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Washington at Valley Forge

Publication Information

Author: Freedman, Russell

Illustrator:

Title: Washington at Valley Forge

Date: 2008

Publisher: Holiday House

City: New York

ISBN, paperback: 978-0-8234-2069-8

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult: Yes

Picture:

General Information:

Book Type(s): nonfiction

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies

Summary:

In Freedman's inimitable style, he captures the grit and triumphs over the lack of provisions for General Washington's winter encampment at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War. Excellent and unfamiliar paintings of Washington accompany the text. The attention to detail and research make the book an authentic depiction of hardship and survival.

Teaching Ideas:

Good addition to a text set on Early American History. Since the detail of the hardships at Valley Forge make the story unforgettable, students should keep a journal, noting the conditions. Perhaps, they could then write an imaginary letter home about it. Another theme to track would be Washington's political efforts to get support from the Continental Congress and to keep his enemies at bay, then write a letter to Martha, describing his success. The book could be paired with other accounts of bravery and determination while facing hardships. The book could serve as an introduction to a study of the American Revolution or a study of an American hero.

Teaching Strategies: