Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning YA novelist and
nonfiction author. She is the author of Revolutionary Friends and
many other picture books on the American Revolution. She holds an
MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in
English from New York University. Selene lives on Long Island, New
York with her two sons, where she writes year-round. Visit
selenecastrovilla.com.
John O’Brien has illustrated more than one hundred
children’s books, including Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library. He
has also contributed cartoons to The New Yorker since 1987. He
lives in Delran, New Jersey, and winters in Miami, Florida. Visit
johnobrienillustrator.com.
"The illustrations... are stellar...a volume that young history
buffs will find absorbing. A visually exciting introduction to a
famous spy case and a name synonymous with 'traitor.'' --
Kirkus Reviews
"In short, dramatic scenes, this title by the author of
Revolutionary Friends...presents the story of two notorious
Revolutionary War soldiers. The straightforward narrative
alternates between the viewpoints of British major John André and
American major General Benedict Arnold...At each turn along the
road to treason, Castrovilla shines a light on the motivations and
conflicted emotions of André and Arnold...The ink and watercolor
illustrations set the scene in careful detail...(and) call to mind
old-fashioned woodblock prints...Future historians will enjoy this
psychological chronicle of how Arnold plotted with André to betray
his fellow patriots." – School Library Journal
"No name in the annals of U.S. history is more synonymous with
treachery and betrayal than Benedict Arnold. This in-depth look at
Arnold's personality, rooted heavily in primary source materials,
creates a far more complex portrait than the one provided by most
textbooks...(with) countless opportunities for critical thinking
and discussion. With colorful illustrations and insightful
observations, books like this one make the names recorded in
history much more human." - Booklist
"O'Brien joins Castrovilla for this companion to Revolutionary
Friends...(which) explores the relationship between a less
reputable Revolutionary duo: British major John André and West
Point commander Benedict Arnold. The third-person narration
switches between the men, frequently imagining their thoughts and
nervousness...O'Brien's squirrely ink lines and watercolor washes
bring a certain playfulness to the 18th-century setting, despite
the dire subject and high stakes." – Publishers Weekly
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