1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Green, John. 2005. Looking for Alaska. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN 0525475060
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Miles “Pudge” Halter has moved from his home in Florida to a boarding school in Culver Creek, Alabama. Pudge’s main goal is to find the “Great Perhaps” and experience a different life. He befriends several kids at school, including Alaska, Chip “The Colonel,” and Takumi. These friends embark on prank wars, smoking, drinking, and confusing teenage romances. One night, Alaska leaves, gets in a crash, and passes away. The boys are left to cope with the death of their dear friend and trying to figure out if they were partly at fault for her crash. In the end, Miles figures out the importance of friendships and relying on others.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSISJohn Green has created a realistic look at the life of a teenager, with the temptations of smoking, drinking, and sexual activities. Boys and girls alike will connect with Miles, who is trying to find a greater life for himself by moving away from his family. Readers who have ever had problems with love triangles and peer pressure can really connect with the main characters of Looking for Alaska. Green captures the uncertainty and guilt that many people feel after the loss of a loved one, and shows how several characters deal with death in their own way. At times, the first part of the book can seem slow going, but after Alaska’s death, the air of suspense and guilt really capture the reader’s attention. This book is definitely for older readers who are in grades 9 or above.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Michael L. Printz Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The language and sexual situations are aptly and realistically drawn, but sophisticated in nature. Miles's narration is alive with sweet, self-deprecating humor, and his obvious struggle to tell the story truthfully adds to his believability.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Readers will only hope that this is not the last word from this promising new author.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This would be a great book to use for Reader’s Theater
*Readers can discuss the temptations of high school and how they can completely alter many lives in one instant.
*Other books by John Green:
Green, John. An Abundance of Katherines. ISBN 0142410705
Green, John. Paper Towns. ISBN 0525478183
Saturday, August 8, 2009
PRINCESS ACADEMY
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon. 2005. Princess Academy. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1582349932
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Miri is a 14 year old girl living in the quarry of Mount Eskel. She is smaller than the other girls and is not allowed to work with everyone else. One day the king sends an announcement that the prince is to marry a girl from Mount Eskel. The girls are sent to an academy to learn how to be a proper princess. There is a lot of competition and tension among the girls, and it worsens when bandits take the girls captive. Is Miri able to save the girls and realize her true calling in the end?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon Hale has created a world similar to our own, with a main country, and territories, including Mount Eskel. The citizens of Mount Eskel enjoy their simple lives, except for Miri, the little 14 year old who wants something more. Readers are able to picture the beautiful mountainside and the connection that the people have with their home. Readers who are about to embark on a new stage in their lives may connect with Miri, who is searching for her true self and how she fits in with the world she knows. There are also subplots of romance and importance of family connections, which will capture many readers. Girls who are different than their peers and feel like they can’t make a difference will especially find Miri’s tale appealing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newberry Honor Book
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.”
BOOKLIST: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This would be a great book to use for Reader’s Theater
*Readers can discuss the importance of being different and how everyone can make a difference. *Other books by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. Book of a Thousand Days. ISBN 1599900513
Hale Shannon. River Secrets. ISBN 1599902931
Hale Shannon. The Goose Girl. ISBN 1582349908
Hale, Shannon. 2005. Princess Academy. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1582349932
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Miri is a 14 year old girl living in the quarry of Mount Eskel. She is smaller than the other girls and is not allowed to work with everyone else. One day the king sends an announcement that the prince is to marry a girl from Mount Eskel. The girls are sent to an academy to learn how to be a proper princess. There is a lot of competition and tension among the girls, and it worsens when bandits take the girls captive. Is Miri able to save the girls and realize her true calling in the end?
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon Hale has created a world similar to our own, with a main country, and territories, including Mount Eskel. The citizens of Mount Eskel enjoy their simple lives, except for Miri, the little 14 year old who wants something more. Readers are able to picture the beautiful mountainside and the connection that the people have with their home. Readers who are about to embark on a new stage in their lives may connect with Miri, who is searching for her true self and how she fits in with the world she knows. There are also subplots of romance and importance of family connections, which will capture many readers. Girls who are different than their peers and feel like they can’t make a difference will especially find Miri’s tale appealing.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newberry Honor Book
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home.”
BOOKLIST: “Hale nicely interweaves feminist sensibilities in this quest-for-a-prince-charming, historical-fantasy tale.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*This would be a great book to use for Reader’s Theater
*Readers can discuss the importance of being different and how everyone can make a difference. *Other books by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. Book of a Thousand Days. ISBN 1599900513
Hale Shannon. River Secrets. ISBN 1599902931
Hale Shannon. The Goose Girl. ISBN 1582349908
RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1599902885
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Rapunzel is 12 years old she finds out her mother, Mother Gothel, is not really her mother and is an evil ruler of their land. Her “mother” locks her in a tree for four years when Rapunzel escapes. She joins up with Jack to combat robbers and find a way to help her mother escape and the land to be free of Mother Gothel. In the end Rapunzel and Jack fight of Mother Gothel and reclaim the land as it once was.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon and Dean Hale, along with illustrator Nathan Hale, have created a new twist on an old story. We find out that Rapunzel was locked in a tree by her evil “mother” and actually escapes on her own to join up with her new friend on a classic good versus evil battle. Rapunzel, or “Punzie,” and Jack travel the dark, desolate land and hatch a plot to stop the evil Mother Gothel. Nathan Hale’s illustrations depict a sad, barren land with unhappy citizens. The story continues, at times, in just pictures, which can be kind of confusing for first time graphic novel readers. Also, the location of some dialogue can be confusing, due to the bubbles’ close proximity to each other. Readers who like comic books as well as fairytales will love this adventure!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”
BOOKLIST: “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Readers may enjoy reading other versions of classic fairytales
*Readers can create their own versions of their favorite fairytales
*Other books by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. Book of a Thousand Days. ISBN 1599900513
Hale Shannon. River Secrets. ISBN 1599902931
Hale Shannon. The Goose Girl. ISBN 1582349908
Hale, Shannon and Dean Hale. 2008. Rapunzel’s Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. New York, NY: Bloomsbury. ISBN 1599902885
2. PLOT SUMMARY
When Rapunzel is 12 years old she finds out her mother, Mother Gothel, is not really her mother and is an evil ruler of their land. Her “mother” locks her in a tree for four years when Rapunzel escapes. She joins up with Jack to combat robbers and find a way to help her mother escape and the land to be free of Mother Gothel. In the end Rapunzel and Jack fight of Mother Gothel and reclaim the land as it once was.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Shannon and Dean Hale, along with illustrator Nathan Hale, have created a new twist on an old story. We find out that Rapunzel was locked in a tree by her evil “mother” and actually escapes on her own to join up with her new friend on a classic good versus evil battle. Rapunzel, or “Punzie,” and Jack travel the dark, desolate land and hatch a plot to stop the evil Mother Gothel. Nathan Hale’s illustrations depict a sad, barren land with unhappy citizens. The story continues, at times, in just pictures, which can be kind of confusing for first time graphic novel readers. Also, the location of some dialogue can be confusing, due to the bubbles’ close proximity to each other. Readers who like comic books as well as fairytales will love this adventure!
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The dialogue is witty, the story is an enticing departure from the original, and the illustrations are magically fun and expressive.”
BOOKLIST: “Rich with humor and excitement, this is an alternate version of a classic that will become a fast favorite of young readers.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Readers may enjoy reading other versions of classic fairytales
*Readers can create their own versions of their favorite fairytales
*Other books by Shannon Hale:
Hale, Shannon. Book of a Thousand Days. ISBN 1599900513
Hale Shannon. River Secrets. ISBN 1599902931
Hale Shannon. The Goose Girl. ISBN 1582349908
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395913675
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kit Tyler has just moved from Barbados to Connecticut in 1687 after the death of her grandfather. Her life in Barbados had been carefree and fun, and she expects Connecticut to be similar. She arrives to the surprise of her Aunt Rachel, Uncle Matthew, and their two daughters, Mercy and Judith. Kit comes to learn that Puritan Connecticut is much different than Barbados and there is unrest among the colonists due to the King of England and his appointed governors. Kit learns to work hard, but she never really fits in until she befriends an old lady by Blackbird Pond, Hannah. Amidst Kit’s confusing love life, she begins to come to love Hannah and is shocked when she is accused of being a witch. After helping Hannah escape, Kit is accused of witchery and brought to trial in this story of staying true to yourself and befriending those who are different.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Elizabeth George Speare creates a very likable character in Kit. Readers can really feel her conflict between wanting to please her new family and staying true to her upbringing. Readers can feel the tension that existed at the time between loyal followers of the King and those who wanted to rebel. Readers also get a great look at life in Puritan Connecticut and how everything they did was dedicated to God. The subplots of several romances allow readers to connect to Kit and her cousins as well as the three men they are involved with. The underlying message of friendship and differences in others is reflected throughout the story and readers who feel that it is not “cool” to befriend the “weird” kid will be able to connect deeply to Kit’s conflicts.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Hurt's use of vocal inflection and expression make this an excellent choice for listening whether as an enrichment to the social studies curriculum or purely for pleasure.”
BOOKLIST: “Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great book to read to introduce a lesson on Colonial America
Students can take sides in a debate on weather to follow the King of England or rebel
Students can lead a “witch trial” to understand what life was like during those times
Other books related to Colonial America:
Forbes, Esther. Johnny Tremain. ISBN 0440442508
Latham, Jean Lee. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. 0618250743
Collier, James Lincoln. My Brother Sam Is Dead. ISBN 0439783607
Speare, Elizabeth George. 1958. The Witch of Blackbird Pond. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395913675
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Kit Tyler has just moved from Barbados to Connecticut in 1687 after the death of her grandfather. Her life in Barbados had been carefree and fun, and she expects Connecticut to be similar. She arrives to the surprise of her Aunt Rachel, Uncle Matthew, and their two daughters, Mercy and Judith. Kit comes to learn that Puritan Connecticut is much different than Barbados and there is unrest among the colonists due to the King of England and his appointed governors. Kit learns to work hard, but she never really fits in until she befriends an old lady by Blackbird Pond, Hannah. Amidst Kit’s confusing love life, she begins to come to love Hannah and is shocked when she is accused of being a witch. After helping Hannah escape, Kit is accused of witchery and brought to trial in this story of staying true to yourself and befriending those who are different.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Elizabeth George Speare creates a very likable character in Kit. Readers can really feel her conflict between wanting to please her new family and staying true to her upbringing. Readers can feel the tension that existed at the time between loyal followers of the King and those who wanted to rebel. Readers also get a great look at life in Puritan Connecticut and how everything they did was dedicated to God. The subplots of several romances allow readers to connect to Kit and her cousins as well as the three men they are involved with. The underlying message of friendship and differences in others is reflected throughout the story and readers who feel that it is not “cool” to befriend the “weird” kid will be able to connect deeply to Kit’s conflicts.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Hurt's use of vocal inflection and expression make this an excellent choice for listening whether as an enrichment to the social studies curriculum or purely for pleasure.”
BOOKLIST: “Strong plot, fully realized characters and convincing atmosphere distinguish this historical narrative of a girl whose rebellion against bigotry and her Puritan surroundings culminates in a witch hunt and trial.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great book to read to introduce a lesson on Colonial America
Students can take sides in a debate on weather to follow the King of England or rebel
Students can lead a “witch trial” to understand what life was like during those times
Other books related to Colonial America:
Forbes, Esther. Johnny Tremain. ISBN 0440442508
Latham, Jean Lee. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. 0618250743
Collier, James Lincoln. My Brother Sam Is Dead. ISBN 0439783607
CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Avi. 2002. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 0786808284
2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Asta’s Son” has just lost his mother when he is accused of stealing from the manor house in medieval England. He is declared a “wolf’s head,” which means anyone can kill him on sight. Before running away from his home of Stromford, his priest tells him that his name is really Crispin and that he needs to a larger city in order to gain his freedom. While trying to stay hidden from the men trying to kill him, Crispin meets Bear, a juggler, who becomes Crispin’s master. Bear takes Crispin under his wing while they travel from town to town and find out more about why Crispin is being hunted. Bear also has a secret of his own, and everything comes to light in the town of Great Wexley during the Festival of St. John the Baptiste. This is a great story about finding oneself and learning to trust others.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Avi’s writing style in Crispin: The Cross of Lead allows readers to be brought back in time to medieval England. The voice of Crispin echoes that of medieval English using a lot of “thees” and interesting sentence structure. As Crispin and Bear travel across the land, readers get a feel of what the world was like back in the fourteenth century. Readers learn about a different type of slavery while following the action and mystery of the story line. Readers are also able to connect to a character from long ago by realizing that Crispin struggles for the same thing that many people struggle to find today, a sense of self and learning to trust completely. Crispin’s innocence and growth reflect those of modern day readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy. The result is a meticulously crafted story, full of adventure, mystery, and action.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY : “Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great book to read to introduce a lesson on medieval England
Lead discussions with readers to discus the connections between life as a slave in Civil War Era America and life under a master in fourteenth century England
Other books related to Medieval England:
Avi. Book Without Words, The: A Fable of Medieval Magic. ISBN 0786816597
Schlitz, Laura Amy. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village. ISBN 0763643327
The Sequel to Crispin: The Cross of Lead:
Avi. Crispin at the Edge of the World. ISBN 078685152X
Avi. 2002. Crispin: The Cross of Lead. New York, NY: Hyperion. ISBN 0786808284
2. PLOT SUMMARY
“Asta’s Son” has just lost his mother when he is accused of stealing from the manor house in medieval England. He is declared a “wolf’s head,” which means anyone can kill him on sight. Before running away from his home of Stromford, his priest tells him that his name is really Crispin and that he needs to a larger city in order to gain his freedom. While trying to stay hidden from the men trying to kill him, Crispin meets Bear, a juggler, who becomes Crispin’s master. Bear takes Crispin under his wing while they travel from town to town and find out more about why Crispin is being hunted. Bear also has a secret of his own, and everything comes to light in the town of Great Wexley during the Festival of St. John the Baptiste. This is a great story about finding oneself and learning to trust others.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Avi’s writing style in Crispin: The Cross of Lead allows readers to be brought back in time to medieval England. The voice of Crispin echoes that of medieval English using a lot of “thees” and interesting sentence structure. As Crispin and Bear travel across the land, readers get a feel of what the world was like back in the fourteenth century. Readers learn about a different type of slavery while following the action and mystery of the story line. Readers are also able to connect to a character from long ago by realizing that Crispin struggles for the same thing that many people struggle to find today, a sense of self and learning to trust completely. Crispin’s innocence and growth reflect those of modern day readers.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Newbery Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy. The result is a meticulously crafted story, full of adventure, mystery, and action.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY : “Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This book would be a great book to read to introduce a lesson on medieval England
Lead discussions with readers to discus the connections between life as a slave in Civil War Era America and life under a master in fourteenth century England
Other books related to Medieval England:
Avi. Book Without Words, The: A Fable of Medieval Magic. ISBN 0786816597
Schlitz, Laura Amy. Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village. ISBN 0763643327
The Sequel to Crispin: The Cross of Lead:
Avi. Crispin at the Edge of the World. ISBN 078685152X
THE GREEN GLASS SEA
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Klages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 0670061344
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Dewey Kerrigan is an eleven year old girl whose mother left her when she was a toddler and her grandmother can no longer take care of her when her dad is gone for work. Dewey moves to be with her father in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where scientists are working on a way to stop World War II. She is different than all of the other girls because she likes science, so she works on her projects to keep herself from being lonely while her father works long hours on the “gadget.” Soon though, her father is sent to Washington and she moves in with Suze, another girl in her grade. Dewey and Suze slowly develop a friendship that is forever cemented when Dewey’s father is killed. In the end, the development of the atomic bomb is complete and Dewey and Suze become “sisters.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ellen Klages connects history and a personal story in a way that will capture many readers. By going back and forth between the characters of Dewey and Suze, readers are able to understand multiple points of view of Los Alamos during World War II. Facts about the town, are interwoven into the story and readers familiar with the history will have no trouble realizing that the “gadget” is the atomic bomb, readers who have never heard of Los Alamos will slowly start to realize what the “gadget” is as the story progresses. Klages is able to capture the many emotions that Dewey felt during her lonely period and the pride that the American people had of their country during the war. Klages also includes a list of books about Los Alamos at the end of the story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Scott O’Dell Award Winner
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way.”
BOOKLIST: “The novel occasionally gets mired down in detail, but the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a book that should prompt discussion about the ethical issues of the atomic bomb and how it affected people in the US and other countries
This is a great book to tie into a WWII history lesson.
Other books related to WWII:
Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. ISBN 0684865130
Zollo, Burt. Prisoners. ISBN 0897335155
The Sequel to The Green Glass Sea:
Klages, Ellen. White Sands, Red Menace. ISBN 0670062359
Klages, Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York, NY: Viking. ISBN 0670061344
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Dewey Kerrigan is an eleven year old girl whose mother left her when she was a toddler and her grandmother can no longer take care of her when her dad is gone for work. Dewey moves to be with her father in Los Alamos, New Mexico, where scientists are working on a way to stop World War II. She is different than all of the other girls because she likes science, so she works on her projects to keep herself from being lonely while her father works long hours on the “gadget.” Soon though, her father is sent to Washington and she moves in with Suze, another girl in her grade. Dewey and Suze slowly develop a friendship that is forever cemented when Dewey’s father is killed. In the end, the development of the atomic bomb is complete and Dewey and Suze become “sisters.”
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Ellen Klages connects history and a personal story in a way that will capture many readers. By going back and forth between the characters of Dewey and Suze, readers are able to understand multiple points of view of Los Alamos during World War II. Facts about the town, are interwoven into the story and readers familiar with the history will have no trouble realizing that the “gadget” is the atomic bomb, readers who have never heard of Los Alamos will slowly start to realize what the “gadget” is as the story progresses. Klages is able to capture the many emotions that Dewey felt during her lonely period and the pride that the American people had of their country during the war. Klages also includes a list of books about Los Alamos at the end of the story.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Scott O’Dell Award Winner
Judy Lopez Memorial Award Winner
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way.”
BOOKLIST: “The novel occasionally gets mired down in detail, but the characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes.”
5. CONNECTIONS
This is a book that should prompt discussion about the ethical issues of the atomic bomb and how it affected people in the US and other countries
This is a great book to tie into a WWII history lesson.
Other books related to WWII:
Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. ISBN 0684865130
Zollo, Burt. Prisoners. ISBN 0897335155
The Sequel to The Green Glass Sea:
Klages, Ellen. White Sands, Red Menace. ISBN 0670062359
Saturday, July 18, 2009
WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. 2008. Washington at Valley Forge. Singapore: Holiday House. ISBN 0823420698
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In Washington at Valley Forge, Russell Freedman shows the reader all about the hardships and sacrifices made during one winter of the American Revolution. George Washington is in charge of the American troops, but Philadelphia has been taken and the army needs someplace to stay for the winter, so the bunker down at Valley Forge where they quickly run out of supplies. This biography reflects the courage and persistence of the men at Valley Forge and how they flourished under General George Washington’s leadership, and eventually won the war for freedom.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Russell Freedman’s writing style turns an historical character into someone that all readers can relate to. Through Freedman’s extensive research, readers are able to read diary excerpts from men in the war and how they felt about George Washington’s character. We are able to see the human side of Washington: he was a little insecure in his abilities at first, determined to make his army the best it could be under harsh circumstances, and that he even and a soft side: “at times his eyes filled with tears” when discussing the poor living conditions of his troops. Although the book starts slowly, then jumps back in time for a brief history lesson on the war, it quickly gets into the main topic of life at Valley Forge. Readers wanting to go back to reference a certain quote or topic are able to do so by going through the indexes, as well as the table of contents.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "In a gripping, gritty account of the months that General Washington and his troops spent camped at Valley Forge, Freedman deftly brings to life this storied, nearly mythic period of the Revolutionary War."
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “Lacing facts and history into a winning, if not always tremendously exciting, narrative, this solid book will dispel any fogginess children may have about why that winter in Valley Forge was such a pivotal time in our country’s founding.”
5. CONNECTIONS
Read this book while studying the American Revolution
Have students create a play based on the events that took place at Valley Forge
Other historical biographies by Russell Freedman:
Freedman, Russell. Lincoln: A Photobiography. ISBN 0395518482
Freedman, Russell. Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery. ISBN 0395845203
Freedman, Russell. The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane. ISBN 082341082X
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