By Iszi Lawrence (author)
"Thrilling spy story adventures inspired by real life events"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
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Iszi Lawrence’s reputation as an author of exciting historical fiction for young readers is firmly established and in this story she provides an eye-on-the-ground view of the American Revolution.
Twelve-year-old Aiden has been sent by his family in England to be an apprentice to a Manhattan businessman. But it’s 1780 and with the American Revolutionary War raging, New York is a hotbed of spies. Aiden is certain his employer Mr Rivington is firmly on the king’s side but is that really the case? When he accidentally discovers a coded message intended for the rebels, one thing leads to another and soon Aiden finds himself working as a secret agent and facing real danger.
Aiden’s adventures as an 18th century Alex Rider are thrilling and his encounters with characters from history thoroughly convincing. Readers will finish the book knowing much more about this fascinating and important period of our history than they did before and eager for more adventures starring Aiden.
A thrilling spy adventure set in New York during the American revolution. From the rising star of children’s historical fiction, Iszi Lawrence, this is the perfect high-action adventure for fans of Horrible Histories, Emma Carroll and Hamilton.
Read the full description
It's 1780 and the struggle for American independence is raging. In New York, twelve-year-old Aiden Blaise is sure that the British will win soon. How can a few rebel colonies hold out against the might of the British crown? And anyway he's more concerned with somehow managing to rise above his lot in life and make his fortune.
But New York is a powder keg of soldiers and spies, and soon Aiden will be drawn into the fight for freedom in a way he could never have predicted...
Packed with historical detail and tales of the Culper Spy Ring, Benedict Arnold, James Rivington and George Washington, this page-turning thriller about the American War of Independence will have young readers gripped.
Praise for Blackbeard's Treasure;
'This is children's fiction at its best' - The Lady
'Your 8-12 year olds need to get their hands on this swashbuckling adventure by the brilliant Iszi Lawrence.' - Natalie Haynes, author of Stone Blind and A Thousand Ships
Praise for The Unstoppable Letty Pegg;
'Letty and her friends and rivals are great characters, as are the real life people she comes across at different times in her adventures. Thoroughly recommended'. - Andrea Reece - Books for Keeps
Praise for Billie Swift Takes Flight;
'It is brimming with historical detail and really highlights the heroic nature of some very inspirational women. It would be an excellent class story that would provide children with a tale about a thrilling war-time adventure.' - Reading Zone
Iszi Lawrence is a writer, comedian, podcaster and history presenter. She is a regular on TV history documentaries including shows for Sky History, Netflix, Yesterday and the Smithsonian Channel. She was co-host of BBC Radio 4’s flagship show, Making History with Tom Holland and presents Your Place or Mine with Shaun Keaveny (BBC R4 and Sounds). Her podcasts include The British Museum Membercast and popular science podcast Terrible Lizards with Dr Dave Hone. She is the author of four adventurous and funny middle grade children’s novels including Blackbeard's Treasure (which was selected as Blackwell's Children's Book of the Month) and a quirky series for 6-9 year olds, The Time Machine Next Door , all published by Bloomsbury. She is a regular visitor to schools and runs history and historical fiction workshops for Key Stage 2 and 3 students.
Iszi is a dark blue belt in Japanese style Jiu Jitsu so she also spends time in the week helping to teach both short people (7-11 year olds) and grown ups how to punch her in the face. She dabbles in illustration, plays the guitar, likes cooking, dinosaurs and enjoys keeping fit.
She lives in Reading with a poet and two cats.
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Packed with lots of action, twists and turns and based largely on facts, this is a gripping historical novel full of traitors, spies and tricky decisions.
Set in New York during the American War of Independence in 1780, the story follows a 12 year-old Aiden Blaise who is a British boy living as a printers apprentice. Aiden is sure that the British will soon win when he gets caught up with spies after finding a coded message. Aiden’s curiosity leads him to some tricky situations as he tries to work out where his loyalties lie, and who he can trust.
There were a lot of key figures and historical detail with a glossary of some of the historical terms at the back.... Read Full Review
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed City of Spies and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
City of Spies features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Crime & Mystery, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Historical Fiction, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
City of Spies was written by Iszi Lawrence and published by Bloomsbury Education
City of Spies has 246 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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