The winter at Valley Forge

Children's Literature

In five succinct chapters, the reader learns about the landscape and cold, snowy conditions that winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania; the reasons for the soldiers' lack of adequate food, clothing and shelter; as well as the personal hardships they had to endure. Clear and concise in his approach, Dolan's overview has just enough details to make this important historical event come alive. The use of archival prints and drawings helps the reader better understand the living conditions. The back matter is comprised of a timeline, bibliography, web sites and index. Part of the "Kaleidoscope" series, this is a good introduction and will be useful for school reports 2002, Benchmark Books/Marshall Cavendish, $22.79. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo