(4) 4-6 American Revolution Through Primary Sources series. These bland introductions discuss growing tensions between England and the colonies; the significant events leading up to and during the war; the men, women, and children who helped bring victory to the thirteen colonies; and the founding of our Constitution. Archival photographs and maps (with "primary source" called out where applicable) enhance these histories. The books' young-looking format seems at odds with their intended audience. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. This review covers these American Revolution Through Primary Sources titles: American Indians and African Americans of the American Revolution, Courageous Children and Women of the American Revolution, The Making of the United States from Thirteen Colonies, An Overview of the American Revolution, Washington's Crossing the Delaware and the Winter at Valley Forge, and Why We Won the American Revolution.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. In this follow-up to The Winter of Red Snow, Abigail and her family follow George Washington's Revolutionary War regiment. Abby is a young teenager coming of age during wartime, and her growth is both realistic and engaging. Historical information occasionally overtakes the story's plot line, but fans of the Dear America series may welcome the background and will otherwise find a solid read.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(1) 4-6 Seeds of America series. Fugitive slave Curzon takes over narration from Isabel in this sequel to Chains. Only fifteen, he enlists in the Continental Army, serving alongside white soldiers encamped for the winter at Valley Forge. Anderson seamlessly weaves her fictitious characters into history in a cohesive, well-researched narrative about the Revolutionary War that still focuses foremost on developing characters and their relationships.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(3) 4-6 Dear America series. Three reissued titles find orphaned Margaret as companion to a wealthy woman aboard the Titanic; Abigail describing Valley Forge; and "Mem" telling of the Mayflower voyage. In new series entry Fences, Piper discusses her family's involvement in WWII. Each of the fictional diaries, in addition to presenting one girl's unique perspective, conveys engaging information about the story's time period. Review covers these Dear America titles: The Winter of Red Snow, The Fences Between Us, A Journey to the New World, and Voyage on the Great Titanic.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(2) 4-6 Freedman again illuminates a piece of American history: here, the Revolutionary War, using the winter of 1777–78 as a focal point. His customary graceful prose, eye for the telling detail, and clear narrative arc make this a pleasure to read. Frequent quotations, including first-person reminiscences, and judiciously chosen artistic interpretations add to the appeal of this invitingly designed book. Maps, source notes, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kathleen Isaacs | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009

(4) 4-6 Revolutionary War Library series. These six volumes provide a basic introduction to the growing tensions between England and the American colonies; the significant events leading up to and during the war; the men, women, and children who helped bring victory to the thirteen colonies; and the founding of our Constitution. Archival photographs and maps enhance these otherwise bland renderings of Revolutionary War history. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Revolutionary War Library titles: African Americans and American Indians Fighting in the Revolutionary War, The Brave Women and Children of the American Revolution, Crossing the Delaware and Valley Forge, From Thirteen Colonies to One Nation, How the Revolutionary War Was Won, and What Was the Revolutionary War All About?.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Allen chronicles pertinent events related to George Washington and his colonial army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777. Accounts of Washington's conflict with politicians in the Continental Congress, some of whom were beginning to doubt his leadership, are recorded, as well as the severe hardships faced by his men. The well-documented text is accompanied by period illustrations. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Farnsworth. Moody full-scale oil paintings placed on the right-hand pages of this brief picture book show the misery of soldiers encamped at Valley Forge in the winter of 1778. While the pictures do a good job of capturing specific moments, the choppy, dauntingly dense text doesn't provide readers with a complete account. Relevant sidebars appear occasionally. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) K-3 Kaleidoscope series. Short sentences in short sections accurately summarize the main episodes in these accounts of colonial events. Plentiful illustrations, mostly reproduced from the time periods, are well documented and well captioned. Brief time lines are included, and though these books add nothing new, they serve as basic introductions. Bib., ind. [Review covers these Kaleidoscope titles: The Boston Tea Party, The Lost Colony of Roanoke, The Salem Witch Trials, The Winter at Valley Forge.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian