Written by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch
My rating: ★★★★
ISBN: 978-0544130012
Publisher: HMH Books
Date of publication: January 27, 2015
Age: Grades 1 and up
Genre: Nonfiction
Themes: American Revolution, baking, foreign relations, soldiers
Christopher Ludwick was a German-born American patriot with a big heart and a talent for baking the best gingerbread in Philadelphia. No one goes hungry if he can help it. So when cries of “Revolution!” begin, Christopher marches off to feed General George Washington and his hungry troops. But Washington is surprised when his favorite baker sneaks off on a secret mission...
Besides the fact that this book is telling a obscure and amazing tale about an unknown player in the American Revolution, the illustrations are positively WONDERFUL. Because the whole story is told with gingerbread! It's pure genius. It's educational and tasty. The author's note at the end tells how Ludwick's work in the Revolution had nearly been forgotten, what with there only being few records about him. The story, while not told perfectly, was still enlightening. Why wouldn't you try to win a war with delicious treats? I'm glad Kirsch reemphasized the whole point of the story with his illustrations. Well done. Recommended for sure.
Pairs well with any books about the American Revolution, particularly Independent Dames, which tells the story of lesser-known female patriots. Also goes well with gingerbread cookies.
Find it at your library or on Amazon
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