What do you think?
Rate this book
Washington at Valley Forge
Newbery Award-winning author Russell Freedman offers up this powerful account of the survival of American soldiers while camped at Valley Forge during a crucial period in the American Revolution. George Washington's army almost perished during the winter of 1777-78. Camped at Valley Forge, about twenty miles from Philadelphia, the revolutionaries endured severe hardship because the army's supply system had collapsed and they were without food, clothing, and blankets. The army was at its most vulnerable; but when the harsh winter drew to a close, the soldiers had survived, and marched away from Valley Forge more determined than ever. The British were defeated in 1783, and Washington, for the rest of his life, said that the credit for the Amrican victory belonged to the soldiers who had braved the horrific conditions at Valley Forge.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2008
About the author
Russell Freedman
89 books138 followersRussell A. Freedman was an American biographer and the author of nearly 50 books for young people. He may be known best for winning the 1988 Newbery Medal with his work Lincoln: A Photobiography.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
He grew up in San Francisco and attended the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked as a reporter and editor for the Associated Press and as a publicity writer. His nonfiction books ranged in subject from the lives and behaviors of animals to people in history. Freeedman's work has earned him several awards, including a Newbery Honor each for Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery in 1994 and The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane in 1992, and a Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal.
Freedman traveled extensively throughout the world to gather information and inspiration for his books. His book, Confucius: The Golden Rule was inspired by his extensive travels through Mainland China, where he visited Confucius' hometown in modern day QuFu, in the Shantung Province.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 23, 2008
Freedman does the wonderful job I always expect of him in this thoughtful examination of how Washington remade his tattered army at Valley Forge. First he paints a sobering picture of the desperate shape of the men and the horrifying condition of the camp at the start of the winter. Then he goes on to detail the revitalization of that army as Washington systematically addressed the many problems from smoke filled cabins to supply chains to political enemies. Washington recruited skilled help, assigning Major General Greene to tackle the supply line problem, Baron von Steuben to address training, and well-educated aides as "pen-men" to assist with the volumes of necessary correspondance. Freedman enlivens the text with plenty of primary sources, including letters and writings from ordinary soldiers and also provides ample background information. Washington emerges as the remarkable leader that he truly was, dedicated, sincerely concerned for his men, politically savvy, smart and courageous. It is startling clear that without Washington's heroic efforts that winter, the Revolution would have failed.
February 28, 2017
We picked this book up as a follow-up to our visit to Valley Forge last year. Much of the information was a review of what we learned while at Valley Forge but there was still plenty of information to keep it interesting and informative.
February 1, 2009
And to think that I am cold in my house with the heat kept low. I'd never have made it at Valley Forge with no boots and tattered clothing and drafty tent shelters! Freedman is a master and this book is as well researched and well written as his others. The primary source quotes and the interesting details he weaves into his narratives make his nonfiction so notable. Another easy book to share in middle school booktalks but I'd buy this for elementary and high school collections too.
January 5, 2020
This is a great, informational YA book that made me realize anew how grateful I am for heroes who suffered untold hardships to gain freedom from England. I also have even more respect for George Washington, who did a great job as general for the patriot army despite horrible conditions due to weather, lack of supplies and support from leaders, as well as horrible, untrue rumors spread by people who didn't like him. He held firm to his values and stayed the course, even though he would rather have been in Mount Vernon. His wife, Martha, was also a wonderful, supportive wife who believed in the patriot cause and her husband. I would recommend this as a valuable book for those, both old and young, who don't know much about the hardships suffered at Valley Forge.
January 19, 2018
Loved this! Informative and interesting.
December 28, 2025
Decent telling of Valley Forge. I enjoyed the illustrations and seeing the actual artifacts and buildings.
December 9, 2019
Good educational story about Valley Forge.
November 27, 2012
Washington at Valley Forge tells the detailed account of General George Washington’s Continental army and their brutal winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge near British occupied Philadelphia. At the time Washington’s army arrived at Valley Forge, all were starving, weak, wore tattered, insufficient clothing, and many no longer had shoes on their frozen, bleeding feet. Against all odds, the army built shelters, reorganized their supplies systems, and became professionally trained soldiers for the first time. Not only did they survive the long, hard winter, but came out of it stronger than ever and with a higher morale than anyone could have imagined.
I thoroughly enjoyed Freedman’s telling of this story, the first-person accounts of nineteen-year old Private Joseph Plumb Martin, among others, made the soldiers’ experiences more real, and much more emotional for the reader. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of some very surprising and interesting facts thrown in such as that the Continental army was the last racially integrated American army where men of all races fought side by side until the Korean War. I also found it interesting that many of the soldiers were recent immigrants to America from more than a dozen European nations, and that a majority were just teenagers when they entered the army. I was again surprised to learn that there were large numbers of women and children that followed the troops year-round and lived near the camps that were known as “camp-followers.”
Nearly every page included an image that corresponded with the text’s subject matter, filled with historical paintings, engravings, portraits, and even some photographs of the historical sites mentioned, the images added a great deal to the imagery of the Valley Forge story and the reader’s comprehension of that time period in history. Freedman offers a concise timeline of the Revolutionary War at the end of the book for readers to easily understand where Valley Forge and the other events mentioned in the book fit into the war. Embarrassingly, I admit that I never knew the story of Valley Forge and its important place in America’s fight for independence. Freedman tells the story in such an accessible and interesting way, this book is a must read for all young people interested in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War.
I thoroughly enjoyed Freedman’s telling of this story, the first-person accounts of nineteen-year old Private Joseph Plumb Martin, among others, made the soldiers’ experiences more real, and much more emotional for the reader. I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of some very surprising and interesting facts thrown in such as that the Continental army was the last racially integrated American army where men of all races fought side by side until the Korean War. I also found it interesting that many of the soldiers were recent immigrants to America from more than a dozen European nations, and that a majority were just teenagers when they entered the army. I was again surprised to learn that there were large numbers of women and children that followed the troops year-round and lived near the camps that were known as “camp-followers.”
Nearly every page included an image that corresponded with the text’s subject matter, filled with historical paintings, engravings, portraits, and even some photographs of the historical sites mentioned, the images added a great deal to the imagery of the Valley Forge story and the reader’s comprehension of that time period in history. Freedman offers a concise timeline of the Revolutionary War at the end of the book for readers to easily understand where Valley Forge and the other events mentioned in the book fit into the war. Embarrassingly, I admit that I never knew the story of Valley Forge and its important place in America’s fight for independence. Freedman tells the story in such an accessible and interesting way, this book is a must read for all young people interested in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War.
January 9, 2010
In the cold winter of 1777, newly appointed General George Washington selects Valley Forge as the army’s encampment for the next six months. The men lack food, blankets, and even clothing. Washington faces the difficulties of obtaining supplies for the army, training his rag tag men for battle, and keeping his position from jealous American officers who attempt to slander him. Not only does Washington keep his tattered, starving army alive, but he sees to it that they become skilled militia men. Valley Forge was the turning point in the war. America would face a larger, stronger, more capable enemy and win their freedom.
Teachers and parents can share this history of the Revolutionary War full of illustrations from pen and ink sketches to oil paintings to photographs. The personal accounts of those who experienced the events weave a rich relatable history for today. Little known details make it a compelling read, such as Washington’s best spies were washerwomen. They did laundry for British officials in Philadelphia and informed Washington of the British retreat when they were ordered to have their laundry delivered at once “finished or unfinished.” The hardships and victories help readers realize how much was sacrificed for the freedom of the United States of America.
Teachers and parents can share this history of the Revolutionary War full of illustrations from pen and ink sketches to oil paintings to photographs. The personal accounts of those who experienced the events weave a rich relatable history for today. Little known details make it a compelling read, such as Washington’s best spies were washerwomen. They did laundry for British officials in Philadelphia and informed Washington of the British retreat when they were ordered to have their laundry delivered at once “finished or unfinished.” The hardships and victories help readers realize how much was sacrificed for the freedom of the United States of America.
April 23, 2012
Summary
Washington at Valley Forge by Russell Freedman is the story of George Washington and his troops at a pivotal part of the Revolutionary War. The troops had just spent a freezing winter in Valley Forge with little or no clothing, shelter and food. The book gives a history of the whole war and includes quotes and pictures throughout the story. We learn about three men in the army and their lives which helps draw you into the story.
Critique
This book serves to teach about George Washington and the Revolutionary War in a way that makes it more than just something/someone in a history book. The stories and accounts about George and his men make the story personal. The writing style was informative but styled in a way to not make things seem boring. The paintings and engravings shown in the book were relevant and engaging.
Response
I was enamored by this book. I would use it in a unit on the revolutionary war from the American side and I would use it for personal information about George Washington. I couldn't put this book down and I don't think that my students will be able to either.
Washington at Valley Forge by Russell Freedman is the story of George Washington and his troops at a pivotal part of the Revolutionary War. The troops had just spent a freezing winter in Valley Forge with little or no clothing, shelter and food. The book gives a history of the whole war and includes quotes and pictures throughout the story. We learn about three men in the army and their lives which helps draw you into the story.
Critique
This book serves to teach about George Washington and the Revolutionary War in a way that makes it more than just something/someone in a history book. The stories and accounts about George and his men make the story personal. The writing style was informative but styled in a way to not make things seem boring. The paintings and engravings shown in the book were relevant and engaging.
Response
I was enamored by this book. I would use it in a unit on the revolutionary war from the American side and I would use it for personal information about George Washington. I couldn't put this book down and I don't think that my students will be able to either.
April 27, 2015
Freedman, R. (2008). Washington at Valley Forge. New York: Holiday House.
This book is all about the hardships during the fight at Valley Forge. It was during the winter of 1777-78 and was a few miles from Philadelphia. They had some really hard conditions such as no food, clothes or blankets for the freezing nights. By the end of the winter the troops did survive and they went away feeling determined. Washington proclaimed the win to the soldiers who made it through these tough times once the British surrendered in 1783. This book goes through the hard six months of the American Revolution. Each chapter has a title that states what you are going to be learning about which gives the reader a good idea of what to expect. Also each page has a picture which gives you a good visual of what is happening when reading. This is a good book for a class because this was a major event for the United States. You could do an activity by having the students write letters to the soldiers and asking if they had food or what kind of temperature it was. I think this would be a fun activity for the kids and will also help them with their writing.
This book is all about the hardships during the fight at Valley Forge. It was during the winter of 1777-78 and was a few miles from Philadelphia. They had some really hard conditions such as no food, clothes or blankets for the freezing nights. By the end of the winter the troops did survive and they went away feeling determined. Washington proclaimed the win to the soldiers who made it through these tough times once the British surrendered in 1783. This book goes through the hard six months of the American Revolution. Each chapter has a title that states what you are going to be learning about which gives the reader a good idea of what to expect. Also each page has a picture which gives you a good visual of what is happening when reading. This is a good book for a class because this was a major event for the United States. You could do an activity by having the students write letters to the soldiers and asking if they had food or what kind of temperature it was. I think this would be a fun activity for the kids and will also help them with their writing.
April 29, 2015
Washington at Valley Forge is split up into nine chapters. At the end of the nine chapters there is a detailed time line of the Revolutionary War. The book has amazing illustrations that go along with the story on the page. The book goes into great detail about Valley Forge but also gives background on General Washington’s life in general as well as a full overview of the Revolutionary War. The design includes a broad spectrum from pictures of what the enlisted men’s huts would look like to scenes of Washington pondering the many struggles that he and his army faced. The break down of the story into chapters as well as the Revolutionary War timeline at the end of the book shows outstanding organization. The facts are very accurate with many details for the reader to find interest in. The style with the pictures, captions, and small quotes here and there is also very well put together. 
June 5, 2011
This is the story of the winter of 1777-78, when the ragtag Continental Army camped outside Philadelphia at Valley Forge. It was six critical months of the Revolutionary War, when everything that could go wrong seemed to be going wrong: the supply lines had broken down and the Army wasn't getting food, clothing or blankets, the soldiers' pay wasn't arriving on time, the men were falling ill and literally starving, and Congress was busy blaming General Washington. Washington couldn't respond, because if the true conditions of the Army were revealed, the British would march against them and destroy them. The courage and determination of the soldiers and General Washington are shown through primary source letters and documents, and artwork of the time. An inspiring story of what it took to win freedom, and what price the colonists were willing to pay to have it. 6th grade and up, especially appropriate for 8th grade.
Read
July 29, 2011Do not be fooled by the location of this book in the children's section--it is not aimed at kids. It is a 100 page book that chronicles the pivotal point in the Revolutionary War, the time that Washington spent in Valley Forge mid-war, where he spent 6 months rebuilding his troops strength, clothing them, feeding them, and not allowing their morale to sag to what would have been appropriate lows. The war was quite losable at that point, and faith in him was not high, nor was Congress all that functional (come things never change..although, this Congress did manage to build a fairly functional constitution, something that is also a minor miracle). The book is teeming with period renditions of Washington, and some details about his rivals, and the luck he had in addition to his skills, and intimates that the length of the war was helpful to Washington in that he grew into a man who could lead the fledgling country and that he wasn't in that place before Valley Forge.
October 23, 2012
Russell Freedman is one of my favorite nonfiction authors for young people. He has won many children's book awards for his ability to balance easy-to-read text with engaging illustrations to tell the captivating stories from American history. In Washington at Valley Forge, Freedman provides a powerful account of the Winter of 1777-78. In addition to telling the story of Valley Forge during the encampment, the book also provides an overview of the events before and after the famous winter encampment. The use of historical maps, etchings, drawings, and painting brings the time period alive for readers. Because I'm currently researching an ancestor who served at Valley Forge, the book took on extra meaning. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for an overview of this famous event in American history.
February 6, 2011
WASHINGTON AT VALLEY FORGE tells the story of how the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. Descriptions of the horrible living conditions, freezing temperatures, starvation, and disease faced by all who spent the winter there gives the reader a better understanding of the difficulties overcome by Washington and his men. Just about every page features an illustration to compliment the text, while not overpowering it.
As typically found with any book by Russell Freedman, the story is well-researched, presented in a logical and simple way, but not dry or boring. In fact, I found the book to read like a novel with vivid descriptions. I'm not sure how many casual readers will actually pick up this book, but I hope to get it in the hands of some non-fiction and biography lovers. My grade? A solid 'B.'
As typically found with any book by Russell Freedman, the story is well-researched, presented in a logical and simple way, but not dry or boring. In fact, I found the book to read like a novel with vivid descriptions. I'm not sure how many casual readers will actually pick up this book, but I hope to get it in the hands of some non-fiction and biography lovers. My grade? A solid 'B.'
February 20, 2016
This book is a very detailed description of Washington's encampment at Valley Forge for six months from 12/1777 - 6/1778. It includes engravings, black and white as well as color paintings, black and white photos, sketches, a time line of the Revolutionary War, source notes, bibliography, a table of contents and an index. This book describes aspects of the war many of us usually don't think about: wives joining their husband (and their support roles to the soldiers), the first floating mines, the politics Washington had to play with the Continental Congress in fear he would loose support. A great resource for a report or just for more information. Written at an eight grade reading level, many adult history buffs would enjoy it also. Most younger students would not gain much from this book since the information is in the text, not the captions or extras.
July 31, 2016
A "children's book" with substance.
My daughter has to do a report on Washington's contribution to the Revolutionary War. This book is perfect. Not only does it cover Valley Forge (the turning point for the Continental Army), but it talks a bit about what was happening leading up to this winter encampment up through the resolution of the war. She actually hasn't read it yet; I started skimming it to see if it would work, and I was so interested in it, I just read it myself. (We will read it together in a couple of weeks.) I was so touched by the friendships that this book talks about, too, especially with our nod to Lafayette during WWI. A very good history book for upper elementary and middle school age children.
My daughter has to do a report on Washington's contribution to the Revolutionary War. This book is perfect. Not only does it cover Valley Forge (the turning point for the Continental Army), but it talks a bit about what was happening leading up to this winter encampment up through the resolution of the war. She actually hasn't read it yet; I started skimming it to see if it would work, and I was so interested in it, I just read it myself. (We will read it together in a couple of weeks.) I was so touched by the friendships that this book talks about, too, especially with our nod to Lafayette during WWI. A very good history book for upper elementary and middle school age children.
August 25, 2014
A brief, but informative book about why Washington was at Valley Forge and the conditions there.
From page 82-83:
"Sergeant John Gibbs of New Hampshire spoke for his fellow enlisted men when he wrote: 'It is verry [sic] remarkable that our Troops amidst all their Hardship which the Suffer Still keep a Steady Solid Fortitude of Mind.'
What accounts for such uncommon patience and fortitude? Hessian Major Carl Baurmeister, who fought against the rebels, was convinced that the American army was kept from disintegrating because the rebels were inspired by the 'spirit of liberty.' British statesman Edmund Burke expressed the same belief, declaring that 'a fierce spirit of liberty' was stronger in the [American] colonies, probably, than in any other people of the earth."
From page 82-83:
"Sergeant John Gibbs of New Hampshire spoke for his fellow enlisted men when he wrote: 'It is verry [sic] remarkable that our Troops amidst all their Hardship which the Suffer Still keep a Steady Solid Fortitude of Mind.'
What accounts for such uncommon patience and fortitude? Hessian Major Carl Baurmeister, who fought against the rebels, was convinced that the American army was kept from disintegrating because the rebels were inspired by the 'spirit of liberty.' British statesman Edmund Burke expressed the same belief, declaring that 'a fierce spirit of liberty' was stronger in the [American] colonies, probably, than in any other people of the earth."
January 3, 2009
This often-told tale of the turning point in the American Revolutionary War is made exciting, dramatic, vivid, and incredibly clear and personable at Freedman's able hand. I love how he wove many quotes from the time, by the people who were there and then, into a cohesive narrative. Many of the illustrations have captions that ask the readers to pay attention to the significances of details and even to challenge some of the inaccuracies in some of them. Although I knew the outcome of the events, the "story" and its characters kept me highly engaged throughout.
Read
May 3, 2009It's hard for me to rate this star wise for many reasons. I read it to see what it was all about and to add to my knowledge of nonfiction for work related reasons. It was well done with lots of facts, quotes and pictures reminding me I knew so little about this event in our history and I thought all I needed to know was Washington and his troops survived a horrible winter at Valley Forge. Not so. That being said, nonfiction, and especially historical nonfiction is not my thing. This would be a good recommendation for those 'read a nonfiction book' assignments for a kid who likes history.
June 7, 2010
Author: Russell Freedman
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Information Book
Summary: This book is about the six months (December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778) in which Washington’s army camped at Valley Forge. Paintings and sketches accompany the information. The book also has a table of contents and index to make it easier to find information.
Response: I think this book provides a lot of information and is very organized.
Theme, Concept, Connection: Revolutionary war, George Washington, Valley Forge
Publisher: Holiday House
Genre: Information Book
Summary: This book is about the six months (December 19, 1777-June 19, 1778) in which Washington’s army camped at Valley Forge. Paintings and sketches accompany the information. The book also has a table of contents and index to make it easier to find information.
Response: I think this book provides a lot of information and is very organized.
Theme, Concept, Connection: Revolutionary war, George Washington, Valley Forge
November 13, 2011
I purchased this book from Scholastic, thinking it was a lower level book on Valley Forge. I was so wrong! This book has a great depth of information. It also features a plethora of historical images including pictures from Harper's magazine and paintings by Currier and Ives, Gilbert, and more!
I am slightly confused as to who the audience of the book was intended for. There is a great amount of written text in a picture book format. I found it very informative, but question the attention span of students to focus on this book.
I am slightly confused as to who the audience of the book was intended for. There is a great amount of written text in a picture book format. I found it very informative, but question the attention span of students to focus on this book.
February 10, 2013
Grades 5-9. Nice snapshot of George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge. Had no idea how young his commanders were-- Lafayette a mere 27(??) years and Alexander Hamilton was 22! The conditions at Valley Forge were so horrible-- I never realized how many men died and how small the army was during the winter of 1777-1778. If British Troops had known... the war could have been over and we might all still be subjects of the crown! As usual, Russell Freedman has compiled excellent first-hand accounts, assembled maps and paintings, and put together a vivid portrayal of the Revolutionary War.
February 23, 2009
Russell Freedman has written another winner. The struggle at Valley Forge is an epic of courage and survival. When I read earlier accounts of that winter of 1777-78, I wondered how we ever won that brutal war. Freedman's accounts confirm what I had read before. Those six months were a turning point for this new country. We succeeded because of heroic individuals including
courageous leaders but also common everyday soldiers with uncommon loyalty and purpose.
courageous leaders but also common everyday soldiers with uncommon loyalty and purpose.
April 28, 2010
This book tells an amazing story of George Washington's rise to leadership and great leadership abilities he possessed during the Revolutionary War, particularly during the battle at Valley Forge. There is great detail into this famous battle, the life of George Washington around that time, and of the way people suffered in order to obtain freedom. The book also includes amazing illustrations of people and places during the Revolutionary War time.
July 20, 2009
Wonderful basic and personable history of Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Freedman artfully weaves quotes from first hand accounts and primary source material into a descriptive and interesting narrative with his comprehensive book on the subject. Also contains beautiful period illustrations, maps, Revolutionary timeline, quote and source list, bibliography and more.
June 12, 2013
This is a non-fiction picture book about the survival of General George Washington and his troops during the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The story is presented well with personal accounts and vivid imagery which is supplemented with wonderful illustrations. Easy to read and follow in a narrative style that is engaging and well-written.
May 15, 2014
I love Russell Freedman's books. Man, can this guy write a conclusion. The Revolutionary War/Colonial time period is my fave so I've wanted to read this since it was published in 2008. I love that it's been years since I've read Laurie Halse Anderson's Chains and Forge and mostly what I thought of while reading Washington at Valley Forge were scenes from these two books. Pretty cool.
November 25, 2009
Another great nonfiction book for kids and young adults! Illustrated with period (and later) paintings and told in Freedman's usual clear style. He includes plenty of historical accounts from actual soldiers, which really lend immediacy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews