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Jockey Hollow: Where a Forgotten Army Persevered to Win America's Freedom
"Those who have only been in Valley Forge and Middlebrook during the last two winters, but have not tasted the cruelties of this one, know not what it is to suffer." Major General Johann de Kalb, an officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, was describing the winter of 1779-80 at Jockey Hollow, a wilderness near Morristown, New Jersey. The beaten up and worn down Continental soldiers had marched through two feet of snow and record-breaking cold to get to Jockey Hollow. This winter will become the harshest of the century. The men also face chronic supply shortages, desertions, enemy attacks, and even treason by one of their beloved officers. What's more, the soldiers' pay is often delayed. In fact the Pennsylvania and Massachusetts Lines hadn't been paid in a year. Freezing, starving, half-naked troops persevere while the war's outcome becomes increasingly more precarious. If they give up now, all hope for their country's independence will be lost. Pushed to the brink of mutiny, how will these neglected men overcome all odds and win America's freedom? This book looks at Jockey Hollow, its impact on the soldiers, and ultimately its impact on the second half of the American Revolution.
120 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2015
280 people want to read
About the author
Rosalie Lauerman
3 books28 followersNew author, Rosalie Lauerman, is passionate about uncovering and writing under-told stories for young readers. Her work has been accepted by Cricket, Highlights, and other children’s magazines.
While living in New Jersey, Rosalie and her family were neighbors with Jockey Hollow, a unit of Morristown National Historical Park. She frequently heard park visitors say that they knew nothing about this Revolutionary War encampment, inspiring her to write her first book, Jockey Hollow.
Rosalie grew up on a Midwestern farm and attended a small school—her eighth grade class consisted of nine students. The future writer edited the high school newspaper and studied journalism and economics in college. Before turning to writing, she worked as a computer programmer. While raising two sons, Rosalie was employed in New Jersey municipal government. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Although she considers New Jersey her natural habitat, Rosalie and her husband currently live in Illinois, surrounded by restored prairies, gold finches, and monarch butterflies.
While living in New Jersey, Rosalie and her family were neighbors with Jockey Hollow, a unit of Morristown National Historical Park. She frequently heard park visitors say that they knew nothing about this Revolutionary War encampment, inspiring her to write her first book, Jockey Hollow.
Rosalie grew up on a Midwestern farm and attended a small school—her eighth grade class consisted of nine students. The future writer edited the high school newspaper and studied journalism and economics in college. Before turning to writing, she worked as a computer programmer. While raising two sons, Rosalie was employed in New Jersey municipal government. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
Although she considers New Jersey her natural habitat, Rosalie and her husband currently live in Illinois, surrounded by restored prairies, gold finches, and monarch butterflies.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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October 5, 2016Author Rosalie Lauerman’s passion for discovering little-known stories from history is clearly on display as she relates the extraordinary tale of courage and determination shown by the Continental soldiers through the winter of 1779-1780. Valley Forge is a familiar name, but Jockey Hollow defined an even greater depth of suffering for the men who answered the call to fight for American independence.
Jockey Hollow: Where A Forgotten Army Persevered To Win American Freedom is well illustrated with photographs, drawings and maps. A Gallery of Heroes provides thumbnail biographies of the main characters. There’s a brief discussion of the Morristown National Historical Park followed by a timeline, Places to Explore for additional information, Additional Reading, and Credits and Bibliography.
Jockey Hollow: Where A Forgotten Army Persevered To Win American Freedom is well illustrated with photographs, drawings and maps. A Gallery of Heroes provides thumbnail biographies of the main characters. There’s a brief discussion of the Morristown National Historical Park followed by a timeline, Places to Explore for additional information, Additional Reading, and Credits and Bibliography.
January 26, 2016
When I won this book I had no recollection of entering this giveaway but I am sure glad I did not only was it educational but also enjoyable. I am passing it on to my 12 year old grandson who I am sure will find it a very GOOD read.
July 15, 2017
I received a signed copy of Jockey Hollow: Where a Forgotten Army Persevered to win America’s Freedom by Rosalie Lauerman and two book cards from book review buzz. This is an excellent source for Revolutionary War history. The book is detailed, interesting, well researched and easy to read. It also provides references to other sources and to interactive sights for further learning. It will make an excellent addition to my social studies library. I would recommend it to educators, homeschoolers, history buffs, Revolutionary era reactors, students in the upper elementary through high school levels, and parents who’d like a fun but educational book for their home libraries.
June 17, 2017
Tracks many of the same events as The Uncertain Revolution by John Cunningham albeit condensed for a middle-school audience. Well-organized, well-paced, and brimful of full-color illustrations.
April 3, 2017
Reviewed by Carla Trueheart for Readers' Favorite
Jockey Hollow was a pleasure to read and was packed with historical facts and intriguing stories. Jockey Hollow, a lesser-known area from the Revolutionary War era, was indeed worse than Valley Forge. The book explains the difficulties the soldiers of the Revolution faced, including low temperatures, winter blizzards, no good shoes, thin blankets, and little to eat. Author Rosalie Lauerman has constructed an engaging book that does not read like a boring history book, but is filled with facts, tidbits, illustrations, and quotes. There is side information as well, such as the beacon fires and the youngest soldier (ten years old!). The day-to-day functions of the soldiers during the Revolutionary War are also listed, and it was fun to learn how they played checkers, cards, and darts to pass the time. This book is also a great resource for the entire war, as it covers much of what went on, including civilian life, diseases faced during the era, and the history of Benedict Arnold and others. Included at the end are war hero bios and resources.
Jockey Hollow was a short read but packed with valuable information. The book is immaculately edited, and all quotes are credited. I especially enjoyed the timeline at the end of the book, as it’s a little easier for me, personally, to follow timelines rather than war moves and strategy narratives. It was interesting to learn about the mutiny due to bad conditions, no food, and lack of warm clothing. It was inspiring, however, to learn how many soldiers did stick around despite these conditions to fight for a cause they believed in—American freedom. Author Rosalie Lauerman follows the Revolutionary period from Jockey Hollow to the triumphant end of the war, noting fun information with a clear passion for the topic. I would recommend this book to history fans!
Jockey Hollow was a pleasure to read and was packed with historical facts and intriguing stories. Jockey Hollow, a lesser-known area from the Revolutionary War era, was indeed worse than Valley Forge. The book explains the difficulties the soldiers of the Revolution faced, including low temperatures, winter blizzards, no good shoes, thin blankets, and little to eat. Author Rosalie Lauerman has constructed an engaging book that does not read like a boring history book, but is filled with facts, tidbits, illustrations, and quotes. There is side information as well, such as the beacon fires and the youngest soldier (ten years old!). The day-to-day functions of the soldiers during the Revolutionary War are also listed, and it was fun to learn how they played checkers, cards, and darts to pass the time. This book is also a great resource for the entire war, as it covers much of what went on, including civilian life, diseases faced during the era, and the history of Benedict Arnold and others. Included at the end are war hero bios and resources.
Jockey Hollow was a short read but packed with valuable information. The book is immaculately edited, and all quotes are credited. I especially enjoyed the timeline at the end of the book, as it’s a little easier for me, personally, to follow timelines rather than war moves and strategy narratives. It was interesting to learn about the mutiny due to bad conditions, no food, and lack of warm clothing. It was inspiring, however, to learn how many soldiers did stick around despite these conditions to fight for a cause they believed in—American freedom. Author Rosalie Lauerman follows the Revolutionary period from Jockey Hollow to the triumphant end of the war, noting fun information with a clear passion for the topic. I would recommend this book to history fans!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews