Review: Thunder and Mercy

By Jennifer Robin Barr

New York : Calkins Creek, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, 2026. Fiction. 355 pages.

Theodora Underwood, who calls herself Thunder, has spent every summer of her life being shuffled from guardian to guardian while her entomologist parents travel the world in search of a new discovery. After being sent away from her latest caretaker after only a month, Thunder arrives at her estranged Aunt Hazel's house in Philadelphia to finish out the summer. While she initially declares that she is going to spend her time seeing historical sites around Philly alone, she soon finds herself embroiled in a historical mystery when she finds a letter written by Benedict Arnold's sister-in-law during the Revolutionary War and she vows to uncover the girl's story.

This book takes place in the 1970's with many references to historical happenings from the Revolutionary War, making it a great historical fiction that tells the story of two separate time periods. So whether your child is interested in history, or just likes a well-plotted mystery, this one is a great pick! Plus, the descriptions of the city of Philadelphia are sparkling - your kids will be sure to want to visit after reading it.

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