Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution

Gr 1-4--A little-known figure from the American Revolution era is given a fresh look for another generation of history lovers. This book relates the tale of a generous, beloved, and industrious member of the Philadelphia community, originally from Germany, referred to as "the baker." The book centers on his insistence upon joining the war effort, despite being told he's too old and fat. George Washington put the baker to work baking bread for the troops and eventually sent him on a special mission to convince the mercenary Hessian soldiers to abandon the English army. Rockliff's dialogue-laden text is accessible, even humorous at times ("General Washington did not say the baker was old and fat. General Washington was too polite. Anyway, he had other troubles on his mind."). Rendered in watercolor, the charming illustrations aptly depict the people and objects as gingerbreadlike, using a palette of warm, cinnamon tones and sugary white lines that detail the free-floating, cut-paper shapes. Repetitive shapes with a lack of depth complete the cookie illusion. The simple recipe on the end pages offers options for different skill levels. Back matter, including a list of sources, provides fuller detail and context as well as the baker's name: Christopher Ludwick. A sweet addition to Revolutionary War units where a more behind-the-scenes look is desired and a nonfiction twist on gingerbread-themed storytimes.--Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Rockliff (The Grudge Keeper) and Kirsch (Noah Webster and His Words) pay playful tribute to a Revolutionary War hero whose legacy lies in his culinary talent. Just before the outbreak of the war, Christopher Ludwick emigrated from Germany to Philadelphia, where he set up a bakeshop specializing in gingerbread ("the best in all the thirteen colonies") and let no one go hungry: "No empty bellies here!" he booms. "Not in my America!" Ludwick shrewdly uses his baking skills after enrolling in Washington's army to feed both colonial troops and British-hired German soldiers, in an effort to persuade them to defect to the patriots' side. Working in watercolor, Kirsch takes a cue from Ludwick's baking to create characters that resemble gingerbread cookies with white icinglike details; speech-balloon comments add another layer of humor to the story. Rockliff's story celebrates an unheralded historical figure, reinforces the value of creatively employing one's skills, and reminds readers that heroes can be found in surprising places. A gingerbread cookie recipe appears on the endpapers. Ages 6-9. Author's agent: Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Christa Heschke, McIntosh & Otis. (Jan.)■

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

"This appealing concoction is a powerful reminder of the good one person can do."
—Kirkus

* "A sweet addition to Revolutionary War units where a more behind-the-scenes look is desired and a nonfiction twist on gingerbread-themed storytimes."
—School Library Journal, starred review

* "Rockliff's story celebrates an unheralded historical figure, reinforces the value of creatively employing one's skills, and reminds readers that heroes can be found in surprising places."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Kirsch's cookie-cutter images of a battalion approaching by sea, hired by England's king, lessen the threat and sweeten the humor...[while] Rockliff uses recurring refrains for maximum impact...Readers will be back for seconds."
—Shelf Awareness, starred review

"Kirsch's jovial cut-paper illustrations, in warm tones of ginger and cinnamon, complement the playful patriotism of Rockliff's text."
—The New York Times