The Secret Mission of William Tuck by Eric Pierpoint

William couldn't believe it.  The British marched his brother over to tree and killed him right in front of his family.  He memorized the face of the man that gave the order and made the decision that he would right this wrong.   Even though he knew his parents would grieve for him, too, he left a message and took the drum he had and set out to join the patriots.  If they could kill his brother for his war activities, then he'd take war to them, too.  He's 12 but he's not going to let that stop him!

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published September 1st, so you don't have long to wait.

William chases after the patriots until they catch him.  When he offers his drum service, they decide to take him with them.  He has no idea that he will find himself in the middle of battle and find a man who is dying who gives him a quest.  He has a secret coded message that needs to get Washington.  How can William do that, he doesn't even have a horse!

This is an exciting tale based on historical fact.  William perseveres.  It's hard, lonely, dangerous and he can't really trust anybody.  Even those who are going to help him are liars and keep handing him to the British.  The safe spots aren't anymore.  Those who aided the couriers have been hung.  He's getting very desperate before he runs into Rebecca.  She's a very determined young woman who is going after her father.  He has been imprisoned on prison ship in the harbor.  She's going in William's direction, so she has him cut her hair, dresses as a boy and off they go.  Things are still bad, but they're both inventive.  Even when they get separated they don't give up.

All wars are ugly and this one was, too.  The two young ones trying to do the right thing are a breath of fresh air even if you had to hold your breath once in a while.  Give it a read; you'll be rooting for William and Rebecca.