Dangerous Crossing

Dangerous Crossing

Written by: Stephen Krenksy

Illustrated by: Greg Harlin

Published by: Dutton Juvenile, 2004

Pages: 32

 

In this historical book, we follow the dangerous journey of John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Adams is being sent on a secret mission to France. The British army is beginning to be too much for the small colonies. They are in serious need of help from their friends in France. The story is seen mostly through the eyes of the younger Adams. He finds the hard journey to be more of an exciting adventure. They faced terrible storms and battles with their enemies. Will they make it to France to get help for the Patriot colonies or will they be forced to turn around?

 

In this story, Greg Harlin used a blue tint to capture the mystery and danger of the voyage of the Adam’s. Harlin uses a mixture of dark blues, light blues, and gray to create the tone for this book. The pictures almost look like sketches in a way; however they are done with paints. The illustrations have almost a blur to them to create the illusion of the fog on coming up from the water. The illustrations of this story bring the words to life.

 

Naturally, I would use this book during a history lesson about the father and son presidents. This is a great story to read to students so that they can connect with the presidents and help them realize their potential. Letting the students hear this story from the child’s point of view helps bring this serious story down to their level. I would use this for a writing exercise as well. I would have the students write about a journey they have gone on with one of their parents or family members. Last, I would use this story as a cause and effect lesson. I would ask the students about what the effect might have been if these two future presidents had not made this important journey to France. Would we even be a nation today?