The Crossing: How George Washington Saved The American Revolution

by Jim Murphy

With his engaging and timeless narrative prose, two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy tells the awe-inspiring story of George Washington's glorious fight for an independent America.

It is 1776, and George Washington and his army of rebellious American colonists are emboldened by its stunning victories over the British at Lexington and Concord. But now, the Americans face the threat of a brutal British retaliation.

George Washington, who has little experience with a threat of this magnitude, is unanimously chosen as commander in chief in hopes he can unite the colonies. Britain's army is massive and well trained. America's is small and unruly. As the British begin their invasion of New York City and its environs, George Washington isn't the only one (continued)

Genres: Nonfiction, History, American Revolutionary War, Middle Grade, Juvenile, Childrens, American History

96 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2010

About the author

An American author of more than 35 nonfiction and fiction books for children, young adults, and general audiences, including more than 30 about American history. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2010 for his contribution in writing for teens. Jim lives in Maplewood, New Jersey, in a hundred-year-old house with his wife Alison Blank, a children’s TV producer and children’s book author and editor, his two talented musician sons, a regal mutt, an African water frog that will live forever, and a house vast collection of books..

Reviews

[American Mensa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how George Washington kept his army from being overtaken by the British? Or how he was able to convince 17,000 recruits to join the army even when the outlook appeared so grim? Did you know that the famous Washington Crossing the Delaware painting was actually made by a German artist to inspire European rebellions? If you want to know more, this book is for you! The Crossing, by Jim Murphy, retells the story of George Washington’s many achievements and crushing blunders as commander of the American army during the Revolutionary War. The Crossing starts with George Washington becoming the trepidatious commander of the American army after being unanimously voted into the position by Congress. From here, the book jumps to a vivid description of what was, at the time, Britain’s largest invasion in their history beginning with the landing on Long Island. It is important to note that nearly every page of the book is accompanied with an illustration, furthering the immersion on the topic. When reading this book you can imagine exactly how the battles proceeded, from the battlefield itself to the soldiers own thoughts. This book demonstrates Washington’s gradual transition from an inexperienced general, who is unable to control his army, to a weathered and brilliant tactician striking fear into the enemy. Ultimately, Washington’s actions served as a beacon of courage for his fellow countrymen. Although the book is mostly about Washington’s endeavors, it includes a nice quantity of quotes and information about how the British viewed the war. The Crossing references Washington’s daring plan to ambush the Hessian troops in Trenton. This would require him to stealthily move an army across the rapid icy waters of the Delaware. He felt it was the only chance to save both his own reputation and the pride of the American people. The effect of the surprise offensive would go down in history, but I will let the book tell the tale of this historic battle! After the main chapters, the book provides both a useful timeline of the events of the war and a variety of links to both helpful references and useful study materials. This book is a wonderful short read with lovely pictures, quotes, and a large text size that is suitable for anyone who enjoys reading about our nation’s history. In conclusion, I wanted the book to be longer because each page was filled with wonderful material! I give this book 4 revolutionary stars!
Zander H., age 15, Gulf Coast Mensa

[Christine Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

The hubby always wants to go watch the re-enactment of Washington crossing the Delaware every December and I have absolutely no interest. I picked this up hoping it would spark some interest. I still don't want to go see it, but that doesn't mean this book isn't informative and well-written. It's also not overwhelming or bogged down with detail, but includes just enough primary source information and background. I really didn't like the sepia colored text - I found it harder to read.

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I see it, author Jim Murphy is especially good at two aspects of creating nonfiction literature for younger readers: The utilization of beautiful descriptive language to its utmost good in what he writes, and the delivery of terrifically detailed accounts of long-ago wars and other historically significant situations and the men who took part in them. Jim Murphy's flair for extensive detail goes beyond the scope attempted by most other nonfiction authors, making for books of the greatest exactness possible in such relatively short volumes as he usually produces.

General George Washington, already of middle age by the time he accepted command of the U.S. Continental Army, was not yet a decorated General when he stepped into his major role. He was inexperienced in matters of war, particularly when it came to intellectual matters of strategy and the subtlety required of one who is in command of other men. The first major success of the American army in driving the British out of Boston was heralded with great excitement as the start of bigger and better things, but even the greenhorn General knew that not all of the war's engagements would be as easy. The British army was the most powerful and legendary militia in the world, seemingly invincible because of its superior numbers and rigorous discipline. To quote The Crossing in talking about the giant chore that was facing George Washington, "He had to shape untrained farmers and shopkeepers into skilled soldiers and then defeat the greatest military power in the world." Really, when you cut through everything else, that was the essence of the Revolutionary War's combat schematic. Afforded the luxury of historical hindsight, I have to wonder in awe how we ever managed to win that war. Logical thinking would deride the possibility that such a thing ever could have happened in real life.

George Washington had a lot more than just the powerful redcoats to deal with, too. His army was untrained and unused to the horrors of war, some soldiers armed with nothing but their iron will to stave off tyranny from whatever place it threatened. The American soldiers had no warm uniforms like their British counterparts, either, and many of them didn't even have a pair of shoes to wear. Imagine marching mile after mile in the dead of winter without any shoes on your feet, in pursuit of an enemy that hardly seemed to get any closer, and then consider what it would be like to do all of that with little hope of ultimately emerging victorious from the war in which you are fighting. It's no wonder that ragtag soldiers from the Continental Army deserted in droves, leaving General Washington and his remaining men to combat the cunning, strong British forces on their own. Every time that George Washington began to see a glimmer of hope that the men at his disposal would be adequate to confront some particular unit of the opposition in a skirmish that he had carefully plotted, more of his soldiers would leave, and the fighting men still at hand would no longer be sufficient for whatever tactics he had planned.

George Washington gained experience over time, eluding capture by the enemy and the deadly sting of their musketballs, as well, until a string of lucky successes finally added up to give the determined Americans that hadn't deserted the army a fighting chance against the British. General Washington took his opportunity when it came, and with patience, fortitude, incredible courage and more than a small amount of aid from across the sea given by the French, the underdog Continental Army pushed the British opposition back out of Yorktown, trapping them where they could no longer entertain any real hope of winning the conflict. General Cornwallis offered the surrender of his army, and General Washington, despite for years having worked in the shadow of serious doubters across the country who didn't believe that he was the right man to lead the American militia, had achieved victory.

It's impossible today for us to recreate with certainty the feeling of hopelessness that must have constantly dogged our brave American soldiers at nearly every turn of the Revolutionary War as they surveyed the situation they'd gotten themselves into, and realized that nothing short of a true miracle (or, more likely, a long series of miracles) would ever get them out of the mess they faced. In what positive circumstance could they have found the basis to earnestly believe that they would emerge from the revolution as free men, independent of their British roots and able to govern themselves as a democracy in defense of the best interests of the common man? To think that untrained men in a faltering young military versus the impregnable fighting forces of the vast and storied British Empire would add up to American victory had to be seen as an utterly absurd equation, and the job that General Washington did just to keep his soldiers from quitting was an admirable feat of leadership that shows full well why he is, and was, so admired by Americans, and why he was the perfect person to become the Father of Our Country and our first president. Who but George Washington could have gotten more out of less than he did during the Revolutionary War, and with more at stake?

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution is a remarkable book in the depth of detail that it engages in despite being only eighty-five pages long. Jim Murphy delves deep within the individual battles of the revolution, dissecting and analyzing the cause and effect of each one, not hesitating to criticize General Washington for mistakes that he made or praise him for a job well done. The writing is highly educational and could certainly allow a person to form a better understanding of the mechanics of the American Revolution, and to get enough of a glimpse of the remarkable human being that George Washington was to possibly spark further interest in learning about him. This is a good book about a fascinating time in U.S. history, and I would probably give it two and a half stars.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this one. I didn't realize how hard George Washington had it early on in the commanding of the troops.

I'm not always interested in details of military battles, so I'm glad they didn't go into too much detail. It was enough to understand what was happening without losing my interest in the book. The maps were a nice touch though.

At the end of the book was a very good list of other sources for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge on the events talked about. It included both websites and print materials.

A nice read and one I'd recommend to anyone wanting a quick intro to George Washington's early military career for America.

[Jeri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a YA book, full of pictures, but still not an easy or childish book. For those fascinated with the Revolutionary War, this book leads you gently to the more erudite books and concepts. For middle schoolers, this book explains why we are lucky to have this great nation. Just another book on the path to knowledge about our national history. I did not like the sepia writing on brownish pages. I found it difficult to read.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect to share with our grandsons, ages 9 and 11, before we visit Washington Crossing Historic Park this summer. It provides just enough background to underscore why the Crossing and Battle of Trenton were key. It's not flashy, but the maps, and sepia photos and drawings add interest. There's also a section on Leutze's famous painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, that points out historical inaccuracies. I recommend this title to prepare kids for a trip to the park.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy books about American History that portray the founding fathers in a positive light. This book helped me appreciate George Washington's wisdom, while showing his human side as well. This pivotal point in the Revolutionary War is fun to read about and shows how God helped the cause of freedom and inspired its leaders. Only 90 pages, with paintings and maps, an enjoyable read.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked The Great Fire a little more than this one, but if you love books about the American Revolution or you need a good nonfiction addition to your school library collection, then this one is a must. On the cover of the book is the famous painting by German artist Emmanuel Leutze. It is permanently displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The book begins with the Battle of Brooklyn when a massive fleet of British and German soldiers land on Long Island. George Washington has been selected to command the entire army, but he has doubts in his ability and the tenacity of the American soldiers. In no time, Washington and his men are surrounded by British troops and are lucky to escape across the river to Manhattan. They are in full retreat and already there is talk of replacing Washington. British troops make their way to Trenton, N.J. Washington needs an American victory. He decides to cross the Delaware River (the famous picture) and take them by surprise. The victory that follows is considered a defining moment in the war. Without it, the war may have ended much sooner, and with it, no chance for independence.

[Diana Gagliardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

READING OLYMPICS SELECTION: 2020

I so <3 Jim Murphy's narrative non-fiction! He tells a story so well...super quick book to finish with most page spreads having abt half of the spread be some sort of visual.

Enjoy!

[Wendy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, I understand the specifics! Great job organizing the maps and all of the associated assaults with this crossing. Some history books mix the maps with the verbiage - not this one. Truly appreciated the ease of reading.

[Jordan Henrichs · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a certain understated skill required to take something like Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and pack it with so much information while keeping it accessible for younger readers. Murphy’s talent with this genre is so good it comes off effortless.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 6 year old has loved this book to the point he has asked for it to be read to him 3 times in one month!

[Etta Mcquade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for children. The many drawings and illustrations help add to its significance.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book, easy enough for my son to understand the information.

[Rhonda Gregware · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging history lesson on the American Revolutionary War and an interesting biographical sketch on George Washington's military life and decisions during the war.

[Raymond C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved The American Revolution
By: Jim Murphy
Non-fiction
81 pages
Finished: 10/20/12

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved The American Revolution is the retelling of what happened in the American Revolution. April 19, 1775 marked the start of the American Revolution and they needed a commander. Each of the 13 colonies sent representatives to decide who would be the commander. Every single representative voted for George Washington. One day, the British troops sent a massive army to take over New York City, but George Washington had a problem, he didn't know where they would attack. All of the American troops were spread out across the city. A couple of days after the army appeared, the British launched an attack. The Americans were caught off guard and were forced to retreat all the way to Manhattan, where they waited for the next attack. When the British attacked, Washington and several of his troops fled, while the remaining part of his army was forced to surrender. Several hundreds of Washington's troops were deserting, so Washington made a decision to win a battle, to get more people to join his army. Many representatives were regretting placing Washington as commander, but the person they wanted to be the new commander got captured. Washington launched an attack on Christmas morning on a German base in Delaware. The weather was especially cold that day, so most of the German troops were indoors sleeping. Washington launched a two sided attack, and got the Germans to surrender. After the battle, the American troops camped in Trenton, where they dug trenches to prepare for an upcoming battle with the British. Washington sent a thousand troops to delay the British so that he could make trenches. When the British arrived, they quickly overpowered the Americans and forced them to retreat. But, Washington spurred them on to attack the British, and the Americans defeated them. After the battle, Washington had several thousands of men join the army. The book ends with the United States being liberated from Britain.

I didn't like this book as much as other nonfiction books, because it wasn't very long, as it was only 81 pages, so it wasn't very in depth. Another reason I don't like this book is that the ending skipped about 4 years of battles, and skipped all the way to the end of the American Revolution. A reason I like this book, is that it skips the minor battles, and only talks about major battles that actually mattered. For example, the book talked about the Battle of Princeton, which was the tide turning battle of the war. Also, this book included quotes from American soldiers, such as "We began an apparently circuitous march, not advancing faster than a child ten years old could walk and stopping frequently, though for what purpose I know not,". Most nonfiction books do not include quotes, and just talk about the subject. Overall, this is a pretty good non-fiction book that is not a biography, I like biographies better because there is less details about other people, and they just focus on one main person.

[Laura (booksnob) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crossing is a 80 page children's book that highlights the early battles of the American Revolution when George Washington is chosen to command the Continental army in 1775. Washington had some military experience but the Continental army did not and they were facing a well-trained, large British army. The British invasion begins in New York and the Continental army faced lost battles and men who deserted. As Washington's army decreased in size and he lost or retreated from battle, he was becoming increasingly worried that he might not be able to train the army to defeat the British.

The decisive battle that turned the tide of the war, in favor of the Continental army took place after Washington crossed the Delaware river in the middle of the night. The Crossing is an excellent historical retelling of the beginning of the American Revolution. It is full of maps, pictures, and even gives a description of the famous painting on the cover by Emmanuel Gottlieb Leutze.

If you want to know the true story of the beginning of the American Revolution told in eloquent, simplified text you need to check out The Crossing. The American army was truly the underdog in this war with the British and it makes you understand the significant odds that Washington was up against. The Crossing contains an extensive travel guide to sites of the Revolution, an index, a timeline and a list of books to continue to feed your inquisitive mind. I found the book to be informative and fascinating. Of course, as a history teacher I am a bit biased.

[Janet Squires]

Murphy's narrative reads like a powerful suspense story as he follows Washington from his 1775 appointment to command the army through the Battle of Princeton in 1777. "He had never commanded more than 5,000 men, did not know how to position artillery, or maneuver cavalry and had no engineering skills in building defensive positions." Never-the-less, John Adams spoke in favor of Washington and the Continental Congress voted unanimously in Washington's favor.

Washington is portrayed not as a larger-than-than-life hero, but rather as a man beset with self-doubt whose early military disasters led colonists to lose confidence and almost resulted in his being replaced. Faced with the challenge of turning farmers and shop-keepers into a disciplined fighting force, Washington persevered, learned from his mistakes, became such a skilled strategist that he was nicknamed the "Old Fox" and successfully defeated the most powerful military in the world.

Murphy's narrative utilizes quotes and is enriched with maps and reproductions of art. He makes a point of offering a thoughtful discussion of Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware, pointing out for example that the painting was intended as a symbolic rather than a factual depiction. A timeline, websites, and bibliography complete the book.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Washington is someone that more American's ought to read about. Not because he could not tell a lie about the cherry tree (which is a complete myth), but because he was such an amazing man of courage.

This is a great short book on George Washington and the American revolution. It tells the story of an outnumbered ragtag American rebel army and how George Washington led them to a series of improbable victories against the Hessian (German) and British troops.

The book starts off in April 1775 just after the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It chronicles the events leading up to the Battle of Princeton where Washington made a heroic stand by riding his horse right into the middle of a battle to urge his troops on.

Murphy does a great job telling this as a story. It does not read like a boring history textbook. The book is full of pictures, paintings, and maps that make this story very accessible for middle school readers. It could easily be read in one or two settings.

Lexile: NC-1080 (NC is Non-Conforming, it means it has a higher Lexile than its targeted reading audience).

[Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of history and I really enjoyed Jim Murphy's easy to read, reader friendly book. Packed with a variety of history depicting George Washington's successes and failures during his rein as one of our greatest leaders during the American Revolution.

Though I've read these historical accounts numerous times, I really admire the way Jim Murphy showed General Washington's choices he made during the various wars that plagued our country after our Independence Day on July 4th, 1776. I liked being able to see and understand why Washington made the choices he did and seeing how they impacted each fight. It's still amazing to me how George Washington and his often times run down armies stood bravely at the fore fronts of opposition and won.

The Crossing is a fabulous book for any fan of history. It's a book that focuses on a few different aspects of the war, but gives great insights into George Washington's strategy. I think this is a fantastic book for not only teachers, but to have at home.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Murphy describes the circumstances leading up to Washington's fateful crossing of the Delaware, explaining how the Continental Army, after their success in Lexington, Concord, and Boston, soon lost ground in New York. With men deserting right and left and the Continental Congress discussing whether Washington should be relieved of his command, the general organized a secret attack on the Hessian soldiers stationed in Trenton , crossing the Delaware in the middle of the night. That fateful decision renewed morale and kept the Revolutionary War going when it had only shortly before seemed more likely to fail.

I liked this clear, concise account of the crossing of the Delaware. It's one of those things that has been immortalized in paintings and whatnot, but I was a little fuzzy on the details, but this book provided a great refresher. Another great resource from Jim Murphy.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The remarkable and inspiring story of George Washington and his troops during The American Revolution. What the ragtag army of men lacked in equipment, numbers, and money, they found in the strength in grit and fortitude that they needed with the amazing leadership and determination in this man, who would be president. God truly seemed to be on their side during this time when they tried desperately to break from the British empire and become a free country unto themselves. Told in a simple, sparse narrative that makes it seem real as only Jim Murphy can do.

Includes an index, timeline, glossary, a list of interesting places to visit, and notes & sources. Also includes some interesting facts on the famous painting by Emmanuel Gottlieb Leutze.

[katsok · Rating 4 out of 5]

My bachelor's degree is in history, specifically American History - Civil War. I was very interested when I saw this title and wondered how accessible it would be for students. Although the reading level is a bit higher than the group I teach, I do think most of them would really be interested in this book. I liked how Murphy wove maps into the narrative of the war so that you could better visualize where each army was. It reminded me of his work in the Great Fire. My students who read it always point to the maps showing the blocks of Chicago with the fire spreading each day as what really helped them comprehend its magnitude. I can't wait to talk this one up after break.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my first Jim Murphy (met him at a conference.) As I history buff I was hoping this would be a fun, easy interesting read and it was! This book was very detailed without being overwhelming. I love how he draws from the Painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware to explain historical discrepancies (ie if Washington was standing on the boat the boat would have tipped over, and the stars and stripes weren't adopted until after the revolution. MR. Murphy researches his books well, writes them in an interesting way for the middle school crowd. This could read as an interesting story, or for a history report!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a kid we spent an awful lot of time studying the American Revolution, but didn't focus at all on military strategy. For those kids eager to dig a little bit deeper into the military history of this era and Washington as a military leader, this book is a winner. As is normally the case with Jim Murphy's non-fiction the text is engaging and his storytelling makes the subject interesting. I also really appreciated the notes at the end regarding the famous painting of Washington Crossing the Delaware that was used on the cover of this book - that was a pleasant surprise.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim Murphy does an excellent job of painting a picture of George Washington and his troops and explaining why these battles were so important to the path of the war. I am not a history buff, but this was more interesting than I thought it would be. I enjoyed all the archival paintings and portraits included, as well as Murphy's note on the famous painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware".

Review: http://www.abbythelibrarian.com/2011/...

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably enjoyed this more than most because I like reading about Washington's Crossing. I have gone to the town by that name on Christmas Day and watched the reenactments of Washington's troops crossing the Delaware. The book was a little slow at times, but overall, it was a good children's book about the American Revolution. I liked that it was very focused and did not try to cover the entire war.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on the early days of the American Revolution that is suitable for readers of ANY age. It best describes the seemingly insurmountable challenges faced by Gen. Washington in 1776 and early 1777, and how he and the Continental Army managed to overcome them. Frankly, it's amazing that we're all not singing 'God Save the Queen' right now.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the year after Lexington and Concord, it was a very near thing as to whether the rebellion would sputter out or not. For a while, it was looking so bad that some signers of the Declaration of Independence repudiated it.

[Lin Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Numerous primary sources (1775 Recruiting poster, painting of George Washington with William Lee, his slave and constant companior during the war, maps, painting of General William Howe, one of Britain's best field generals, etc.)used in this book.