Peril at King's Creek, by Elizabeth McDavid Jones

Bibliographic Information:
Jones, E. M. (2006). Peril at King's Creek: A Felicity mystery. American Girl Publishing Inc. ISBN 1593691017.

Book Awards:
None.


Plot Summary:
Felicity is an 11 year old girl whose greatest love is her beautiful horse, Penny, and she lives on her family's plantation in 1776. Her father's sympathies lie with the Patriots. When the community learns that the British governor is burning Patriot plantations and stealing the most valuable horses for the British army, Felicity becomes panicked that Penny and her home will be next. She is introduced to a naturalist who is studying the plants and animals on many local plantations, and Felicity encounters him frequently on her rides, and is drawn to his open manner and gentle ways. But someone is acting as a British spy, and Felicity must stop them before Penny and her home are gone!

Critical Evaluation:
This book is well-written for its age group, without being overly simple. The historical aspects are not dominant to the plot, but if the reader pays attention, many differences between Felicity's time period and ours are there to be noticed. A diverse audience may have trouble relating to the character of a rich, white girl, but slaves are never mentioned, and Felicity has the normal thought processes and feelings of any 11 year old girl.

Reader's Annotation:
Felicity must find out how the British governor knows which plantations are Patriot plantations, and stop him from burning her home and stealing her beloved horse.

About the Author:
Elizabeth McDavid Jones was born in South Carolina in 1958 . She has a Masters degree in literature, and has written many historical mysteries for children, one of which won an Edgar award. She has five children and lives in Virginia.

Genre:
Historical mystery

Curriculum Ties:
History

Booktalking Ideas:
The horse, Penny, and her baby Patriot
Patriots vs British

Interest Age:
9-12

Challenge Issues:
None

Reason Included:
The American Girl books are very popular for the younger tweens, and there are a variety of different levels available, so readers can step upwards within the series they like.