Revolutionary War on Wednesday

Magic Tree House #22

by Mary Pope Osborne

Historical Fiction

Novel

This book is part of the well-known children's series, Magic Treehouse.  In this particular book, Jack and Annie are given a task by Morgan (the magical librarian) to help save Camelot from trouble.  The children have already solved the first task. This book takes place on Wednesday, the day they are to solve the second task: to find something to send.  The children are to go back in time to the days of the Revolutionary War and complete their task.  Jack and Annie stumble upon Patriot soldiers preparing to cross the Delaware River which took them to defeat the Hessians on Christmas day, December 25, 1776.  Along the way they come in contact with the Captain, who needs a farewell letter sent home to his children in case their mission is to fail.  In the midst of gathering the letter, the children are pushed onto George Washington's boat and are both delighted and frightened to what may come of them.  As they are crossing the river, George Washington hears the children and accuses them of being spies because of their knowledge about the secret mission.  Jack and Annie explain that it was a mistake and share a bit of encouragement with George Washington to complete the task and to remember the speech he gave his men.  Jack and Annie are free to go and make it safely to their magic tree-house where they arrive home peacefully.  This book is a wonderful addition to any classroom library. The book is both a delightful read for children, and a great way for students to learn more about the Revolutionary War. I love how Jack writes down important information along their journeys in his notebook because it gives readers an example of how to take notes on important information that is given.  I would use this book in my classroom to integrate social studies and literature because it blends both so well.  There are great tidbits of information throughout the book that is given. The information is bolded so that readers can draw their attention to the new information.  At the end of the story, the author provides further historical information for the readers which is a great way to focus on the history that is addressed in the book.