by Jan McDonald - St. Cloud Times

appealing in movies. However, I only do it when it feels right for the story. an idea can become agimmick if used at the wrong time. Most people I meet in schools, libraries and bookstores areexcited to see a new format. A few people have told me that they find it confusing. I'm just glad Iaffected them.” Courtesy of Breakfast Serials, Inc.The Setting: New Jersey, The Crossroads ofthe American RevolutionThe Fighting Ground takes place over a 24 hourperiod in New Jersey on April 3 and 4, 1778 .New Jersey was in a key geographical positionlocated between the Continental Congress inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania and the British commandcenter located in New York City. New Jersey wasat the center of the new nation and was heavilyinvolved in the fighting from 1775 until 1783. Calledthe Crossroads of the American Revolution, NewJersey had more military engagements than anyother state during the war as troops moved throughoutthe state. George Washington and his troops inthe Continental Army spent almost half of theRevolution in New Jersey.Tories Chapter 1During the American Revolution, Tories, also calledLoyalists, favored the British and remained loyal toKing George. In Chapter 1, Jonathan calls them“spies and turncoats.” Historians estimate thatabout 40-50% of the colonists strongly supported therebellion while 15-20% of the population in the 13 colonies remainedloyal. The remaining 35-40% tried to remain neutral.Hessian Soldiers Chapter 1Over the course of the war, Great Britain hired about 30,000 soldiersfrom German princes for the sum of $150,000. These professionalsoldiers were in general called Hessians because many came from theHesse-Kassel area of Germany. Of these 30,000 it is estimated thatapproximately 12,500 did not return with 7700 dead and 4800 whoremained in America.Johnnycake Chapter 15Johnnycake is a cornbread usually cooked pancake-style on a griddle. Itwas a popular American pioneer staple food also called journey cakesbecause they held up well when traveling. Here is a recipe to make andshare.3