The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 (Dear America)
Grade 5-8?The hardships of the Revolutionary Army at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78 have become symbolic of patriotism and perseverance. This novel recounts the experience through the eyes of 11-year-old Abby Stewart, whose family lives near the encampment. Abby's childlike yet perceptive diary records her varying emotions toward the soldiers?curiosity, pity, anger, revulsion, enthusiasm?as she observes and interacts with them. Although Gregory's overall tone is positive, she doesn't neglect the downside of army life (disease, desertion, thievery) or the horrors of war. Daily events?chores (especially cooking and laundry), amusements, trials, worries, family interactions?are smoothly woven into the story. The Winter of Red Snow gives readers an interesting and realistic look at the Revolutionary War. However, the quaint language ("I could speak not") is awkward. A two-page epilogue fills readers in on these fictional characters' fates, and a lengthy historical note provides documentation on life in 18th-century America.?Ann W. Moore, Guilderland Public Library, NYCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.