Product Description

On the brink of the American Revolution, Patsy Black and her best friend, Barbara Layman, try to do everything they can to promote the cause for freedom and wonder if a red-haired stranger is a spy. Original."

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #923458 in Books
• Published on: 1997-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5. In these series titles set in Philadelphia in 1776, 12-year-old Patsy Black and her family run Black's Tavern. Although some of the events surrounding the Revolution are mentioned in the first book, the story mostly centers around the daily lives of the Black family. Each mishap is quickly corrected and problems are usually resolved immediately. When a grumpy neighbor confiscates their puppy, Patsy and her friend Barbara form a club called the Daughters of Liberty to do "good deeds," beginning with the liberation of the dog. While Patsy's mother is having trouble giving birth, that same neighbor is found motionless on the floor. A doctor is conveniently summoned and both women recover. Even the ending is pat; the two girls find a note, decide that it might be important, deliver it to the Continental Congress meeting at the State House, and after being thanked, stroll away. The strength of this book lies in Massie's vivid descriptions of clothing, buildings, and items used in the late 1700s. Several events that occurred in Discovery are briefly mentioned in Declaration to bring readers up to date. Patsy encounters a mysterious man who appears to be a spy. She sneaks around the tavern and dresses in boy's clothing to find out more about the stranger. References and ties to the Revolution are much stronger here, and solutions to problems are not as facile as in the first book.?Mary M. Hopf, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Patsy and the Declaration
Patsy and the Declaration is an historical fiction novel set in Philadelphia during the summer of 1776. The main character is Patsy Black, a twelve year old girl who is the daughter of the local tavern and inn owner. One afternoon, Patsy meets a red-haired stranger. As a result of his pecular behavior, Patsy comes to the conclusion that he is a British spy. That same day, the local blacksmith's shop is set on fire. Patsy is convinced the fire is the work of a British spy and is determined to find him. Patsy and the Declaration provides a fairly even balance between historical fact and fiction, especially concerning the atmosphere of Philadelpia during this time period. It clearly describes how confusing and scary these events would be to a child. The main character, Patsy, and the secondary characters tend to be flat, static charcters. Patsy does not seem to change muich from from the beginning to the end. She does not learn any new lessons, except that people who seem to be friends may really be an enemy. However, this concept was not emphasized much in the book. The plot of the story seems more important than the actual characters. The story is told in limited third person. The reader knows what Patsy is thinking and sees most of the events through her eyes. Consequently, the reader is kept in suspense, along with Patsy, about who the real arsonist is. If the reader had known from the beginning, the story would not have been very interesting.

Great book!
This book is about two girls, Barbara and Patsy, who live in Philadelphia during the American Revolution. They try to find out who burned down the blacksmith shop. Is it the mysterious red-haired stranger?