Guns for General Washington: A Story of the American Revolution (Great Episodes)

seymour Reit Re-creates The True Story Of Will Knox, A Nineteen-year-old Boy Who Undertook The Daring And Dangerous Task Of Transporting 183 Cannons From New York’s Fort Ticonderoga To Boston—in The Dead Of Winter—to Help George Washington Win An Important Battle. children's Literature the Importance And Usefulness Of The Historical Fiction Genre Shines In This Well-written, Accurate Account Of A Turning Point In The American Revolution. Not Many Children Are Aware Of The Strife And Courage That Took Place To Keep Our Young Country In This War Against The British. This Story Is Based Upon The Events That Helped Save Boston And Gave The Strength And Will For General Washington And His Troops To Carry On. The Knox Brothers Were Like Many Others In The Army, Becoming Cold And Frustrated With The Lack Of Action In The Standstill War. Both Sides Were Short On Supplies And A Waiting Game Developed About Who Would Resupply And Strike First. Will Knox Devised A Seemingly Impossible Plan To Leave Boston For Fort Ticonderoga, Ny To Bring Back 183 Cannons To Fight The British. The Plan Was Approved, And So Began The Epic Struggle To Transport The Weapons Across 300 Miles Of Mountainous Rugged Terrain In The Middle Of Winter. They Were Not Only Fighting The Elements Of Winter, No Roads And The Unforgiving Terrain, But Also Needed To Get Back To Boston Before The British Troops Resupplied And Took Over Their Stronghold. Amazingly, The Team Made It And Was Able To Save Their Country In Time. The Combination Of Pride And Unlimited Determination In The Fight To Create Our Country Makes This A Wonderful Addition For Students Of This Time Period. A Map Of The Route Is Included In The Front Of The Book. 2001, Gulliver Books/harcourt, $6.00. Ages 10 To 14. Reviewer:melissa A. Caudill A tale of courage and bravery—the daring and dangerous trek that gave young America its first real victory, paving the way for the future of a great democratic nation. This exciting middle grade novel is the true story of Will Knox, a nineteen-year-old young man who transported 183 cannons from New York’s Fort Ticonderoga to Boston—in the dead of winter—to help George Washington win an important battle. Paul Revere's midnight ride...Washington crossing the Delaware...the winter crisis at Valley Forge... Some events in America's War for Independence are known to all. This book brings to history fans the story of another true episode, just as dramatic but not nearly as well known. As you read these pages, you will agree that Colonel Knox's great adventure was a stirring, suspenseful, and important event in American history. A fictionalized account of a daring event from the Revolutionary War. During the winter 1775-76, General George Washington needs guns and ammunition to help reclaim the city of Boston, blockaded by the British. Colonel Henry Knox and his brother Will decide to move 183 cannons from New York's Fort Ticonderoga, captured by the Americans the previous May, to Boston. However, this means moving the guns over mountainous wilderness in snow and mud, while keeping their efforts secret from the British. In the bitter winter of 1775-76, Colonel Henry Knox and his younger brother Will, both of the Continental Army, become frustrated with the British blockade of Boston and decide to attempt to move 183 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga, over 300 miles of mountainous wilderness, to defend the besieged city. Frustrated with life under siege in George Washington's army, nineteen-year-old Will Knox and his brother, Colonel Henry Knox, undertake the task of moving 183 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the dead of winter Crack! Crack! Crack! The sound of musket fire cut through the stillness of the sleeping camp.