The Patriots and the Pox: George Washington’s Battle to Save the Continental Army

Gr 3-6–At the height of the American ­Revolutionary War, General George ­Washington had more than enemy troops to consider when it came to victory. A ­silent and invisible invader threatened the lives of ­Washington’s men and the eventual outcome of the war. With careful consideration and strategic prowess, Washington chose to enforce inoculation against smallpox for all his troops, judging the benefits to outweigh the risks of a terrible catastrophe. Recounted as a narrative, this nonfiction story introduces young readers to the unseen enemy with which Washington had to contend during his time as commander for the patriots’ army. Small blocks of text propel the plot forward, providing context for the detailed, urgency-filled images surrounding them. Yazdani’s illustrations are set in watercolor, gouache, ­watercolor powder, colored ­pencils, and wax pastels. Thorough research is delivered in digestible quantities, readers will likely be inspired to investigate the extensive back ­matter, filled with an author’s note and primary and secondary sources, to learn more about this little-known ­moment in ­American history.