Helpful Score: 1
Lars Olafson, 12, is not pleased to be leaving his friends behind when his parents decide to move to Pennsylvania to live on Penncroft Farm with elderly Aunt Cass. The only kid in the neighborhood is a girl, and Lars doesn't appreciate his great-aunt's conviction that he and Pat are sure to be friends. He becomes happier when he makes a new friend, Geordie, who tells wonderful stories about Valley Forge and George Washington--stories so fascinating that one would almost imagine that Geordie, with his odd clothes and peculiar speech, had actually been there. This is an entertaining mystery involving a missing will that could stand alone, but combined with Geordie's enthralling tales of Valley Forge during the American Revolution, Jensen gives readers two terrific stories that are intertwined nicely and come together in a satisfying conclusion. Not only is the history presented in an interesting and painless manner, but also readers should come away eager to read more about this period.
