Boy Patriot


Children - Mystery
146 Pages
Reviewed on 09/17/2025
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Author Biography

Thomasina Tissue grew up in Setauket, Long Island. Captured in her heart at a young age, her stories are woven from a tapestry of a time spent long ago in the salty ocean air, walking along beaches, laughing with friends, and mixing her wild imagination with regular and not-so-regular things that happened to her. And there, her stories bided their time for over forty years.

When she retired from teaching, her husband asked her if she would like a special gift. She fluttered her eyelashes at him and said, “I’d love a laptop.” Thinking this was a slightly strange request, he asked, “Whatever for?” She responded, “I have stories that need to come out!” Three months later, she had completed the first draft of The Water’s Edge, her first middle-grade fiction work. The original Setalcott people of the Setauket area inspired The Water’s Edge. Boy Patriot, received a Kid’s Choice Kid’s Literature Writing Contest Honorable Mention for 2023 (pre-publication), and was inspired by the real-life events of the Setauket Spy Ring, and the author’s love and memories of growing up on Strong’s Neck.

Thomasina is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Long Island Authors. Besides writing, Thomasina’s favorite things to do are yoga, traveling the world when she can afford it, pretending she is fluent in Spanish, and loving on her sweet daughter Emma, and husband, Dan, and not all in that order.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Boy Patriot by Thomasina Tissue is an engaging middle-grade historical fiction novel that combines adventure, mystery, and heartfelt emotion. Set in the charming town of Setauket, Long Island, the story follows Tanya, a sixth-grader assigned to research a local Revolutionary War patriot for her school project. What starts as a seemingly simple assignment quickly turns into an extraordinary journey when Tanya meets Major Sorber, a ghost from the Revolutionary War era, in the hayloft of the Strong family's barn. The story is filled with historical details, smoothly blending real events of the Culper Spy Ring into the narrative. Tanya’s realization that Major Sorber is linked to her teacher, Ms. S., and the ancient locket that connects them introduces additional layers of mystery and emotional significance.

Thomasina Tissue’s writing is engaging and vivid, bringing the historical setting to life while maintaining a sense of adventure. The characters are well-developed, with Tanya’s determination and curiosity driving the story forward. The inclusion of real historical figures and locations, such as Anna Strong and the Old Roe Tavern, adds authenticity, making the story educational as well as entertaining. Boy Patriot balances historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling, making it an excellent choice for young readers interested in history and adventure. The exploration of loss, hope, and the importance of family is handled with sensitivity, offering moments of reflection alongside the excitement of uncovering secrets and solving mysteries. It is a memorable story that will leave young readers inspired and curious about the history that shaped their world.