President George Washington: A Holiday House Reader

Children's Literature

Well-known author David A. Adler has written many books for children, including a highly successful picture book biography series. Here he has taken that one step further by creating an early reader biography of the father of our country. It has large type, simple sentences, easy vocabulary, and short chapters. Combine that with beautiful pastel paintings on every page and you have the perfect book for children who are just learning to read on their own. In only five chapters, the book follows George Washington from his birth in 1732, through his boyhood, his marriage, his role in the Revolutionary War, his presidency to his death in 1799. Just enough information is presented to keep the reader interested. A suggested reading list is included for those readers who want to learn more. The book contains several quotes from George Washington and those around him. These quotes add a personal touch to the biography, making George Washington more real to readers. Source information notes are given at the back of the book so readers can learn where Adler found those quotes. Part of the "Holiday House Reader" series, this title is perfect for young readers eager to learn more about our nation's history, and would be a welcome addition to elementary classroom libraries everywhere. 2005, Holiday House, Ages 5 to 8.
—Pat Trattles

School Library Journal

Gr 1-2-Beginning with Washington's childhood and teenage years, this easy reader goes on to describe his significant involvement in both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. The importance of the latter and its effect on transforming the 13 colonies into the first 13 states is also described. The text successfully introduces historical events by providing the minimal background information required for children's understanding without sacrificing accuracy. The narrative also conveys Washington's dedication, determination, and perseverance through the use of quotations that are cited at the end of the book. The short sentences, large font, and lively watercolor illustrations are right on target for new readers.-Jennifer Cogan, Bucks County Free Library, Doylestown, PA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

The third of Adler's rewritten versions of volumes in his Picture Book Biography series follows the first two in supplying additional facts and dates, including endnotes, a reading list and a list of his sources-all presented in an early-chapter-book format. Wallner likewise recasts his illustrations, with smaller, less cartoon-like watercolor scenes and slightly more intricate detail. The author's decision to close with a variant (or misquote?) of John Marshall's famous "First in war..." line could have used some explanation, though he does cite a 19th-century source for it-otherwise, this redone biography provides a fuller, richer picture of Washington than its 1989 progenitor, especially for newly independent readers. (Biography. 7-9)