George Washington’s Socks
By: Elvira Woodruff
About the Author
• Elvira Woodruff:
– Author of many popular children’s books
– Writes both picture and novel books for middle school
children
– Road to a writer’s life was full of twists and turns
• Didn’t discover your gift of writing until she was 35 years old
• Went to college for English Literature
• Has several jobs including; gardener, receptionist, storeowner, and the job that changed it all…
• Storyteller in a library
– This job took her back to her love of books and writing
Elvira Woodruff (cont.)
• Knowing that she needed to make a living, Elvira took a
risk and began her pursuit of writing children’s books
• After about 4 or 5 years of writing and beginning with
picture books, Elvira was writing 3 or 4 books a year!
• After writing several picture books Elvira moved onto
novels and then onto historical fiction
• She then began speaking in schools about creative
writing
• Elvira says, “I'm grateful my life didn't come with a
map. I've been only too happy to map out the
adventure myself.“ http://www.ewoodruff.com/About/
George Washington’s Socks
The Novel
• Written in 1991
• Is one of Woodruff’s several middle school
novels
• Is considered to be a historical fantasy novel
• Based upon the time in history when George
Washington lived and the American
Revolution was happening
Summary of the Novel
•
“When five kids take a walk along Lake Levart late one night,
a mysterious wooden rowboat beckons them aboard. As if in a
trance, they all step inside. But what they don’t realize is that
this enchanted boat is headed backward in time---to the time
of George Washington. And their neighborhood lake has been
transformed into the icy Delaware River on the eve of the
battle at Trenton. How will they ever find their way home?
As Matthew, Quentin, Hooter, Tony, and Katie experience
the American Revolution firsthand and learn the sobering
realities of war, Elvira Woodruff spins a compelling historical
fantasy that won’t soon be forgotten.”
Novel Review
Publisher’s Weekly said, “An overnight campout turns into a harrowing trip to colonial
America in this action-packed novel…Young
history buffs and adventure seekers alike will
enjoy this journey to the past.”
Important Locations
• Delaware River:
Important Locations (cont.)
• Battle at Trenton: