The Secret Mission of William Tuck by Eric Pierpoint

The Secret Mission of William Tuck
by Eric Pierpoint
Expected Publication Sept. 1, 2015
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Historical Fiction
320 pages
Digital copy obtained by Netgalley

Goodreads Summary

William Tuck is set on justice. For his brother killed by British soldiers, for his friend Rebecca’s father held prisoner by the redcoats, and for the countless other rebel Americans struggling beneath the crushing weight of British rule.

The whispered words of a dying soldier and a mysterious watch give William all the ammunition he needs: a secret message for the leader of the rebel army. Rebecca disguises herself as a boy, and she and William join the American troops. They embark on an epic journey that pulls them into a secret network of spies, pits them against dangerous gunmen, and leads them on a quest to find General George Washington himself.

Can William and Rebecca determine friend from foe long enough to deliver a message that might just change the tide of the American Revolution?

My Thoughts

This riveting story had me from the beginning. Tweleve-year-old William leaves home in hopes of becoming a drummer for the Continental army in an attempt to help in the war after his brother is killed. Despite being injured in his very first battle, William sets off to deliver what he believes is a message that will change the war to none other than General Washington himself. 

The reader is left feeling breathless while watching William and his new friend Rebecca face British soldiers, injuries, spies and even time on a prison ship. 

The relationship between Rebecca and William develops into a sibling type of relationship that is very endearing. Rebecca is an extremely strong female character who doesn't let the fact that she is a girl get in the way of serving her country. 

The Secret Mission of William Tuck is a well-developed story with tons of action that will keep readers interested. It includes descriptive scenes of battles and some graphic scenes that are more suited for middle school and high school rather than elementary readers.