The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution

Bibliography

Murphy, Jim. The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution. New York: Scholastic, 2010. Print. ISBN 9780439691871

Plot Summary

Image courtesy of Scholastic.

For those who didn’t know George Washington didn’t come at success easily… The Crossing details Washington’s struggles to transform a small, amateur militia into a loyal, revolution-fighting military. He and his troops suffered losses, soldiers abandoning battles, being outnumbered by the superior British army, and Washington’s own lack of experience in strategic commanding. From 1775 to 1781, Washington learns to command the respect and loyalty of his men which eventually forces the British to sign a peace treaty acknowledging America’s independence.

Critical Analysis

This interesting turn-by-turn, sequential account of Washington’s tactical maneuvering of soldiers to outwit the more experienced, highly trained British forces is blended with quotes from a wide range of historical figures. Jim Murphy has a reputation for writing accurate nonfiction books for youth. His source notes provide verification of the accuracy of the information in this book. An index, website resource listing, and a timeline provide an abundant supply of quality resources for extending research on the American Revolution. Notes on the painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware offer insight for an in depth understanding of Leutze’s famous piece of work. Seven chapters dividing the major events make for a manageable study of Washington’s time as commander in chief of the Continental Army.

Well-placed, sepia photographs, paintings, illustrations, maps, and newspaper clippings placed frequently throughout support comprehension of the events as well as create interest in the topic. A few color illustrations would have lent even more interest. All in all, The Crossing is a thorough compilation of the events and viewpoints of the time laid out to the reader with a fluid style and impartiality.

Review Excerpts and Awards

Book Links Lasting Connections of 2010, Social Studies

2010 Margaret A. Edwards Award

From Kirkus Reviews: “Murphy brings the winter of 1776 to life with powerful prose and captivating illustrations.”

From Booklist: “Murphy offers a refreshingly frank, vivid, well-researched account of a pivotal time in American history.”

From School Library Journal: “…each step or misstep is as riveting as if readers were following at the heels of ‘the old fox’.”

From Publishers Weekly: “Murphy again digs into the well of history, this time emerging with a well-researched, absorbing account of the early battles of the Revolutionary War with Gen. George Washington at their center.”

Connections

Use as a resource for students studying the American Revolution.

Project the painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, and promote critical thinking in class discussions of what the painting means. Use the book’s notes on the painting to guide students in the artist’s intentions.

Have students compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions.

Have students study the viewpoints on both sides of the American Revolution with a culminating debate. Add additional resources such as, King George III: America’s Enemy by Philip Brooks ISBN 978-0531207390

Start a study blog with students in England to gain a variety of perspectives.

Create a 3D map illustrating an event in the American Revolution.