The Crossing

The Crossing is a children's history book that follows George Washington during the early years of the American Revolution. The book focuses on Washington's leadership and crucial military decisions during 1776-1777, a period that tested both his abilities and the Continental Army's resolve. Murphy reconstructs key battles and military campaigns through primary sources, maps, and period illustrations. The narrative centers on Washington's strategic decisions as he faced the British army, including the famous Delaware River crossing and subsequent engagements. The text examines Washington's growth as a military commander, from his initial setbacks to his emergence as a skilled strategist. The book includes details about the harsh conditions faced by Revolutionary soldiers and the logistical challenges of eighteenth-century warfare. This account of a critical period in American history explores themes of perseverance, leadership under pressure, and the role of calculated risk-taking in military success. The book demonstrates how individual decisions can alter the course of major historical events.

Readers found this historical account of Washington crossing the Delaware engaging for middle-grade students while maintaining historical accuracy. The book presents details of the crossing not covered in standard textbooks. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanation of military strategy and troop movements - Period illustrations and maps that aid understanding - Focus on both famous figures and common soldiers - Accessible writing style for ages 10-14 Main criticisms: - Some found the pacing slow in sections - A few readers wanted more personal stories from soldiers - Limited coverage of events before and after the crossing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (186 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (21 ratings) "Makes a complex military operation understandable for young readers" - School Library Journal review "The maps helped me finally understand the geography of the crossing" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have included more about the Battle of Trenton that followed" - Amazon reviewer

1776 by David McCullough Documents the same pivotal year in the Revolutionary War through multiple perspectives of both American and British forces, expanding the military context of Washington's campaigns.

George Washington's Secret Six by Don Yaeger Reveals the network of spies Washington used during the Revolutionary War, illuminating the intelligence operations behind the military maneuvers.

Valley Forge by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin Chronicles the Continental Army's winter at Valley Forge, examining the transformation of Washington's troops from a struggling force to a professional military.

Washington's Immortals by Patrick K. O'Donnell Follows the elite regiment of soldiers from Maryland who fought through the Revolution's major battles, providing a ground-level view of the war.

Almost A Miracle by John Ferling Presents the military history of the entire Revolutionary War, placing Washington's crossing and campaigns within the broader strategic context.

★ Jim Murphy won the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2010 for his lifetime contribution to young adult literature, particularly for his engaging approach to historical events. ★ The Delaware River crossing described in the book took place on December 25-26, 1776, during a severe winter storm with temperatures well below freezing. ★ Washington's army used Durham boats - large, commercial cargo vessels - to cross the Delaware River, rather than the smaller rowboats often depicted in popular artwork. ★ Before writing historical books for young readers, Jim Murphy worked as a children's book editor at Clarion Books for nearly 20 years. ★ The famous "Washington Crossing the Delaware" painting by Emanuel Leutze, created in 1851, contains several historical inaccuracies, including the type of boat and the American flag shown.