Overview
The history of the United States cannot be told without George Washington. Washington helped to define the nation, through his decisive leadership during the Revolutionary War and in the ways he shaped the presidency. As a surveyor, a legislator, a general, and as president, Washington demonstrated courage and commitment. His brilliance as the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War made him one of the most famous people in America, and led to his unanimous election as president. Revered today as "the father of our country," Washington remains an example of great leadership, both on the battlefield and in politics. His life offers a fascinating glimpse of the United States at one of the most critical times in its history.Synopsis
The history of the United States cannot be told without George Washington. Washington helped to define the nation, through his decisive leadership during the Revolutionary War and in the ways he shaped the presidency. As a surveyor, a legislator, a general, and as president, Washington demonstrated courage and commitment. His brilliance as the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War made him one of the most famous people in America, and led to his unanimous election as president. Revered today as "the father of our country," Washington remains an example of great leadership, both on the battlefield and in politics. His life offers a fascinating glimpse of the United States at one of the most critical times in its history.
Della A. Yannuzzi - Children's Literature
Author McNeese has written a good, clear biography about George Washington, America's first president. Although many books have been written about the Father of Our Country, McNeese's addition is both an educational and enjoyable reading experience. At the end of each of the nine chapters, there is a short section called "Test Your Knowledge" which lists questions and multiple answer choices. The sidebars are interesting, such as Washington's "Patowmack Canal," "What Were We Like as a Nation in 1790?" and "George Washington's Women." Before Washington became president he was a land surveyor, legislator, and general. His leadership role as commander of the Army during the Revolutionary War paved the way to his election as president. Washington served two terms but at the end of his second term he was tired. Many people wanted him to run for a third term but he decided to retire to Mount Vernon, his Virginia home. His days on the plantation were spent supervising the operation of the large farm, writing letters, reading, spending time with his family, and entertaining guests. In 1799 Washington came down with a bad cold after riding his horse around Mount Vernon on a cold and wet December day. The cold progressed to a sore throat and then laryngitis that caused difficulty in breathing. Within a few days, he was dead. A chronology and time line, chapter notes, bibliography, further reading, and websites are included. Color and black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 10 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Author McNeese has written a good, clear biography about George Washington, America's first president. Although many books have been written about the Father of Our Country, McNeese's addition is both an educational and enjoyable reading experience. At the end of each of the nine chapters, there is a short section called "Test Your Knowledge" which lists questions and multiple answer choices. The sidebars are interesting, such as Washington's "Patowmack Canal," "What Were We Like as a Nation in 1790?" and "George Washington's Women." Before Washington became president he was a land surveyor, legislator, and general. His leadership role as commander of the Army during the Revolutionary War paved the way to his election as president. Washington served two terms but at the end of his second term he was tired. Many people wanted him to run for a third term but he decided to retire to Mount Vernon, his Virginia home. His days on the plantation were spent supervising the operation of the large farm, writing letters, reading, spending time with his family, and entertaining guests. In 1799 Washington came down with a bad cold after riding his horse around Mount Vernon on a cold and wet December day. The cold progressed to a sore throat and then laryngitis that caused difficulty in breathing. Within a few days, he was dead. A chronology and time line, chapter notes, bibliography, further reading, and websites are included. Color and black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. 2006, Chelsea House Publishers, Ages 10 up.—Della A. Yannuzzi