Loyalty by Avi

Loyalty by Avi

Loyalty

By Avi

Loyalty is a suspense-filled and well-researched work of juvenile historical fiction, taking place in Massachusetts at the beginning of and during the American Revolution. The author, Avi, is a Newbery Medal winner who has written more than 80 books for children and has won numerous awards. Loyalty was published in 2022.

13-year-old Noah lives in Massachusetts. He is conflicted as to whom he should be loyal to… his father, the Patriots, or the British. Why would he want to be loyal to the Patriots?  After all, Patriots tarred and feathered his father, a supporter of the King of England. His father died of the trauma and Noah was severely beaten by the Patriots.

Upon escaping to Boston from his hometown, Tullbury, with his mother and sister, Noah became a spy for the British. Captain Brown provided him with a paid job in a tavern, the Green Dragon, as payment for spying on the Patriots. It was very dangerous work but the money would help his family survive.  Would he get caught?

At the Green Dragon, Jolla, a free Black teenager and orphan, was Noah’s boss. He was also conflicted about to whom he should be loyal to. After all, many of the Minutemen had slaves and some of the British were not opposed to slavery.

This suspense-filled book, with both sides of the War for Independence seen through the eyes of Noah,  becomes a mystery. Noah sees horrible deeds done by each side, as well as hypocrisy on both sides regarding slavery. Where will Noah’s loyalties lie? What will his decision be?

The book, Loyalty, is also a most suitable read for young adults and adults. The Author’s Notes provide factual information regarding events and places.