The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution- Middle Grade Nonfiction

 

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim. 2010. THE CROSSING: HOW GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVED THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-439-69186-4 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

George Washington is one of the most well-known and celebrated leaders in American history.  Murphy’s middle-grade book delivers a great story of how Washington earned this reputation. The book begins with his appointment by the Continental Congress after the first battles of Lexington and Concord. It follows Washington’s military ventures from the very beginning of the war through the turning point battles of Trenton and Princeton. Specific details of dates, movements and locations chronicle Washington’s most strategic plays. The book contains great illustrations, historical maps, and artifacts from the time period. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Crossing is an informative book. For a middle grade book, it includes a lot of historical details. It is full of dates, locations, names of leaders, numbers of troops, etc.  These historical details can detract from the flow of the overall story.  The beginning of Washington’s service to the Revolutionary cause is full of doubt, both from Washington and his critics. Although the maps and illustrations are all in sepia monochrome, they really enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist Starred Review (Nov. 2010): “Murphy offers a refreshingly frank, vivid, well-researched account of a pivotal time in American history.”

School Library Journal Starred Review (Dec. 2010): “A first purchase, even if your American Revolution shelves are packed.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*If you include this book in a study unit about the Revolutionary War, you may also consider: 

George vs. George: the American Revolution as seen from both sides, by Rosalyn Schanzer, ISBN 978-1-42871-796-1

Sophia’s War: a tale of Revolution, by Avi, ISBN 978-1-53798-858-0

Revolutionary friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, by Selene Castrovilla, ISBN 978-1-59078-880-6

*Other good middle grade books about George Washington: 

Allen, Thomas B. George Washington, spymaster: how the Americans outspied the British and won the Revolutionary War, ISBN 978-1-42871-797-8

Earl, Sari. George Washington : revolutionary leader & founding father, ISBN 978-1-60453-967-7