Forge

Anderson, L. (2010). Forge. United States: Athenaeum Books for Young Readers. 297 pp.

    ISBN: 978-14169-6144-4

     Forge is the second installment of a series of books called the Seeds of America. The author, Laurie Halse Anderson, has a great ability to keep readers engaged through important parts of history so they do not feel like they are reading a textbook. The story is from the point of view of Curzon. He is a African-American solider at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. The story shows what it was like to be a solider during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Readers are feel like they are their with the soldiers, gathering food, staying warm, and keeping alive. The back of the book includes more information about the characters of the story and a glossary for confusing words. This story would be a great addition to a lesson on the American Revolution. Since the book is apart of a series, my hope would be that a lesson on one of the books would lead to reading more of the series! This could be used in a social studies classroom for lessons on the American Revolution and slavery in the U.S.

     Laurie Halse Anderson has some interesting points in her videos included below. The first video is shorter and describes who inspired her to write this book and more background information about the time period. The second video is a longer (12:12) interview all about Forge. Both would be a great addition to a lesson!

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa-WMxPqTek&feature=player_embedded

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-bnxxEHSIQ&feature=related