The Crossing

Gr 5-9 Murphy lays out the stakes in this well-known story immediately: the fate of the revolution and the country itself rested with the man chosen to lead the Continental Army. He centers the story on Washington, arguing that the early battles in and around New York and New Jersey transformed him from an inexperienced if well-respected military leader into a formidable commander and strategist. Whereas purely chronological histories drag readers' attention from one theater of war to another, Murphy concentrates on the troops directly under Washington's command in the events leading up to the battles of Trenton and Princeton, so that each step or misstep is as riveting as if readers were following at the heels of "the old fox." When the tide turns in the Patriots' favor, it is with a sense of relief rather than as a fait accompli. Illustrations include reproductions of portraits and several good, clear maps showing battlefields and troop movements. An especially effective spread of "Washington Crossing the Delaware"is followed by an analysis of the artist's theme of America's diverse people fighting for freedom against all odds. The time line and index are thorough, and the list of websites is comprehensive. Notes and sources, instead of listed chapter by chapter, are listed "in order of importance." A first purchase, even if your American Revolution shelves are packed.-"Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc.

In the first half of the book, Murphy describes 1776's multiple military disasters, noting the colonists' loss of confidence and will. This detailed background leads to Washington's climactic crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent defeat of the British at Trenton and Princeton. Pale sepia-toned text and illustrations (including maps and artwork reproductions) give the book a satisfying historical feel. Timeline, websites. Bib.