution as part of the Connecticut militia. Though historical fiction, the events that occurred with George Washington in New Jersey regarding the war effort are true.

My thoughts: I previously, with my granddaughter, reviewed Patriots, Redcoats & Spies and am so very pleased to again review a book in the American Revolutionary War Adventures series penned by the father/son team of The Robert Skeads. These books take me back in my memories to when my children (now with grown children of their own) read a similar series - "We Were There." Placing young teens in the midst of a historical event is a sure-fire way to grasp the reader's attention immersing them in the story and in history.

The twin boys are charged with the task of moving the volatile gunpowder stashed in the newly designed and experimental submarine. True they are towing it behind their own small boat and Ambrose is the most skilled sailor available to handle the task.

They know, or suspect, that there is a loyalist spy amongst the patriots and this means danger.

While the book will appeal to ages 8-12 boys or girls, I personally expect the boys will find it more appealing than girls. There are scenes that involve violence - fights, knives at the throat, etc. There is a war going on, so some of this is to be expected. The level of description of these events is well within the tolerance of the intended audience, but it is there.

At the back of the book there is a wonderful glossary and other historical information. This is a real plus. There are also some discussion questions.

As the second in the American Revolutionary War Adventures, this is a winner. The book concludes with a teaser that the boys just might have another adventure waiting for them around the next bend in the road.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from BookLook Blog Review Program to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated.