Winter at Valley Forge

January 1, 2006
Gr 3-6 -Experimenting with a more visual approach to history, these books contain somewhat fictionalized looks at America's past. They present general background information about the Colonial period before focusing on a particular figure or event. Angular cartoon drawings with many colors and conversation bubbles may hold special appeal for reluctant readers. However, identifying the characters can be difficult after their introduction. In "Valley Forge", for example, only four names are mentioned in the text (George Washington, Lafayette, Baron von Steuben, and General Charles Lee). Deciding which drawings are historical figures and which represent commoners often depends upon recollection of a figure's shirt/hair color. By using minimal language, the texts oversimplify Revolutionary-era disputes and the complex life of Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps useful as topic introductions, these titles sacrifice depth for graphic appeal. Colonial and Revolutionary people and events are covered in many picture books that better balance facts with format." -Julie R. Ranelli, Episcopal Center for Children, Washington, DC"

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