“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 V. Cheney

In her New York Times best-selling children’s books, America: A Patriotic Primer and A is for Abigail: An Almanac of Amazing American Women, Lynne V. Cheney introduced the founding principles of our country and the story of women’s contributions to American history to our nation’s youngest citizens. Now in When Washington Crossed the Delaware, she brings her acute sense of our shared history to an inspiring, true story of great bravery against enormous odds.

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 army. It looked as though America’s 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 to launch a surprise attack on enemy forces. Washington and his men were going against the odds. How could the ragged American troops—weary from sickness, hunger, and winter cold—succeed against the mightiest power in the world? But the men who started across the icy river loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history.

“The story of Washington and the soldiers who made the Delaware crossing shows how brave individuals can have an enormous impact on events and change the world for the better,” says Mrs. Cheney.  “Their example should be an inspiration to all of us.”

The straightforward and elegant text is complemented by firsthand accounts of the campaign from soldiers, bystanders, and General Washington himself, as well as rich oil paintings by Peter M. Fiore. A source index and map complete this impressive package. With the guidance of parents or teachers, the source index will help children to understand how we learn about the past.

The compelling story of When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach children about the courage, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Lynne V. Cheney is a senior fellow at AEI.