Customer Reviews

Young George Washington and the French and Indian War, 1753-1758

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A good book for those in grades 6 and up concerning George Washington's involvement in the French and Indian War. Many adults, let alone children, do not know why George Washington was given consideration to be commander in chief of the armed forces in the American Revolutionary War. This book gives us that information.
The book starts with Washington's perilous trip to warn the French to leave the Ohio Valley in 1753, takes us through Washington's defeat at Fort Necessity and Braddock's disaster, and ends with Washington's resignation in 1758 after the French abandoned Fort Duquesne (pronounced Dew-cane), which is at the site of present day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The book's 114 pages (plus a bibliography and index) is not the most exciting writing I have ever read, but it is not boring either. There is enough detail given to make the book interesting, but not enough to make it tedious for the casual reader. The only fault I would give the book is that the author is quick to blame Washington for not only the mistakes he made, but also for events that Washington had little control over. However, if the author took the space to explain every point of view, the book would have been, by necessity, much longer.
For those wanting a book with not too much detail concerning Washington's involvement in the French and Indian War, this would be a good book to read. And for the age group it was written for (roughly junior high age students I believe), it is a very good choice. The book is long enough to include all the important events without being so long so as to bore those who have only a casual interest in the subject. For those who have little or no knowledge of George Washington's involvement in the French and Indian War (and, in fact, his part in STARTING the war), the book would be especially appropriate, even for adults.
As a book in general, I have given the book a 3 star rating. However, if I were to judge the book as a book written for ages 11 and up concerning George Washington involvement in the French and Indian War, I would rate it higher.

This book was well done for readers of any age,and details the part of George Washington's life that many will probably be unaware of.A good read.