This short and amusingly illustrated book tells of how young Ariel Bradley became a spy at the behest of his soldier brothers. Based on a true incident during the Revolutionary War, we see a child growing up fast and doing a man's job.

ARIEL BRADLEY, SPY FOR GENERAL WASHINGTON - the title encapsulates the plot as young Ariel waits at home for the return of his soldier brothers, with the scent of baking cobbler making his mouth water. When Thaddeus and James arrive with smart uniforms and sparkling buttons, Ariel wants to emulate them but is too young. Next day the brothers borrow the elderly grey mare Salt and a sack of corn, and take Ariel on a four-day trek to meet General Washington. Armed with his sack of corn and a rope halter, Ariel is set up on Salt and told to ride down among the green-clad Hessian soldiers and ask for directions to the corn mill. If he can, he is to ride further into the enemy encampment in wooded New York State and discover the strength of General Howe's red-clad British army. How many men, guns, horses, injured are in the enemy lines? Can Ariel manage such a brave task, and if he does, can he return with the information?

Illustrations by Joe Rossi bring the tale to colourful life as Ariel is told to act the Johnny Raw and lose his tricorn hat, or Salt gets to roll on the green grass. Lynda Durrant could have added more tension but she has aimed at the younger end of the young adult spectrum, and both girls and boys will enjoy reading of Ariel's wit and bravery. This may also help to bring a period in history to life for young students. I liked this book ARIEL BRADLEY and wished it was longer.