The second book we are covering for the RBC is The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, written by Kristiana Gregory and published in 1996.
The book opens with an eleven-year-old Abigail living with her parents, two sisters and their brand new baby brother in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. As the winter of 1777 sets in, the small farming community learns that the Continental Army has chosen Valley Forge as the location for their winter encampment. Abigail sees the army march in and witnesses first-hand the hardships faced by the ill-equipped and poorly trained army.
In Part 1 we recap the first half of Abigail's story and talk about the real history of Valley Forge, including myth-busting some tales that are as tall as George Washington himself!
In Part 2, we finish our recap of Abigail's story. We learn more about Baron Von Steuben, we see the Continental Army train, get smallpox inoculations, and learn about a crucial ally joining the war. Meanwhile, Elizabeth learns what happened to her bounty coats and Abigail reveals where Lucy went.
Tune in for lots of discussion and a dramatic reading of a very special, very real diary!
For our Historical Note, we spoke with Ranger Beth Dhunjisha from Valley Forge National Historical Park! She shared stories from her time at the park and gave some interesting historical insight into the story of the 1777-1778 winter encampment. Tune in below!
Further Reading
Looking for more information on Valley Forge, George Washington, and the Revolutionary War? Here are some recommendations for further reading:
