Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "The Return of George Washington"

There is a time in U.S. history that we generally take for granted, if we think of it at all. This nation defines its early history through the Revolutionary War and the goings on in Philadelphia in 1776.

Despite that history, the United States almost wasn't. In 1787, when the constitutional convention met, the very idea of united states was in issue. Rather than rework the Articles of Confederation, the founding fathers took the convention in a different direction, with great controversy in doing so, and developed the U.S. Constitution, a strong central government and true united states.

In "The Return of George Washington," historian Edward Larson makes the case that had Washington not agreed to chair the convention and support the concept, the United States might never have been. His arguments are compelling.

The Dallas Morning News said of the book, "He (Larson) has taken up what might seem to be a niche in this great man's life and career, and found there the core of his personality and his greatness."

From the Enoch Pratt Free Library comes a recommendation for a student read from librarian Jessica Brown, the children's services coordinator. She worked with the Orioles to compile a student reading list.

"In 'The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs by A. Wolf' written by Jon Scieszka, the familiar fairy tale we all know gets turned on its head as the book is told from the perspective of the Big Bad Wolf," Brown says. "This funny and thoughtful interpretation reminds us that there are two sides to every story - even the famous ones!"

For some wonderful reads and a chance for young readers to write their own book reviews, click here.

"The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see." - Winston S. Churchill

Let's go to the videotape, Warner Wolf, for more on this "The Return of George Washington":

On a recent visit to the Pratt Library, we met with Roswell Encina, the director of communications there, and talked about this great Baltimore treasure. Listen in and learn more about the Pratt Library.

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2015 season is his ninth with the club and 30th covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. On Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m., meet authors Lois Zanow and Sally Johnston, who will discuss their book, "Monuments to Heaven, Baltimore's Historic Houses of Worship" in the meeting room of the Roland Park Branch, 5108 Roland Ave.

* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2015 Gary F. Thorne. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gary F. Thorne and MASNsports.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.