Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Fiction: I Matthew, his friends, and his sister gain a personal understanding of the dangers of fighting with the American revolutionaries when they find themselves transported to the Delaware River just as General Washington crosses it that frigid night. Unfortunately, this originally interesting novel loses its credibility halfway through. Horn Rating: Recommended, with minor flaws. Reviewed by: ss (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly
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An overnight campout turns into a harrowing trip to colonial America in this action-packed novel. When 10-year-old Matthew, his younger sister Katie and their band of friends enter a mysterious rowboat with magical powers, they wind up crossing the Delaware River with George Washington in 1776. The confused children are befriended by bedraggled patriot soldiers and captured by Hessians and Indians before completing the icy but victorious march on Trenton. Woodruff has assembled a likable though stock cast of characters (small, smart and strong are all represented) to keep pace with her quick-moving story. The harsh conditions and brutal implications of the historic battle interspersed with snappy dialogue and 20th-century humor proves an appealing mix, though older readers may find the anti- war message a bit heavy-handed. Young history buffs and adventure seekers alike will enjoy this journey to the past. Ages 9-12. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal
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Gr 4-6-- Time travel and historical fiction combine in this novel of the American Revolution. During a camp out, ten-year-old Matthew, his younger sister Katie, and three friends board an old rowboat and are transported to the Delaware River in 1776. The children are caught up in the conflict between the patriots and the Hessians; an encounter with some Indians is thrown in for good measure. Matthew makes friends with a thoroughly believable young foot soldier who dies in the snow. Washington is portrayed as a kind but battle-weary leader who gives Katie his socks to keep her wet feet warm. This story is strongest in its portrayal of the realities of 18th-century warfare. The harrowing river crossing, the confusion, the terrible weather, and the constant deprivations faced by the soldiers are all clearly and vividly described. Unfortunately, the sequences set in modern times seem contrived and pale by comparison; they are never more than a vehicle to get to 1776. The children have an unsophisticated, ``gee-whiz'' quality about them that readers will find hard to digest. Dialogue is wooden. Time-shift historical novels, such as Janet Lunn's The Root Cellar (Scribners, 1983) can work effectively. In this case, however, the characters from modern America simply don't measure up to those out of history. The overly cute title and cover art to match are unfortunate as well. The book will be most useful where such stories can support curricular needs in American history. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.