George Washington for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) [Paperback]

Brandon Marie Miller (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: For Kids series

George Washington comes alive in this fascinating activity book that introduces the leader to whom citizens turned again and again—to lead them through eight long years of war, to guide them as they wrote a new Constitution, and to act as the new nation’s first executive leader. Children will learn how, shortly after his death in 1799, people began transforming George Washington from a man into a myth. But Washington was a complex individual who, like everyone, had hopes and fears, successes and failures. In his early 20s, for instance,Washington’s actions helped plunge Great Britain and France into war. He later fought for liberty and independence, yet owned slaves himself (eventually freeing them in his will). This book weaves a rich tapestry of Washington’s life, allowing kids to connect with his story in 21 hands-on projects based on his experiences and the times in which he lived. Children will learn how to tie a cravat, write with a quill pen, follow animal tracks, sew a lady’s cap, plant a garden, roll a beeswax candle, play a game of Quoits, and make a replica of Washington’s commander-in-chief flag. The text includes a time line, glossary, websites, travel resources, and a reading list for further study.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Although most children's biographies of Washington convey the facts of his life as a youth, a military man, and a public servant, this book offers a well-written account of those topics, spiced with many details providing insight into his personality. Often this information appears in sidebars, which tackle topics as varied as slavery at Mount Vernon, and Washington's views on religion. There are even some lines from a poem he composed as a lovesick young man, with the authorial comment, "Luckily, George did not seek a career in poetry." Still another sidebar retells a family story in which one of his dogs made off with a ham from the dinner table (Martha was not amused, but George was). The 21 activities are varied, with choices such as "Play a Game of Whist," "Tie a Cravat," and "Cast a Plaster Life Mask." Illustrated mainly with reproductions of paintings and prints, the volume concludes with a glossary and lists of books and Web sites. Phelan, Carolyn

Review

'The father of our country comes alive in a fascinating activity book."  —Books for Young Minds

"Fun reading for everyone."  —The Star, Orland Park, Illinois

"This is a quick, informative read."  —Firstlook

"Valuable sources of information on the lives of our most famous presidents."  —KLIATT

"Provides a wealth of biographical detail and historical background information."  —Home Education Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556526555
• ISBN-13: 978-1556526558
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,051 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brandon Marie Miller writes history for young people. She writes about both the famous and the common folk, about great events and everyday life. Her books have been honored by the International Reading Association and the National Council for the Social Studies, among others. Brandon grew up in Park Forest, Illinois and earned her degree in American History from Purdue University. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at www.brandonmariemiller.com and check out http://hands-on-books.blogspot.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real George Washington, September 24, 2009

By 

D. Garretson (Cincinnati, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: George Washington for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

George Washington for Kids mixes facts, fun activities and first hand accounts in an engaging and appealing way. By interweaving personal bits about the man behind the legend, readers can begin to feel a connection to the real person, which is such a critical element in connecting students to history. Learning that George Washington made sure British General Howe's lost dog was returned to him after a battle will stay with students much longer than the names of the battles the two men fought, and give them a better understanding of the character of the man. The book covers Washington's entire life, and the accounts of his early years are fascinating. The activities are varied enough to fit multiple interests, and most can be done with a minimum of adult help. It would be an excellent addition to any classroom or homeschool bookshelf.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and fascinating, August 9, 2011

By 

A. Pelleschi (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: George Washington for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

George Washington for Kids is a thorough biography of our first president. It gives a fascinating glimpse into a man who longed for a better place in the British society and grew increasingly frustrated with archaic laws that always kept colonists below British citizens. Complete with authentic details, such as how many sheets Washington's family owned, to harrowing battle scenes, this book will keep young readers engaged throughout. The numerous activities are creative and give glimpses into the culture of the times. Twenty activities include crafts and games, such as "Design a Recruiting Poster," "Roll a Beeswax Candle," and "Play a Game of Whist." Sidebars provide more in-depth information on Washington's life. In addition, numerous paintings from the time period illustrate various people and events.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Packed with Fascinating Details, May 11, 2011

By 

Emma Berne - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Washington for Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities (For Kids series) (Paperback)

This beautiful produced book depicts Washington's life in lively fashion. Miller's writing is focused, yet she does not hesitate to include entertaining details, such as the time a young Washington had his clothes stolen by two servant girls while he was swimming. The activities set this book apart from other youth biographies of America's first president. Readers can learn how to make their own compass out of a bowl of water and a magnet, sew a lady's mobcap or play the old-fashioned card game of whist.