• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 7 to 10
• Reading age: 12 to 15

The name James FitzGibbon struck terror in the hearts of U.S. soldiers and this is the dramatic story of his life and his daring exploits.

Irish-born James FitzGibbon came to Canada with the 49th Regiment to serve under his hero, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock. After the death of Brock at Queenston Heights and the capture of Fort George in the War of 1812, FitzGibbon spied on the enemy encampment, disguised as a settler selling butter. Armed with his intelligence report, the British launched a surprise night attack, and the Americans were forced to retreat.

With his hand-picked band of Green Tiger guerrillas, Fitz fought to stop the U.S. raiding parties. Laura Secord alerted him to an impending attack at Beaver Dams, and with his 50 men and the support of First Nations warriors, he bluffed the 500-strong American Army into surrender.

Captain Fitz is full of action: battles on land and lakes, the burning of York (Toronto), the drama of 6,000 American soldiers moving downriver to attack Montreal, only to be defeated at Crysler’s Farm. As well as the pageantry, there’s the misery, suffering, and hunger for honour and glory – all part of the War of 1812.

Enid Swerdferger Mallory was born near Ottawa, Ontario, and attended Queen’s University before becoming a social worker. After she and her husband moved to Kawartha Lakes country to start a family, her interest in regional history led to a new career of writing and storytelling. Mallory has written for Reader’s Digest, Canadian Geographic and The Beaver, and her previous books include The Remarkable Years: Canadians Remember the 20th Century, Close to the Earth: Have Your Garden and Eat it Too, Over the Counter: The Country Stores in Canada and Coppermine: The Far North of George M. Douglas. She resides in Peterborough, Ontario, with her husband, Gord.

Enid Mallory's profile page

Captain Fitz is full of action: battles on land and lakes, the infamous meeting with Laura Secord and the burning of York (Toronto). This is a fascinating book for older children that explores the pageantry of war along with the misery, suffering and hunger for honor and glory.

The Tribune