The Left Behinds and the iPhone That Saved George Washington

Gr 4–6—Meet General George Washington. Not a reenactor, but the real deal, dead with a bullet hole through the heart the day he's supposed to be leading 2400 Continental soldiers across the Delaware River. The question is how do three modern-day kids, left behind at their prestigious boarding school during Christmas, find themselves in the year 1776 facing a famous dead body. And if things aren't confusing enough, Mel, the history buff of the clueless trio, discovers he's getting texts from someone back at school. It's then that Mel realizes if General Washington does not complete the crossing of the Delaware, the American Revolution will fail. Intent on undoing the damage, the trio teams up with two 18th-century kids to right the wrong that will devastate history. This playful look at one of America's turning points introduces readers to an army of formidable German Hessians, a brilliant Benjamin Franklin, bone-chilling blizzard conditions, and the nation's founding fathers in the making. A skillful blend of humor, history, mystery, and adventure makes for a fun, fast-paced tale that will leave readers a little wiser.—Robyn Gioia, Antilles Middle School, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico