The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution

About this book

Two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy tells the awe-inspiring story of George Washington!

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 who is overcome with doubts that he can succeed against such overwhelming odds.

In this breathtaking account of a pivotal time in the American Revolution, two-time Newbery Honor Book author Jim Murphy shows George Washington's transformation from a gentleman farmer with little military experience to a brilliant general, as he delivers the country from the blackest of times—into the brightest of futures.

Reviews

* "Murphy offers a refreshingly frank, vivid, well-researched account of a pivotal time in American history." -- Booklist, starred review

"Whereas purely chronological histories drag readers' attention from one theater of war to another, Murphy concentrates on the troops directly under Washington's command in the events leading up to the battles of Trenton and Princeton, so that each step or misstep is as riveting as if readers were following at the heels of 'the old fox.'" -- School Library Journal

Praise for Jim Murphy

A Newbery Honor for The Great Fire

A Robert F. Sibert Honor for Blizzard!

* "Spectacular!" -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review of Truce

* "An example of stellar nonfiction." -- Booklist, starred review of Blizzard!

* "A veritable cinematic account." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review of The Great Fire