George Washington's socks [Hardcover]

Elvira Woodruff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1991 | Age Level: 9 and up

In the midst of a backyard campout, ten-year-old Matt and four other children find themselves transported back into the time of George Washington and the American Revolution, where they begin to live out American history firsthand and learn the sober realities of war.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

An overnight campout turns into a harrowing trip to colonial America in this action-packed novel. When 10-year-old Matthew, his younger sister Katie and their band of friends enter a mysterious rowboat with magical powers, they wind up crossing the Delaware River with George Washington in 1776. The confused children are befriended by bedraggled patriot soldiers and captured by Hessians and Indians before completing the icy but victorious march on Trenton. Woodruff has assembled a likable though stock cast of characters (small, smart and strong are all represented) to keep pace with her quick-moving story. The harsh conditions and brutal implications of the historic battle interspersed with snappy dialogue and 20th-century humor proves an appealing mix, though older readers may find the anti- war message a bit heavy-handed. Young history buffs and adventure seekers alike will enjoy this journey to the past. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1991 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 166 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590440357
• ISBN-13: 978-0590440356
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,452,355 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Elvira Woodruff is the author of over twenty picture books and novels for young readers including George Washington's Socks. Most recent books include Fearless and Small Beauties: The Journey of Darcy Heart O'Hara.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 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.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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

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.

5 of 5 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

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

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.