Finishing Becca: A Story about Peggy Shippen and Benedict Arnold » (1)

ANN RINALDI is an award-winning author best known for bringing history vividly to life. A self-made writer and newspaper columnist for twenty-one years, Ms. Rinaldi attributes her interest in history to her son, who enlisted her to take part in historical reenactments up and down the East Coast. She lives with her husband in central New Jersey.

An independent-minded young maid tells the story of social-climber Peggy Shippen and how she influenced Benedict Arnold’s betrayal of the Patriot forces. Revolutionary Philadelphia is brought to life as Becca seeks to find her “missing pieces” while exploring the complicated issues of the war between the impoverished independence men and the decadent British Tories. “This tale of treachery comes alive under [Rinaldi’s] pen.”—Kirkus Reviews

Children's Literature

Becca Syng's mother believes her daughter will 'pick up' the pieces of her education by working as a personal maid to Peggy Shippen. Set in Philadelphia in 1778, Becca learns more than she bargained for. Soon she is disenchanted with the excesses and frivolousness of Peggy and her friends while the soldiers at Valley Forge are starving, amongst them Becca's brother. The complex issues of the day unfold in this fascinating look at the relationship of Peggy and Benedict Arnold. Patriotism, treachery, deceit and moral integrity provide readers food for thought while this historic period springs to life.