When Washington Crossed the Delaware A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America." -- Lynne Cheney Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces. Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history. Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Lynne Cheney is the author of the New York Times bestsellers America: A Patriotic Primer, A Is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots, A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America, and Our 50 States: A Family Adventure Across America. With a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, she is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities. She and her husband, former Vice President Richard B. Cheney, have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Greg Harlin is an acclaimed artist and illustrator. His books for children include Dangerous Crossing, Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, Mississippi, and Hanukkah at Valley Forge, winner of the 2007 Sydney Taylor Book Award. He has spent much of his twenty-eight working years recreating history through his paintings. His work has appeared in many national magazines, including National Geographic, National Park Service publications, and Kids Discover magazine, and has received award recognition from the Society of Illustrators and American Illustration, among other entities. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland.