Phoebe the Spy

Phoebe the Spy is a 1977 YA novel by American author Judith Berry Griffin. Inspired by true events, this historical novel is set in New York City during the American Revolution. The novel follows young Phoebe Fraunces, the daughter of tavern owner Sam Fraunces, as she becomes involved in a Patriot spy ring operating out of her father’s pub. When the group learns of a plot to kill George Washington, Phoebe becomes the general’s housekeeper and sets out to find the would-be assassin. 

Blending suspense with accessible history, the novel frames political conflict through a child’s perspective, emphasizing themes of The Overlooked Heroism of Ordinary People, Loyalty and Sacrifice During Times of Conflict, and Developing Courage Through Responsibility. 

This guide refers to the 1977 Scholastic Inc. edition of this book.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of death, substance use, animal death, graphic violence, and racism.

Plot Summary

In the beginning of the story, young Phoebe Fraunces lives with her father, Sam Fraunces, in New York City during the 1770s. Unlike most Black people in New York City, Sam and Phoebe are not enslaved and make a living running a tavern called The Queen’s Head. Sam’s tavern attracts all kinds of customers, including George Washington and John Adams. When Sam overhears a terrible plot to kill Washington, which will be carried out by someone whose name starts with “T,” he asks his daughter to help stop the killer by becoming a spy.

Phoebe bravely agrees and moves to nearby Mortier House to work for George Washington as a housekeeper. Now inside the general’s home, young Phoebe can easily observe and overhear the daily comings and goings of the general, his wife, their friends, bodyguards, and army officials. Phoebe carries out her tasks and spies on everyone discreetly, delivering news to her father every day when they meet at the waterfront market.

Two months pass, and Phoebe still has no clues about a plot against Washington. Of all his men, only two stand out: Mr. Hickey, the youngest and friendliest bodyguard, who often talks to Phoebe and gives her gifts, and the mysterious Mr. Green, who is very cold and reserved. 

One day, a frantic Sam tells Phoebe that the assassination will happen soon and that she must learn the identity of “T.” Phoebe returns to the house, terrified that the general will be shot through the window, which he sits close to at dinner time. Mr. Hickey comes to the kitchen and gives her a bag of peas to include in their dinner. As Phoebe prepares to serve the meal, Hickey suddenly returns to the kitchen, putting something from his pocket onto Washington’s plate. Confused, Phoebe begins to serve dinner when she realizes that Hickey—whose first time is Thomas—has poisoned Washington’s peas. She announces his crime to the shocked gathering, and Hickey flees. Washington’s bodyguards catch the traitorous Hickey, who is later convicted and hanged. Washington thanks Sam and Phoebe for their incredible deed, and after the war, he hires Sam as the official steward for his household.