Commodore Barney's Young Spies A Boy's Story of the Burning of the City of Washington

"Commodore Barney's Young Spies" by James Otis is an early 20th-century story about young courage during the War of 1812. It follows Amos Grout and Jeremiah Sackett, two boys whose lives take an exciting turn when they get involved in the conflict, particularly around the time Washington, D.C., was burned. Spurred by patriotism and wanting to help after Jerry's brother is taken prisoner, the boys become spies, helping Commodore Joshua Barney to protect their home. Their adventure begins with a simple mission and then grows as the boys encounter interesting people, like the sailor Darius, and face dangerous situations that put their bravery and friendship to the test during a key moment in history.