Peter Treegate's War

Author(s): 
Leonard Wibberley
Illustrator(s): 
Michael Jaroszko
Benjamin Hatke
Roseanne Sharpe
Number of pages: 
134 pages
Copyright: 
1960
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
Will he survive? Although the day started pleasant enough, larks singing and the grass turning a pale gold, the redcoats were forming below, forming a formidable line to overtake their small band of New England militia in the battle of Breed’s Hill. The Treegate saga continues with Peter Treegate’s War. In this second book, the story opens with the battle of Breed’s Hill about to commence, better known as the battle of Bunker Hill. Peter is caught between two conflicts, the war between the British and the emerging American nation and the conflict between his father, John Treegate, and his foster father, Maclaren of Spey. Both men demand his love and loyalty. Both men despise each other. Peter wants to please both, but soon finds out he has to make a choice. Will he make the right one? As the plot develops, the story follows several pivotal scenes in the War for Independence and includes an unforgettable cast of characters. Like his conflict with his father and foster father, Peter must choose. What does it mean to be loyal? As he goes from one exciting adventure or misadventure to another, including capture, imprisonment, and escape, Peter seems to be a magnet for trouble. Along the way, he learns that people and situations are not always what they appear to be, especially with the surprise ending. What will Peter Treegate learn in the end? Wibberley captures the intensity and drama of war. We can feel the tension mount as the redcoats relentlessly bear down on the ragtag group of militia, their powder running low, fear gripping them as they hold their muskets ready to fire. More than an exciting tale of the American Revolution or realistic story about conflict and resolution in a family, Wibberley shows that even in the midst of evil the courageous soul is willing to risk all out of love, kindness, and compassion for others.
Additional notes: 

Because of the impersonal nature of the battle scenes and the need for a mature understanding of the issues surrounding war, the suggested reading level is high school.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-31-2009