(2) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. Krensky's Revolutionary War–set Hanukkah tale, based on a historical anecdote and featuring General George Washington learning about the holiday from an unnamed Jewish soldier, has been modestly revised from its 2006 edition, with small edits and a new appended author's note. A Sydney Taylor Book Award winner, the story, which draws parallels between the Maccabees and the Continental Army, is illustrated with watercolor paintings both somber and luminous, reflecting the struggles for freedom--and the light of Hanukkah.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2021

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. Large, painterly three-quarter-page illustrations depict various scenes from the period after the Revolutionary War. The wordy text, which appears in quarter-page columns on each spread, details the Founding Fathers' work to unite the country, culminating in the drafting of the Constitution. The broad topic is too complicated for this format, but older readers may appreciate the overview. Bib.

Reviewer: Nancy Hull

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. While the Revolutionary Army is encamped at Valley Forge, General George Washington comes upon a soldier, lighting Hanukkah candles, who relates the holiday's history. Working from a historical anecdote, Krensky expertly weaves some of Washington's own words into the invented dialogue. The framed watercolor paintings are suffused with soft light, as if illuminated by the candles.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. A taut fictionalized text and stately illustrations describe the 1778 Atlantic voyage of John Adams and his ten-year-old son, Johnny. As they travel to France to seek support in the Revolutionary War, their ship is chased by British frigates, hit by lightning, and fired on by a merchant ship. A brief author's note describes the subsequent achievements of John and John Quincy Adams.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. This picture book retells the story of the American patriot's famous horseback ride. It is illustrated with dramatic, often panoramic paintings that are dark and foreboding, but also luminous, as befits such a "symbolic moment" for our country. Although the events are well known, Krensky's writing is clear and detailed and make this a good fit for the classroom.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. In this tribute, Siebert celebrates the history and geography of the Mississippi River using her trademark rhyming verse. Though the poem goes on too long to sustain interest, readers will nevertheless be lulled by Siebert's rhythmic text, which flows evenly, gently breaking, much like the river it describes. Striking endpapers and Harlin's soothing, gentle washes complement the text. Glos.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt