What would you do if your country was counting on you to deliver a message? That's sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington’s urgent mission. In 1777, Sybil and her family believe the American colonies should be free from British control. Sybil’s father leads a regiment of New York militiamen, and everyone in the family is dedicated to the Patriot cause. Using spy tactics and codes, the Ludingtons gather intelligence, hoping to stay one step ahead of their enemies. When British troops raid nearby Danbury, Connecticut, Sybil gallops through the night to call out her father's men. But the journey is dangerous for a girl who’s all alone. With obstacles at every turn, will she make it in time to stop the British? Based on a True Story books are exciting historical fiction about real children who lived through extraordinary times in American History. This title has Common Core connections.

Retells the story of Sybil Ludington's ride on horseback to rouse American soldiers to fight against the British who were attacking Danbury, Connecticut during the American Revolution.

She was only 16 when she rode through the night to summon her father's regiment to stop the British advance into NY after burning Danbury.

"Originally published as Sybil Ludington: the call to arms, Purple Mountain Press, 2000" -- Title page verso.

The Connecticut countryside, 1777. A messenger arrives at Sybil Ludington’s farm with bad news. British soldiers are starting to burn villages in the area. Someone must alert the colonial militia, and the messenger is too tired. Sybil volunteers to ride from farm to farm through the dark forest. Can she rouse the soldiers in time?

Sybil Ludington believes in the legend of fireflies - they appear when you need them most. But it's not until her family is thrust into the dangers of the Revolutionary War, and into George Washington's spy ring, that Sybil experiences firefly magic for herself - guiding her through the darkness, empowering her to figure out who she's supposed to be and how strong she really is - as she delivers her imperative message. BY THE LIGHT OF FIREFLIES is the captivating tale of a young girl's journey - as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a spy, and eventually a war hero - completing a midnight ride that cements her place in history as the "female Paul Revere."