Washington at Valley Forge

Very well written! This is one of the best books of juvenile literature that I've read about the American Revolution. From the first page, you feel as if you are part of the scene. You can feel the frozen barefoot toes walking in the snow at Valley Forge, the plight of the unfed and inadequately clothed soldiers. The book uses primary sources from letters of soldiers who were there. Its pictures are the best engravings and paintings of the era, which help to illuminate the story. This is a high quality book that I would be proud to own.

Russell Freedman is one of my favorite nonfiction authors for young people. He has won many children's book awards for his ability to balance easy-to-read text with engaging illustrations to tell the captivating stories from American history. In Washington at Valley Forge, Freedman provides a powerful account of the Winter of 1777-78. In addition to telling the story of Valley Forge during the encampment, the book also provides an overview of the events before and after the famous winter encampment. The use of historical maps, etchings, drawings, and painting brings the time period alive for readers. Because I'm currently researching an ancestor who served at Valley Forge, the book took on extra meaning. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an overview of this famous event in American history.

Read before our visit to Valley Forge

Grandsons learned a lot!

My 4th grader loved this!

More than 11,000 Continental soldiers were weary, cold and hungry, but they persevered and continued to march on to Valley Forge, a place where they would encamp for a long, cold winter. Their commander, George Washington, had chosen this location because it would provide an area where they could defend themselves against the enemy. It was a place where men would become almost desperate from hunger and thirst. It was now the third year of the war and Washington "needed a winter camp where he could rest and reorganize his bedraggled Continentals, a place close enough to Philadelphia to maintain pressure on the British, yet far enough away to guard against surprise attacks."Even the horses began to perish, but Washington and his troops held on. "Secret enemies" plotted to damage his reputation and replace him. African Americans served in the regiments, hopeful that they would gain their freedom if they won the war, while their comrades hoped for "land bounties and monetary bonuses." All wanted to take part in the quest for liberty and justice. This "skeleton of an army" would build their camp and make it through the harsh winter. Even Martha Washington would travel to Valley Forge in February to join her husband and support him and the soldier's cause.The first hand accounts from men like Private Joseph Plumb Martin brought this book to life and gave it enough momentum to make this book a page turner. This book is liberally illustrated and their captions add even more tidbits of history to this fantastic book. The book has a map of Valley Forge, one of the battles of the mid-Atlantic states, a time line, excellent source notes, a bibliography and a thorough index. Books like these will spur young historians into wanting to read more and more books just like this one!

This beautifully written and illustrated book is a fantastic work for middle elementary school readers. Mr. Freedman shows us Washington's character, growing leadership, and devotion to his soldiers. We get a powerful feel for the trials that went on in Valley Forge, with the focus being the courage and determination of the men and Washington's strong empathy for them. After reading several other books about the Revolutionary War with my 9yo, this book stands out as a favorite. We felt inspired by the stories of camaraderie, bravery, intelligence, and desire for liberty. We'll read anything written by Mr. Freedman after reading this book!

This came very quickly, particularly since it was just before Christmas. Very safe packaging and beautiful book:)