Steve Sheinkin, author of "The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, and Treachery," will return to the Williamsburg Library Theatre to accept the 2013 Beacon of Freedom Award. A book signing will follow his talk. The presentation is free of charge.

The Beacon of Freedom Award (BOFA) is a children's literature award jointly sponsored by Williamsburg Regional Library and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation with funding from the Disabled American Veterans, Patrick Henry Chapter 34. It has been presented annually since 2003 to a book that discusses an aspect of American history from 1607-1865. Steve Sheinkin is the first two-time winner of the BOFA. He first won in 2010 for his book "Two Miserable Presidents."

"The Notorious Benedict Arnold" is a biography of America's first traitor - Benedict Arnold – who was also one of its greatest heroes prior to his betrayal. The book reads like an adventure tale, full of heroism, treachery, battle scenes and surprising twists.

The Beacon of Freedom Award is selected annually from a shortlist of books compiled by representatives from the Williamsburg Regional Library and Colonial Williamsburg.

Past winners of the award have included Newbery Award-winning author Avi, Amy Butler, Afua Cooper, Phyllis Haislip, Gail Karwowski, Doreen Rappaport, Seymour Reit, Steve Sheinkin, Roland Smith, Ken Stark and Jan Vernier.