living history

So this is one of many books about the American Revolution I have read lately. THE CROSSING: HOW GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVED THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION by Jim Murphy (Scholastic 2010) is a slim book with plenty of historical documents, maps, notes, and other material that brings to life some decisive moments in the early stages of the American war for independence from the British. Murphy has always had the wonderful ability to make subjects come to life for readers. Last year's TRUCE was an incredible example of just that. He does it again in THE CROSSING as he details the early days of Washington's leadership of the rag tag American army pretty much outmatched and outnumbered by the British. A final note about the classic painting of Washington crossing the Delaware was so illuminating, I know am heading off to view it online and see what the artist was hoping to accomplish. <488>

READING LADDER RUNGS:

WOODS RUNNER
FORGE
LAFAYETTE AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

and take a look at Jean Fritz's GEORGE WASHINGTON'S BREAKFAST, too
and Kathleen Krull's THE PRESIDENTS collective biography
and Judith St. George's SO YOU WANT TO BE PRESIDENT?