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I was inspired to write THE LEFT BEHINDS: THE iPHONE THAT SAVED GEORGE WASHINGTON while attending the annual reenactment of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware. The event is held at 1:00 pm every Christmas Day; thousands gather to watch; everyone cheers when the reenactors, dressed as Revolutionary War soldiers, row across the Delaware. The festive event is great fun for kids, who get to run around after opening all their Christmas gifts that morning. But I wondered: what would it be like for these kids if one day they found themselves in 1776? How would they handle no cell phone service, for example? Could they cope without internet, TV, indoor hot showers? And would they have what it takes if they were called upon to help the real General George Washington lead his troops to victory at Trenton?  

Thank you for taking this reimagined journey with me back to a pivotal point in American history.

David Potter

"Narrative is engaging, the plot is fast-paced, and plenty of history is woven into the tale."

- Kirkus Reviews       

"Narration is consistently irreverent."

- Publishers Weekly

"Standout title....mixes in American history with time travel and plenty of humor: a winning combination for middle grade readers." -  

Rocco Staino, School Library Journal

 

Discussion questions:    

1. Mel thinks that if George Washington fails to cross the Delaware and defeat the Hessians at Trenton, the American Revolution will fail and the United States (as we know it) would not exist. Do you agree? Can you imagine a world without the United States?

2. When Benjamin Franklin asks Mel to explain how modern day things work, like iPhones, Mel is hard-pressed to provide specific answers - he can plug things in, but he can't explain how electricity flows into homes. Do you think we take for granted modern day conveniences? How does electricity flow into homes, anyway?

3. Pretend you are George Washington. Your army barely escaped from the British in New York, your troops are not getting paid, and they have only one week left before their enlistment is up. At this point you have three choices: surrender, retreat, or attack. Which option would you choose, and why?

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