1776

1776 (2005) by David McCullough. This book is about the first full year of the American Revolutionary War, about how George Washington struggled with his leadership role, and how the British nearly won several times. McCullough has done extensive research into the events of the year and the people, both American and British, involved in the war. Most of all, he tells the story of the American Continental Army -- how, miraculously, it held off the greatest power in the world at the time and set the stage for the extended war to come. Luckily, 1776 ended with a triumph for the Americans, so the book ends on an up note and with hope for the future. Grade: A