What do you think?
Rate this book
Siege: How General Washington Kicked the British Out of Boston and Launched a Revolution
Step back to British-held Boston and hear the voices of citizens, militiamen, and redcoats at a turning of the tide in the American Revolution, brought to life in Roxane Orgill's deft verse.
It is the summer of 1775. The British occupy Boston and its busy harbor, holding residents captive and keeping a strong military foothold. The threat of smallpox looms, and the town is cut off, even from food supplies. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, Congress unanimously elects George Washington commander in chief of the American armed forces, and he is sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to transform the ragtag collection of volunteer militiamen into America's first army. So far the war is nothing more than a series of intermittent skirmishes, but Washington is in constant fear of attack — until he takes the offensive with results that surprise everyone, the British most of all. Roxane Orgill uses verse to zoom in on the siege of Boston that launched the war to defeat the British, giving voice to privates and generals, their wives and city residents. to tell a story that is usually overlooked in Revolutionary War history. Back matter includes source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography.
It is the summer of 1775. The British occupy Boston and its busy harbor, holding residents captive and keeping a strong military foothold. The threat of smallpox looms, and the town is cut off, even from food supplies. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, Congress unanimously elects George Washington commander in chief of the American armed forces, and he is sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to transform the ragtag collection of volunteer militiamen into America's first army. So far the war is nothing more than a series of intermittent skirmishes, but Washington is in constant fear of attack — until he takes the offensive with results that surprise everyone, the British most of all. Roxane Orgill uses verse to zoom in on the siege of Boston that launched the war to defeat the British, giving voice to privates and generals, their wives and city residents. to tell a story that is usually overlooked in Revolutionary War history. Back matter includes source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2018
3 people are currently reading
954 people want to read
About the author
Roxane Orgill
12 books24 followersRoxane Orgill is an award-winning writer on music and the author of JAZZ DAY: THE MAKING OF A FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPH, illustrated by Francis Vallejo (Candlewick Press). JAZZ DAY earned six starred reviews and won The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Best Picture Book in 2016. Orgill has written several biographies for young readers, including SKIT-SCAT RAGGEDY CAT: ELLA FITZGERALD and FOOTWORK: THE STORY OF FRED AND ADELE ASTAIRE (Candlewick). She is also the author of DREAM LUCKY, a book for adults about big-band jazz, race, and politics in the 1930s (Smithsonian Books). She lives in Dobbs Ferry, NY.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 5, 2018
SIEGE: HOW GENERAL WASHINGTON KICKED THE BRITISH OUT OF BOSTON AND LAUNCHED A REVOLUTION by Roxanne Orgill.
I read an ‘Advance Reading Copy’ from Candlewick Press; part of an Early Review Program sponsored by Library Thing.
As a retired school librarian, I am very familiar with the excellent offerings of Candlewick Press. The publisher is top-notch.
In 1775, the British Army occupied Boston in order to subdue and discourage the colonists.
Roxanne Orgill tells the ‘story’ of the siege in free verse/poetic verse.
Access Points include:
a Cast of Characters including George Washington (Commander of the Continental Army); William Lee (Washington’s servant); Henry Knox (a Boston bookseller who became a colonel under Washington).
Introduction - I liked the simplicity and matter-of-factness of the Introduction.
Summer 1775
Fall 1775
Winter 1775-1776
Spring 1776
Glossary - excellent, interesting and helpful
Source Notes - excellent, interesting and helpful
Bibliography - excellent resources
Acknowledgements
Map - of Boston and its environs
I liked the repetition of ‘Orders’ (Orders is an actual character)
I liked the instructions for loading a ‘Brown Bess’ or musket written by Cyrus (a servant boy).
I liked the references to George Washington as a surveyor. I liked the reference to Henry Knox who was later rewarded for service with thousands of acres of land in Maine - one of the ‘Great Proprietors’. I also liked the list of victuals procured by Cyrus.
I liked that there was little punctuation.
The rhythm and cadence of the words was mesmerizing. The rhythm speaks to the hard work, the drudgery of the tasks to be performed everyday.
This title would be an excellent ‘stand-alone’ book for students to read. It could also be used as supplemental reading on this topic or as ‘theater’ or a broadcast.
I would recommend this title for grades 6 and above. The content is excellent and gives a very personalized account of daily life/military life and history in the Revolutionary War period.
I read an ‘Advance Reading Copy’ from Candlewick Press; part of an Early Review Program sponsored by Library Thing.
As a retired school librarian, I am very familiar with the excellent offerings of Candlewick Press. The publisher is top-notch.
In 1775, the British Army occupied Boston in order to subdue and discourage the colonists.
Roxanne Orgill tells the ‘story’ of the siege in free verse/poetic verse.
Access Points include:
a Cast of Characters including George Washington (Commander of the Continental Army); William Lee (Washington’s servant); Henry Knox (a Boston bookseller who became a colonel under Washington).
Introduction - I liked the simplicity and matter-of-factness of the Introduction.
Summer 1775
Fall 1775
Winter 1775-1776
Spring 1776
Glossary - excellent, interesting and helpful
Source Notes - excellent, interesting and helpful
Bibliography - excellent resources
Acknowledgements
Map - of Boston and its environs
I liked the repetition of ‘Orders’ (Orders is an actual character)
I liked the instructions for loading a ‘Brown Bess’ or musket written by Cyrus (a servant boy).
I liked the references to George Washington as a surveyor. I liked the reference to Henry Knox who was later rewarded for service with thousands of acres of land in Maine - one of the ‘Great Proprietors’. I also liked the list of victuals procured by Cyrus.
I liked that there was little punctuation.
The rhythm and cadence of the words was mesmerizing. The rhythm speaks to the hard work, the drudgery of the tasks to be performed everyday.
This title would be an excellent ‘stand-alone’ book for students to read. It could also be used as supplemental reading on this topic or as ‘theater’ or a broadcast.
I would recommend this title for grades 6 and above. The content is excellent and gives a very personalized account of daily life/military life and history in the Revolutionary War period.
April 23, 2020
History in verse is great but this is a super specific piece of history and I found it hard to follow some of those specifics when written in verse. But it was a quick and novel read.
December 22, 2017
I liked this book very much. The book is about the British occupation of Boston during the American Revolutionary War. The book is told through a series of short poems. I was not sure how the use of poetry would work in telling this tale. However, it functioned very well. The poetry is, in my opinion, more like thoughts to ponder than poetry. I would be very interested in reading more of these types of books. Maybe one on Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor or Apollo 11.
April 5, 2018
Print copy did not have the same issues as the ebook. Amending my review accordingly.
Ebook layout was tough to read. I want to see the final copy. Might make good basis for readers theater?
Ebook layout was tough to read. I want to see the final copy. Might make good basis for readers theater?
January 19, 2018
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Written in free verse, “Siege” is interesting and creative take on telling the events that happened at the start of the war. It would be great for co-teaching the American Revolution between an English and Social Studies class. You could teach poetry through the works in the book and even have students write some of their own historical fiction poetry as they are learning about the American Revolution in social studies. There are many different “voices” heard through the poems, including George Washington, British soldiers and even perspectives of people living in Boston at the time. I would say that this couldn’t stand alone as a work to teach about this particular event in history. I think students would have to get some factual background knowledge of the 1775 siege on Boston to truly appreciate this book. I will be adding it to our school library’s collection.
June 2, 2018
Orgill, Roxanne Siege:How General Washington Kicked the British Out of Boston and Launched a Revolution, 221 pages. Candlewick Press, 2018. $18. Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.
George Washington is elected to lead the troops against the British, but it is not always easy because the supplies are low and they don’t have much financial backing. When the British gain control of Boston, the rebel American troops concentrate their efforts on removing them slowly. With disease and shortage of supplies many suffer as the battle is waged, but eventually Washington beats out the British.
This book is written in free verse, which is where everything went wrong. There is not a storyline to follow and unless the reader has a pretty extensive knowledge of the Revolutionary War I’m not sure they would understand most of what is being presented. The verses read like incomplete sentences and even the fictional character who occasionally cropped up throughout didn’t bring any personal interest to the history. The violence includes torture, capital punishment for soldiers who abandon their post and one reference to a man’s head being blown off. Great cover though.
MS – NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
George Washington is elected to lead the troops against the British, but it is not always easy because the supplies are low and they don’t have much financial backing. When the British gain control of Boston, the rebel American troops concentrate their efforts on removing them slowly. With disease and shortage of supplies many suffer as the battle is waged, but eventually Washington beats out the British.
This book is written in free verse, which is where everything went wrong. There is not a storyline to follow and unless the reader has a pretty extensive knowledge of the Revolutionary War I’m not sure they would understand most of what is being presented. The verses read like incomplete sentences and even the fictional character who occasionally cropped up throughout didn’t bring any personal interest to the history. The violence includes torture, capital punishment for soldiers who abandon their post and one reference to a man’s head being blown off. Great cover though.
MS – NOT RECOMMENDED. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
December 26, 2017
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through the LibraryThing early reviewers program.
I didn't realize when I requested this book that it would be poetry. I don't mind poetry, but I also don't seek it out. That being said, I love when history is delivered in an unusual format. I feel like it has a better chance of reaching audiences that otherwise might not choose nonfiction or history.
I liked that many of the views expressed weren't from well-known figures from the American Revolution. That being said, I don't think that the poetry was catchy enough to keep the interest of someone who isn't already interested in the American Revolution. It's my favorite topic and even I was slightly bored.
I didn't realize when I requested this book that it would be poetry. I don't mind poetry, but I also don't seek it out. That being said, I love when history is delivered in an unusual format. I feel like it has a better chance of reaching audiences that otherwise might not choose nonfiction or history.
I liked that many of the views expressed weren't from well-known figures from the American Revolution. That being said, I don't think that the poetry was catchy enough to keep the interest of someone who isn't already interested in the American Revolution. It's my favorite topic and even I was slightly bored.
July 7, 2018
I won an ARC of this from LibraryThing's Early Reviewer giveaway. 3.5/5 stars
This series of short poems pieces together a lesser known part of the Revolution. Told from multiple perspectives, both known and unknown (as well as fictional), the poems will definitely give students a good impression of the atmosphere of the time. My knock is on the style of the poems themselves. They are free verse, but they lack a steady rhythm and an emotional punch I'd hoped for. Still, I'd definitely recommend this to middle grade students, especially though with an interest in the American Revolution.
This series of short poems pieces together a lesser known part of the Revolution. Told from multiple perspectives, both known and unknown (as well as fictional), the poems will definitely give students a good impression of the atmosphere of the time. My knock is on the style of the poems themselves. They are free verse, but they lack a steady rhythm and an emotional punch I'd hoped for. Still, I'd definitely recommend this to middle grade students, especially though with an interest in the American Revolution.
October 17, 2018
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review by the publisher.
Today's non-fiction post is on Siege: How General Washington Kicked the British Out of Boston and Launched a Revolution by Roxane Orgill. It is 240 pages long and is published by Candlewick Press. The over is a picture with George Washington on his horse in silhouette. The intended reader is someone who likes stories in verse and want to learn more about how the American Revolution got started. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Step back to British-held Boston and hear the voices of citizens, militiamen, and redcoats at a turning of the tide in the American Revolution, brought to life in Roxane Orgill's deft verse.
It is the summer of 1775. The British occupy Boston and its busy harbor, holding residents captive and keeping a strong military foothold. The threat of smallpox looms, and the town is cut off, even from food supplies. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, Congress unanimously elects George Washington commander in chief of the American armed forces, and he is sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to transform the ragtag collection of volunteer militiamen into America's first army. So far the war is nothing more than a series of intermittent skirmishes, but Washington is in constant fear of attack — until he takes the offensive with results that surprise everyone, the British most of all. Roxane Orgill uses verse to zoom in on the siege of Boston that launched the war to defeat the British, giving voice to privates and generals, their wives and city residents. to tell a story that is usually overlooked in Revolutionary War history. Back matter includes source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Review- Orgill is trying to make history more interesting by telling it in verse. We follow Washington from when he took the role of general all the way to the real beginning of the American Revolution. We follow different characters and the many different problems that they faced from getting cannons to Boston and just feeding the soldiers. The verse types change depending the characters giving them each a unique voice. But it does get old and starts to feel unnatural by the time I finished the book. If you have a good knowledge of the American Revolution you will have an easier time following what is going on but if you are a teen trying to use this book to learn about the American Revolution then you are going to still have to read a normal history book. This would a be a fun side book to have as you are reading about the American Revolution to add some fun into the history but it will not replace the basic history book itself.
I give this book a Three out of Five stars.
Today's non-fiction post is on Siege: How General Washington Kicked the British Out of Boston and Launched a Revolution by Roxane Orgill. It is 240 pages long and is published by Candlewick Press. The over is a picture with George Washington on his horse in silhouette. The intended reader is someone who likes stories in verse and want to learn more about how the American Revolution got started. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Step back to British-held Boston and hear the voices of citizens, militiamen, and redcoats at a turning of the tide in the American Revolution, brought to life in Roxane Orgill's deft verse.
It is the summer of 1775. The British occupy Boston and its busy harbor, holding residents captive and keeping a strong military foothold. The threat of smallpox looms, and the town is cut off, even from food supplies. Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, Congress unanimously elects George Washington commander in chief of the American armed forces, and he is sent to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to transform the ragtag collection of volunteer militiamen into America's first army. So far the war is nothing more than a series of intermittent skirmishes, but Washington is in constant fear of attack — until he takes the offensive with results that surprise everyone, the British most of all. Roxane Orgill uses verse to zoom in on the siege of Boston that launched the war to defeat the British, giving voice to privates and generals, their wives and city residents. to tell a story that is usually overlooked in Revolutionary War history. Back matter includes source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography.
Review- Orgill is trying to make history more interesting by telling it in verse. We follow Washington from when he took the role of general all the way to the real beginning of the American Revolution. We follow different characters and the many different problems that they faced from getting cannons to Boston and just feeding the soldiers. The verse types change depending the characters giving them each a unique voice. But it does get old and starts to feel unnatural by the time I finished the book. If you have a good knowledge of the American Revolution you will have an easier time following what is going on but if you are a teen trying to use this book to learn about the American Revolution then you are going to still have to read a normal history book. This would a be a fun side book to have as you are reading about the American Revolution to add some fun into the history but it will not replace the basic history book itself.
I give this book a Three out of Five stars.
March 19, 2018
In 1775, the British Army occupied Boston in order to subdue and discourage the colonists. At this poignant story’s beginning, told in different forms of poetry in order to give each a unique voice, George Washington (the ‘General’) was named the Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, and so with a rag-tag military in disarray, little equipment (almost no cannons), he took that challenge. As the story realated, he could have refused and gone home to his beloved Mount Vernon or could
Roxanne Orgill tells the ‘story’ of the siege through different characters’ points of view. Even the “orders” are given a part, with a repetitive ending that shows the control Washington has begun over his army: “Lapses will be noticed,/Consequences severe.” Thirteen voices tell the tale, including Washington’s slave/servant William Lee; Washington’s aide-de-camp, Joseph Reed; A Boston bookseller, Henry Knox who has been written of before because of his monumental feat of bringing many cannon and other needed weaponry 300 miles through forest and over mountains from Fort Ticonderoga; Sir William Howe, commander of the British forces; and Martha Washington, George’s wife. Some ‘lesser’ folk are shown from Orgill’s research, words from their diaries. Other writing comes from letters saved.
It is a poignant story showing feelings of defeat, but struggling on, sending heroes out to do a job that seems impossible, sending for the company of wives that seems for solace, and stern discipline to help the rank and file from despair. There are words from a young boy who gives the directions for loading a Brown Bess and there are words of letters to a wife “from your loving husband until death”. It cannot fail to show readers the mixed-up work of people who go to war, especially so long ago, ill-equipped but determined to gain freedom.
I imagine this can stand as a terrific beginning to a study of American independence. It would be interesting to do further research about each part the author has included. The backmatter holds a glossary, source notes and a bibliography where Orgill shares that “the poems are the result of both study and imagination. A single poem may have a dozen sources.” There is also a map of Boston and its environs. It’s a great book.
Roxanne Orgill tells the ‘story’ of the siege through different characters’ points of view. Even the “orders” are given a part, with a repetitive ending that shows the control Washington has begun over his army: “Lapses will be noticed,/Consequences severe.” Thirteen voices tell the tale, including Washington’s slave/servant William Lee; Washington’s aide-de-camp, Joseph Reed; A Boston bookseller, Henry Knox who has been written of before because of his monumental feat of bringing many cannon and other needed weaponry 300 miles through forest and over mountains from Fort Ticonderoga; Sir William Howe, commander of the British forces; and Martha Washington, George’s wife. Some ‘lesser’ folk are shown from Orgill’s research, words from their diaries. Other writing comes from letters saved.
It is a poignant story showing feelings of defeat, but struggling on, sending heroes out to do a job that seems impossible, sending for the company of wives that seems for solace, and stern discipline to help the rank and file from despair. There are words from a young boy who gives the directions for loading a Brown Bess and there are words of letters to a wife “from your loving husband until death”. It cannot fail to show readers the mixed-up work of people who go to war, especially so long ago, ill-equipped but determined to gain freedom.
I imagine this can stand as a terrific beginning to a study of American independence. It would be interesting to do further research about each part the author has included. The backmatter holds a glossary, source notes and a bibliography where Orgill shares that “the poems are the result of both study and imagination. A single poem may have a dozen sources.” There is also a map of Boston and its environs. It’s a great book.
April 3, 2018
The dramatic true events of the British siege of Boston during the Revolutionary War are recounted using free verse and poems narrated by a full cast of participants including Washington, his aide-de-camp, his slave, Henry Knox, and several soldiers. Throughout, well-chosen details paint a vivid picture. For instance, the huge task Washington was given in commanding the fledgling, unprepared American militia becomes apparent from some of the orders he issues, including that soldiers had to stop relieving themselves wherever they wished and that a bonus was to be paid to those who brought their own weapons and powder when enlisting. Events are relayed chronologically, by season, starting in summer 1775 and ending with the British withdrawal from Boston in spring 1776 as both sides moved to New York to prepare for the next set of engagements. Henry Knox’ heroic efforts to transport cannons, an endeavor that ultimately tipped the odds in the Americans’ favor, is a recurring theme. Extensive end matter includes a map of Boston at the time, glossary, source notes, and annotated bibliography. The dust cover showing Washington in silhouette on his horse should nicely draw readers’ eyes.
June 19, 2018
I wasn't aware this book was written in free verse until I picked it up to read it. I've developed a fondness for free verse stories as I've become an adult. Sadly I'm not sure I would have picked this up as a kid. But it's a fabulous telling of one of the major events leading into the American Revolution. The siege of Boston was the prelude to the 'official' start of war between the patriots and the British and as such was an important series of events in moving the country towards independence.
One of the problems with writing history nonfiction for young readers is knowing how many details to include. If you don't include enough, the young reader doesn't get a good picture of events, but if you include too many details, the reader will get bogged down and lose interest. So the combination of free verse with it's limited word use with history makes for a great combination. But only if the writing is well done. And the writing here is very well done. The poems are short enough to be quick to read, but include enough information to be compelling. At least I found the writing compelling. The author also did a fabulous job balancing different aspects of the story. There are poems about Washington and the challenges he faced in pulling together untrained, poorly supplied, volunteer soldiers from across the area. There are poems about the orders given by Washington in an efforts to establish some discipline. There are poems about life in the camps (mostly boring with occasional events of interest). Poems about the British in Boston give a look at a city under siege. Henry Knox's remarkable trip to Fort Ticonderoga to obtain artillery for the fledgling army provide a glimpse into the challenges that the patriots faced.
Overall, Orgill has written a fascinating account of an important event in American history. This is a book that would be a great teaching tool in either history classes or Language Arts classes. The options are numerous here. But I think history-loving middle grade readers who pick this up will find much to enjoy as well.
One of the problems with writing history nonfiction for young readers is knowing how many details to include. If you don't include enough, the young reader doesn't get a good picture of events, but if you include too many details, the reader will get bogged down and lose interest. So the combination of free verse with it's limited word use with history makes for a great combination. But only if the writing is well done. And the writing here is very well done. The poems are short enough to be quick to read, but include enough information to be compelling. At least I found the writing compelling. The author also did a fabulous job balancing different aspects of the story. There are poems about Washington and the challenges he faced in pulling together untrained, poorly supplied, volunteer soldiers from across the area. There are poems about the orders given by Washington in an efforts to establish some discipline. There are poems about life in the camps (mostly boring with occasional events of interest). Poems about the British in Boston give a look at a city under siege. Henry Knox's remarkable trip to Fort Ticonderoga to obtain artillery for the fledgling army provide a glimpse into the challenges that the patriots faced.
Overall, Orgill has written a fascinating account of an important event in American history. This is a book that would be a great teaching tool in either history classes or Language Arts classes. The options are numerous here. But I think history-loving middle grade readers who pick this up will find much to enjoy as well.
April 23, 2019
In the summer of 1775, George Washington is elected to the post of commander in chief of America's first army consisting of a volunteer militia made up of farmers, sailors, shopkeepers. His first objective: lay siege to British-occupied Boston. This action would become the launch point for the war that would defeat the British.
Siege allows readers to envision what daily life might be like for different types of people (a slave, a woman, and even a general) during the time period of the Revolutionary War. Details, like how to load a musket or the rations provided for each man, add depth and interest. The format allows readers to move quickly through material that can otherwise be heavy, while also providing a sense of the difficulty and tedium of everyday life in the military. While not useful for research or as primary source material, this title would be an excellent choice for use as a unit starter or reader’s theater. Siege will whet readers’ interest in the topic and inspire further research.
Siege allows readers to envision what daily life might be like for different types of people (a slave, a woman, and even a general) during the time period of the Revolutionary War. Details, like how to load a musket or the rations provided for each man, add depth and interest. The format allows readers to move quickly through material that can otherwise be heavy, while also providing a sense of the difficulty and tedium of everyday life in the military. While not useful for research or as primary source material, this title would be an excellent choice for use as a unit starter or reader’s theater. Siege will whet readers’ interest in the topic and inspire further research.
February 21, 2019
I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting from this when I picked it up. Besides the fact that I initially thought it was going to be a nonfiction book, anyway. Then, as I quickly flipped through the book, I noticed how wrong I was about that.
I'm a huge Revolutionary buff, so this fit my wheelhouse well. I thought it was an interesting and different way of looking at history, by making it lyrical and turning it all into poetry. It definitely made for a fast read.
It's just that it seemed to cover so little. I mean, Washington and his aide-de-camp Joseph Reed were really the biggest characters in this. There were appearances by others like General Howe and Abigail Adams, but they were minor characters. More time was spent on Washington's orders than on other characters.
It's a catch-22. If you make it lyrical, you have to leave things out. But to put everything in, and still be lyrical, the book would be mammoth.
Still, it was a good read.
I'm a huge Revolutionary buff, so this fit my wheelhouse well. I thought it was an interesting and different way of looking at history, by making it lyrical and turning it all into poetry. It definitely made for a fast read.
It's just that it seemed to cover so little. I mean, Washington and his aide-de-camp Joseph Reed were really the biggest characters in this. There were appearances by others like General Howe and Abigail Adams, but they were minor characters. More time was spent on Washington's orders than on other characters.
It's a catch-22. If you make it lyrical, you have to leave things out. But to put everything in, and still be lyrical, the book would be mammoth.
Still, it was a good read.
August 22, 2019
Written in verse, with a cast of characters that includes George Washington, News from Boston, William Lee, the slave who travels with Washington, Martha Washington, Orders from Washington, and regular citizens, this recounts the state of Boston in the summer of 1775. The British army occupied the city that summer, cutting off supplies of everything, trying to bring the city to its knees. Smallpox, dysentary, and hunger threaten the people. The Continental Congress elects George Washington as Commander-in-Chief of its fledgling army. He sets about the impossible task of turning volunteers into a well-organized and trained army that can oust the British and gain independence for the colonies. We know the outcome of the war, but this verse highlights an early event that is seldom the focus of history. I was somewhat disappointed in the verse. The whole thing is well-researched, but it didn't capture my imagination or emotions as most histories do.
August 26, 2019
It is 1775, and the American colonies are rebelling. George Washington, elected by the Continental Congress as the first Commander in Chief of the American Armies, must create a professional army out of an undisciplined militia, comprised mostly of farmers, to force the British out. The story is told through various voices and sources of information (including George Washington, Washington’s aide-de-camp, Martha Washington, a slave, a private, a British commander, Abigail Adams, Washington’s daily General Orders, and the Boston News). In novel-in-verse format, Orgill unfolds how inexperienced Washington freed Boston in March of 1776 from British captivity and isolation, resulting in a turning point in the Revolutionary War. A cast of characters and an introduction begin this historical novel. Back matter includes a map, portraits of characters, a glossary, source notes, and a bibliography.
January 10, 2019
I think most of the people who reviewed this missed the point. I'm pretty sure this wasn't meant to be an engaging, fully developed novel. If it was, it totally missed the mark and all the reviews saying "eh" are justified.
But I think it was aiming to be something else entirely. It seems it meant to use the medium of poetry to give you an impression of the time; the challenges George Washington, his troops, and the people of Boston faced; and interesting tidbits of history. If that was it's job, it did it well. The gritty, cold mess of war; the desperation that abounded; the risks that were gambled on all got the time they deserved and were well-served with the clipped tone and regimented lines.
I give the author lots of credit for trying something ambitious like a historical novel in verse. I hope we'll see a lot more of this kind of work from her and others.
But I think it was aiming to be something else entirely. It seems it meant to use the medium of poetry to give you an impression of the time; the challenges George Washington, his troops, and the people of Boston faced; and interesting tidbits of history. If that was it's job, it did it well. The gritty, cold mess of war; the desperation that abounded; the risks that were gambled on all got the time they deserved and were well-served with the clipped tone and regimented lines.
I give the author lots of credit for trying something ambitious like a historical novel in verse. I hope we'll see a lot more of this kind of work from her and others.
December 26, 2017
The summer of 1775 was rough. The British occupied Boston, and kept a stranglehold on the city, cutting the residents off from food and medical supplies, which really didn't help the smallpox situation, either. George Washington was chosen to lead the American armed forces, and expected to work miracles with almost no money and troops with no training. Author Roxanne Orgill uses verse to tell the story of how General George Washington turned the tables on the British. Beginning in the Summer of 1775 and going through to Spring 1776, she gives voice not only to Washington, but his generals, soldiers, and aides; his servant-slave, William Lee; and his wife, Martha. We also get to read The News from Boston, newspaper-like reports on the state of the city; and Orders, daily instructions from Washington to his officers. Source notes, a glossary, and a bibliography complete the book.
If you've got Hamilton fans in your readership, this is an easy booktalk. The fast-paced verse moves the book along and takes readers into the minds of historic figures that we don't normally hear much from. Siege is a good additional read for tweens interested in US history, especially those kids interested in the American Revolution.
If you've got Hamilton fans in your readership, this is an easy booktalk. The fast-paced verse moves the book along and takes readers into the minds of historic figures that we don't normally hear much from. Siege is a good additional read for tweens interested in US history, especially those kids interested in the American Revolution.
August 20, 2018
As time goes on in my life, I find myself drawn to history more and more. This is perhaps because I realize that I am a real living, breathing person on a timeline that will one day render me a less than fully-dimensional character. For this reason, I like how Orgill gets inside the head of these characters and makes us realize that history involves people who were once...to put it bluntly: "just like us." Or, if not like us, then interesting in that there was more going on in their heads than drawing up battle plans. It does help to have some knowledge of the American Revolution before you read this, though there are helpful background notes.
June 11, 2019
This middle grade nonfiction novel-in-verse is ambitious, but it doesn't quite reach the mark. My teachers are always looking for books to tie in with their social studies curriculum. I thought this had potential for that purpose - and it certainly covers a lot of historical events and people - but I'm not sure how much students would enjoy it.
What I Liked:
-Novel-in-verse, different format to give information than your standard NF book
-Ties in well with 5th and 8th grade IN curriculum
-Shows George Washington as a real person
-Great source information
-Very informative with nice historical details (it certainly refreshed my historical knowledge)
Disappointments:
-Unclear ending
-I had to reference the beginning list of characters quite a bit - and I know some history!
What I Liked:
-Novel-in-verse, different format to give information than your standard NF book
-Ties in well with 5th and 8th grade IN curriculum
-Shows George Washington as a real person
-Great source information
-Very informative with nice historical details (it certainly refreshed my historical knowledge)
Disappointments:
-Unclear ending
-I had to reference the beginning list of characters quite a bit - and I know some history!
May 27, 2018
I love books that are written in prose, but I didn’t love this book. I feel like you would have to have a large amount of prior knowledge to understand what is going on at all. The prose just came across as unfinished sentences and lists of words. The cover is amazing and that is why I picked this book up in the first place, but it’s not anything I would hand to a teen reader and expect them to enjoy or understand.
December 28, 2018
*Historical fiction*, novel in verse, told in varying points of view. Relates the story of how Washington tricked the English by building an encampment on a hillside outside of Boston overnight Like the different perspectives, reminds me a bit of Hamilton but without the rap. Clever story-telling, some of the poems are especially well done with word choice and repetition. However, some of the characters are fictional and some of the poems are less clever.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
June 14, 2019
This nonfiction novel in verse looks closely at the summer of 1775 to the spring of 1776 with the beginning skirmishes of the American Revolution and Boston in particular.
I enjoyed the General Orders, the letters from husbands to wives, and the struggling tales of Henry Knox trying to get the cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston in the winter. The human interest pieces made the history that much more real.
I enjoyed the General Orders, the letters from husbands to wives, and the struggling tales of Henry Knox trying to get the cannons from Ticonderoga to Boston in the winter. The human interest pieces made the history that much more real.
January 11, 2019
A good overview of the siege of Boston in poems. The poems are of varying quality, some quite good in my estimation, others average, but the effect and information present in this novel form is good. Recommend for bright 7-8 yo and up (although if they know the context, younger could enjoy, too, and my almost 6 yo enjoyed several of the poems)
January 21, 2019
I really like books written in verse, so I assumed I'd be on the side that liked this one. Unfortunately, I did not care for it at all. I had to concentrate to stay focused. I had hoped that it would tell a clear story, but it does not. I would be surprised to see a student check this out and read it. Kudos to the idea, but poorly executed.
May 12, 2018
This is the second book that I read that was written in verse. The book is a good start for someone becoming interested in the American Revolution,its a novel base on historical fact. I won this on Goodreads.
March 28, 2019
I wanted to like this book and hoped my historically minded students would read it. Some of the poems were enlightening and easily understandable while others were hard to follow due to the POV changing.
July 29, 2019
Students would need some nonfiction reading about this time period to truly appreciate this book. I don’t think they would glean historical information from reading this without supporting reading and instruction.
February 18, 2020
Absolutely LOVED this book! I read it out loud with my son, and he enjoyed it as well. Great history, well written, and one of those books that will have your kids asking questions and wanting to learn more!
October 28, 2021
I really liked this book in verse. I think Orgill is a talented writer--love her style. I also love the subject matter. I just don't think my fifth graders will pick this up. Or if they do, I think the text is too complex for most. You need some background schema for this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews