Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
Inspired by accusations of venality leveled at the men who captured Major Andre (Benedict Arnold's co-conspirator, executed for espionage in 1780), Cooper's novel centers on Harry Birch, a common man wrongly suspected by well-born Patriots of being a spy for the British. Even George Washington, who supports Birch, misreads the man, and when Washington offers him payment for information vital to the Patriot's cause, Birch scorns the money and asserts that his action were motivated not by financial reward, but by his devotion to the fight for independence. A historical adventure tale reminiscent of Sir Walter Scott's Waverley novels, The Spy is also a parable of the American experience, a reminder that the nation's survival, like its Revolution, depends on judging people by their actions, not their class or reputations.
Is The Spy appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A Revolutionary War-era tale of espionage with moderate period-appropriate violence (execution, wartime conflict). No sexual content or strong language. Literary historical fiction suitable for mature middle grade and up.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include execution, war, and class struggle (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens interested in American history and spy stories will appreciate this tale of a wrongly accused patriot fighting for independence.