Sneak Peek: Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale

Welcome to this month’s featured book from our Mother-Son Book Club Guide! We’re thrilled to share a story that’s sure to spark meaningful conversations and fun activities for you and your son.

Book Summary: Nathan Hale is a terrible spy—duped and captured on his very first mission! But as he waits on the gallows, he’s swallowed by a magical history book that spits him back out to tell his hangman and an attending British provost tales of history before he’s gone for good. He begins with none other than his own life story, complete with descriptions of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the siege of Boston, the takeover of Fort Ticonderoga, and, of course, his very own tragic end. With humorous commentary and plenty of little-known details, this graphic novel begins the story of the Revolutionary War. 

Hale, Nathan. One Dead Spy: A Revolutionary War Tale. New York: Amulet Books, 2012.

Discussion Question: In his famous last words, Nathan Hale declares, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country” (11). What makes this sentence powerful enough to last through the ages?

Snack Idea: Serve daily rations: Bread, beef, milk, and vegetables

Activity Idea: Comics: Create an original comic about a historical event or an event that happened in your own life history.

Want to dive deeper into One Dead Spy and enjoy more activities, questions, and insights? Access our full Mother-Son Book Club Guide and make your reading experience unforgettable. Click HERE to grab your copy!