Book Review: The Crossing
George Washington comes to life in new book
The Crossing
Author: Jim Murphy
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Release Date: December 2010
Age Range: 9-12
The Crossing captures the essence of the American Revolution in this new telling of historic events that brings George Washington to life. Written by two-time Newbery Honor Book and Sibert Award-winning author Jim Murphy, the book begins in Colonial America in the 18th century. It ends with the creation of the United States.
As the main character, Washington is joined by Major General Israel Putnam, Colonel John Glover, and Britain's General William Howe. These historic figures and more are captured by striking illustrations and maps.
The famous-name characters make it easy to follow the plot, but each chapter also stands alone. Murphy uses vivid imagery to provide page-turning power and keep the readers' attention.
Murphy's writing style is friendly yet educational. He carefully leads readers through critical moments of the American Revolution like the invasion, the retreat, and ultimately Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River.
In the end, Murphy paints a picture of the lives of the soldiers who fought for their independence from Great Britain and the monarchy.
Another great feature of the book is the timeline in the back. For those who want to dig deeper, the book also includes a listing of Revolutionary War sites in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Scholastic News recently caught up with author Jim Murphy to talk about his new book. Check out Kid Reporter Viveca Riley's interview.
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