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: