When Washington Crossed the Delaware: When Washington Crossed the Delaware

by Lynne Cheney, Peter Fiore

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney

Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces.

Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history.

Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Picture Books, American History, Childrens, American Revolution, Christmas

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2004

About the author

Lynne Ann Vincent Cheney, is a novelist, conservative scholar, and former talk-show host who is the wife of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

Reviews

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this ten stars! A simple (yet accurate!) text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations of this cool event in the history of our country. Each page includes a quote from Washington, Cornwallis, or someone else who was there and lived through the events described in this book. I love it!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! I loved that the author said she read it as a Christmas story. I would like to do that with my niece and nephew when they are older.

[Lori Karpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I use every year to read to my 5th grade students. I usually try to wait until we have reached the point of crossing the Delaware in our studies, but this year we aren't quite there yet, but I must read it to them before Christmas Break begins. I want them to know about the "other" great event that happened on Christmas Day so long ago. Lynne Cheney uses her words to show us the events that took place and what a marvelous leader George Washington really was and the beautiful illustrations are a bonus. It is a MUST read for any young Patriot.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Given to me for free at a garage sale. Beautifully illustrated.

[Bookbag_Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

-A Leader, Once Convinced That A Particular Course of Action Is The Right One, Must Be Undaunted When The Going Gets Tough

"Let Them Call Me Rebel"
"Christmas Day At Night...Is The Time Fixed For Our Own Attempt On Trenton."
"This Is A Glorious Day For Our Country"
"Perseverance Accomplished What At First Semmed Impossible."

From The 25th Of December 1776 to the 3rd Of Januarry 1977
WASHINGTON'S CROSSING-DECEMBER 25,1776
BATTLE OF TRENTON-DECEMBER 26,1776
BATTLE OF PRINCETON-JANUARY 3, 1977

TRAVELED TO // Pennsylvania - Trenton, New Jersey - Princeton, New Jersey
MET ALONG THE WAY // George Washington , Hessians, Thomas Paine, James Wilkinson, Enoch Anderson, William Bamford, Henry Knox, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe, Martha Reed, John Howland, Charles Cornwallis

[Erin Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Washington's Delaware River crossing went down in history as one of the greatest struggles and miracles that has happened with the American Revolution. Thanks to Peter M. Fiore's illustrations, the work of art truly made the picture book more real. The images had an authentic-feeling. Making the images of the long and cold Christmas night that preceded the Battle of Trenton.

I believe this book would be most suited for the ages 5-9. Mostly because this is the age where kids are most interested about history.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Handsome illustrations and well told history. If you are looking for it, you can see the historically accurate diversity represented. However it is not obvious and given that we know that one in eight soldiers at Valley Forge were African American and that there was at least one Black man in Washington’s own boat, AND that most people are unaware of the significant presence of African Americans fighting on both sides of the conflict, I wish it had not been so subtle. That said, it is an excellent general interest book, and suitable for research. Primary sources are used and cited.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An account of the Continental army crossing the Delaware river and the battles of Trenton and Princeton under the direction of George Washington. A good introduction for younger children , it focuses on the hardship and perseverance of those involved. No graphic details or illustrations for those with sensitive readers. Every page included an excerpt from a diary, a quote, or something similar. The illustrations are lovely.

[Emily Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in 5th grade, I was obsessed with the American Revolution including when the Patriots crossed the Delaware for a battle that they ended up winning. My favorite part were the facts and the pieces of artifacts that were incorporated into the story. I think this would be a good book for introducing the Delaware Crossing to 5th grade.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book retelling of the Revolutionary War is informative, yet still short enough to hold a child's attention. Does mention casualties, but not graphic enough to be inappropriate for young readers. A good read for those interested in this era (or like my child, who start singing Hamilton lyrics as soon as he is mentioned).

[Kevin Denizard · Rating 4 out of 5]

1)4th- 6th grade
2)no awards
3) This book tells the story of what many historians consider to be the turning point of the American Revolution. This event is known as the "Delaware Crossing"
4) The book hand drawn illustrations are pleasing to the eyes and the large pages allow us the reader to tell how large the scale of the battles really was.

5)Read before or after presidents day, research project on American revolution

[Carlee Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for teaching students about the story of Washington crossing the Delaware. This nonfiction book is great for second and third graders! I had forgotten the story when I was reading it so I learned a lot!

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't wait to share this with my students! Wonderful paintings by Fiore! Loved the format and the story telling. Our founding fathers were incredible.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always like ready a book about my beloved country.

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an age appropriate and accurate telling of history. I think my older son (9) appreciated it way more than my 6 year old did.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the real quotes throughout.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynne Cheney brings a crucial and important battle in the Revolutionary War to life.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are beautiful.

[Matt Neely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, cold, Xmas story. I should walk to Pinkass Creek,

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, “wintertime story for young patriots,” has never been needed more than now. I loved it!

[Kenneth Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and well written children’s history of the crossing of the Delaware. I’ll be adding this to books I re-read to the children at Christmas.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly story-like retelling of the Delaware crossing but includes facts too. I loved the pictures.

Not entirely accurate about the soldiers sticking with Washington - he had an incredibly hard time maintaining troops, so I found those references to be optimistic propaganda.

Ages: 5 - 9

Cleanliness: The word "bl**dy" is used to mean a lot of blood.

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[Erika Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton during the Revolutionary War. The language and pictures make it very easy to understand exactly what is happening during the battles. I, personally, always had a difficult time with history because I couldn't picture what was happening I think that this book would have been beneficial to me and to other who have a similar learning style. Because of that, I would recommend this book to history teachers. I think this book would be most effective with a middle school class learning about the revolutionary war. Once the teacher presented some background information on the two battles, this book could be read to provide clarity. The book also has quotes from various sources on each page. the students could research the person who said each quote, or they could pretend they participated in one of the battles and write their own quote based on what they might have seen.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie, age 10, enjoyed it, but we had to stop and explain a large number of unfamiliar words.

[Mary Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually like this book even though I am not a big history fan. All I ever remember reading about history was text books with few pictures. This book is such a more entertaining way to learn about important historical events. The eye witnesses’ quotes were a very creative idea and they help bring the history to life.

Teaching Application:
This book is definitely a great teaching tool when it comes to history. This book can be used to give students a more comprehensive understanding of the events outside of the history text book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully illustrated as gives some great detail from Washington crossing the Delaware and the battles of Trenton and Princeton. It was great for the kids to read and to be read to.

As the author says, it makes for a great winter story and a great Christmas story (since Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas day, 1776), but we couldn't wait that long, and it doesn't have to be winter to appreciate the significance.

[Victoria Kilcrease · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is entitled When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots and is by Lynne Cheney. It is a Informational text geared toward younger children. However, it can be used in different ways in grades K-4. It is about George Washington and the many battles he lead leading up to the crossing of the Delaware River. This book could be used in both a writing and vocabulary lesson

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather long children’s book but is great for teaching American history. I would use this book for social studies and read it over a few days span. This is a picture book of how Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware and its significance in history. This book is great when students may need a break from their textbooks but can still learn valuable information while listening to the teacher read aloud and look at the illustrations.

[Cathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful picture book, which tells the story of Washington's army crossing the Delaware at Christmas 1776, followed by the battles of Trenton and Princeton. The simple text is good for elementary school students, and the illustrations are terrific. I can imagine my sister (now retired) using this book in her teaching of 5th grade U.S. history. Another great history book for kids by Lynne Cheney! (It was written in 2004, but it's new to me.)

[Melanie Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We purchased this book at the Mount Vernon gift shop, and read it shortly after returning home. Although we have heard this story many, many times, Lynn Cheney's version was wonderful! She mentions that this story is a Christmas tradition for their family. It is such an amazing account of bravery, courage, and sacrifice, that we will likely also make it a Christmas reading tradition.