George Washington's Socks (Paperback)

~ (Author) "MATTHEW CARLTON, you're not leaving this table until you've finished those peas," Mrs. Carlton said firmly..." (more)
Key Phrases: old rowboat, adventure club, Adam Hibbs, George Washington, General Washington (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In PW 's words, "An overnight camp-out turns into a harrowing trip to colonial America in this action-packed novel. . . . Young history buffs and adventure seekers alike will enjoy this journey to the past." Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- Time travel and historical fiction combine in this novel of the American Revolution. During a camp out, ten-year-old Matthew, his younger sister Katie, and three friends board an old rowboat and are transported to the Delaware River in 1776. The children are caught up in the conflict between the patriots and the Hessians; an encounter with some Indians is thrown in for good measure. Matthew makes friends with a thoroughly believable young foot soldier who dies in the snow. Washington is portrayed as a kind but battle-weary leader who gives Katie his socks to keep her wet feet warm. This story is strongest in its portrayal of the realities of 18th-century warfare. The harrowing river crossing, the confusion, the terrible weather, and the constant deprivations faced by the soldiers are all clearly and vividly described. Unfortunately, the sequences set in modern times seem contrived and pale by comparison; they are never more than a vehicle to get to 1776. The children have an unsophisticated, "gee-whiz" quality about them that readers will find hard to digest. Dialogue is wooden. Time-shift historical novels, such as Janet Lunn's The Root Cellar (Scribners, 1983) can work effectively. In this case, however, the characters from modern America simply don't measure up to those out of history. The overly cute title and cover art to match are unfortunate as well. The book will be most useful where such stories can support curricular needs in American history. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (February 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590440365
• ISBN-13: 978-0590440363
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,204 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT Intermediate Grade Read Aloud!, October 6, 1999

By A Customer

I just finished reading this book to my fourth grade class. The students were so interested in it that they never wanted read aloud time to end! They learned a lot from this historical fiction piece, as well. Some of the people, places, and ideas have been seen in our social studies curriculum, and they REMEMBER them! This includes things like who the Hessians were, where Trenton is located, and Washington crossing the Delaware. Woodruff's writing has made this time in history so much more real for my students. They have a new understanding of what war is like and a new appreciation for history, unlike any they could have from reading a textbook.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GREAT FAMILY READ ALOUD, June 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: George Washington's Socks (Turtleback)

A great family read aloud! I read this book aloud to my three children each night after supper. They got so involved in the story, one night they forgot to watch their favorite TV show. This book makes an excellent read-aloud and is the kind of literature I want my children to be reading.It's exciting, full of humor and imagination. A great way to learn about history. But what I loved most about the book was that it was so full of heart and though the kids laughed alot in the funny parts the also grew very, very quiet suring the sad parts. The story opened up a lot of discussion about war and what happens when men choose to fight for their beliefs. My children and I are looking forward to sharing other books by this author.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting, You can't put it donwn:-), June 28, 1999

By A Customer

I read this book when I was in the 5th grade. I've loved it ever since. The author writes with great detail and creates a beautiful illustration. It's easy to form a picture in your head of what the seenary looks like. This book can be funny in places, an heart wrenching in others. I'm sure you will love this book.