The Winter at Valley Forge

U.S. Landmark Books #33

by F. Van Wyck Mason

Our nation has no prouder chapter in her history than the one written during the winter of 1777-1778 when George Washington led about 10,000 troops into winter quarters 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Written in a 6th grade level.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Childrens, American Revolutionary War, American Revolution

180 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

aka Geoffrey Coffin, Frank W. Mason, Ward Weaver

Francis Van Wyck Mason (November 11, 1901 – August 28, 1978, Bermuda) was an American historian and novelist. He had a long and prolific career as a writer spanning 50 years and including 65 published novels.

Reviews

[Marshall Severson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a well-written book, but not a great one. The book should be recommended to people in the 6-11 grade age bracket, 6th for those who want to read it as a story, and 11th for those who are more in-depth readers, those who want to analyze or make connections from the story to the outside world. Anyone who likes war stories or symbolic stories will enjoy the book. Some specific people include Josh Kester, Isaiah Langston, Matthew Walsh, and Taylor Boudreaux. The book can be liked by all.

[Rich Farrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was definitely not one of the strongest books in the series. It follows a fictional character who experiences life in the camp and becomes a hero at the end. It really felt like a long propaganda piece, and while I know the Landmark series is known for that, there were parts of the book that were gag-worthy. At one point, the author claims that Washington was sent by providence to lead the Americans and at another point it discusses Robert E. Lee as the hero of the Confederate Army. That aside, the story itself felt clunky at times. I usually finish a book in this series in a couple of sittings, but this one took me days as I would pick it up, put it down in favor of something else, pick it back up again, and repeat endlessly.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great historical recounting, and it has not been properly read unless it inspires patriotism. I only wish they hadn't made up some historical fiction with Gil and Silver Hawk. Not only was it less interesting than the rest of the book, but it had some unbelievable parts. For example, the captain wants to beat them up for helping the troop at one point in a cruel and unusual way that is hard for me to imagine. If you want to write historical fiction (which I don't recommend) at least make it sound believable.

[Carson Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not that i don't like landmarks, but I just don't usually give them four stars, as informative or interesting as they may be in themselves. This book was an exception. Well-written, gripping, and somewhat sobering at parts. This book gives an entirely new focus to the lines, "And I won't forget the men who died to give that right to me." I think many more people should read this book, or learn about Valley Forge, or even just Gil Weston. Especially Americans.

[Kaitlyn Kluesner · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not really enjoy reading this book. I thought it was very confusing if you did not have much knowledge about the topic of Valley Forge. This is a historical fiction book because the characters or fiction, but the event of Valley Forge actually happened. As a future teacher this would be a good book to have your students read, while they are learning about Valley Forge.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it - packed full of useful history with the actual names of the leaders (except for a few that were made up) and it was a quick read. I liked how the author weaved in a story at the end with the rebels' defense of the outpost. This book made me realize how dire the circumstances were in Valley Forge. It incredible that they survived with a hope that lead to the winning of the war!

[Jeanne Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved stories of the Revolutionary War, especially ones about Valley Forge. As to history, this story is basically correct. It gives insight to the horrible conditions of Washingtons army at this time in history. When you think of the ages of some of these military men/boys it is amazing how they overcame the starvation, ragged uniforms and freezing cold and disease.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this Landmark Series book written for children in 1953.
Many incorrectly think Valley Forge was terrible for the Continental Army because it was especially cold.
Instead the problem was that the Continental Army had few supplies. They arrived with tattered clothing and few shoes. They were not being resupplied.
Yet this encampment became a turning point.

[Bahman Bahman · Rating 2 out of 5]

ولی فورج یا اردوگاه نظامی دره فورج در جنوب شرقی پنسیلوانیا حدود بیست مایل در شمال غرب فیلادلفیا است که در آنجا ارتش آمریکا، زمستان سال ۱۷۷۷ تا ۱۷۷۸ در زمان جنگ انقلاب آمریکا را به سر برد، گرسنگی، بیماری، سو تغذیه و حدود ۲۵۰۰ سرباز کشته شده تا پایان ماه فوریه گریبانگیر ارتش بود

[Mary Sasala · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kids liked this more than I did. They said they loved it and it wasn’t boring at all. I thought it a tad difficult to follow because it moves between historical telling and a story that I don’t know if it’s fiction or not. But it does give you a sense of the grimness of Valley Forge.

[Ed Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect quick read when you want some Independence Day flavor!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect read aloud with Juddy and Ada post Valley Forge visit.

Landmark series cannot be beat.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Sad and interesting as the time truly was. Makes me even more thankful for our hard fought liberty.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written as a journal of an officer in the Continental Army, it really takes you through the tough times of surviving the famous winter at Valley Forge.

[Robert Clay · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me, the fact that the trial of Valley Forge looms so large in our national history/mythology makes it easy to forget about the real hardships suffered there. This was not petty patriotism of the wave-the-flag and feel proud variety; this was unbearable, ugly, frozen and starving patriotism that was strained to the breaking point. The fact that any army at all, let alone a high-spirited and well-disciplined one, came marching out of Valley Forge in the spring of 1778 is remarkable, and marks an episode deserving of the national prominence it has always held.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Landmark book! This book introduces and describes the reality of war, during the era of the Revolutionary War. Patriots did not have a lot of support, even from America. It is amazing how many times supplies did not get through to the men at Valley Forge, yet they still persevered!

This book is a must read!

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite factual, but, I thought it could of been better (facts wise that is.) Other than that it was good.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading these Landmark books to my children.

[Jone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in elementary school...loved learning about the history.

[Sally Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language is dated but the story of the brave men is still good as when I read this book 69 years ago! I was 9'then and Avery is almost 9 now.