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The Patriots and the Pox

George Washington's Battle to Save the Continental Army

Illustrated by Ashley Yazdani
Hardcover
$19.99 US
11"W x 9"H | 20 oz | 12 per carton
On sale Sep 29, 2026 | 40 Pages | 9781662681240
Age 7-10 years | Grades 2-5

This nonfiction picture book for young readers ages 7-10 reveals the true story of General George Washington’s brave decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox during the American Revolution.

1775

General George Washington and his ragtag army are preparing to battle the powerful British military when the first attack comes— from an enemy that is invisible and deadly—smallpox! 

The disease wreaks havoc on his troops, foils his plans, and threatens to extinguish hope for independence. Desperate to get smallpox under control, Washington faces an agonizing decision—one that could either destroy his army or save it. He knew what he had to do, but how? The fate of a nation was on the line. Here is a new look at a founding father that uniquely shows why vaccines remain important today.
© Tina Wood
Beth Anderson, a former teacher, combines her love of writing with the joys of discovery and learning in her narrative nonfiction and historical fiction picture books. Her title Lizzie Demands a Seat won the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and the Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Honor Award. Beth's recent books include Revolutionary Prudence Wright and Hiding in Plain Sight. She lives in Loveland, Colorado. Visit bethandersonwriter.com. View titles by Beth Anderson

About

This nonfiction picture book for young readers ages 7-10 reveals the true story of General George Washington’s brave decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox during the American Revolution.

1775

General George Washington and his ragtag army are preparing to battle the powerful British military when the first attack comes— from an enemy that is invisible and deadly—smallpox! 

The disease wreaks havoc on his troops, foils his plans, and threatens to extinguish hope for independence. Desperate to get smallpox under control, Washington faces an agonizing decision—one that could either destroy his army or save it. He knew what he had to do, but how? The fate of a nation was on the line. Here is a new look at a founding father that uniquely shows why vaccines remain important today.

Author

© Tina Wood
Beth Anderson, a former teacher, combines her love of writing with the joys of discovery and learning in her narrative nonfiction and historical fiction picture books. Her title Lizzie Demands a Seat won the Bank Street Flora Stieglitz Straus Award and the Norman A. Sugarman Children’s Biography Honor Award. Beth's recent books include Revolutionary Prudence Wright and Hiding in Plain Sight. She lives in Loveland, Colorado. Visit bethandersonwriter.com. View titles by Beth Anderson