“George Washington: Encyclopedia of the Presidents”
by Zachary Kent.
Children’s Press, Chicago, 1986, 100 pages, Grades 4-6.
Nations are usually born on a set of principles. In the American colonies, one of the principles was the idea that people could not be taxed if they were not represented in the parliament.
Additionally, the beliefs in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness became the foundation of the emerging United States. But the price of independence is costly and can only be achieved through a dedication to these beliefs. A strong leader is needed as well to focus energies of divergent groups to achieve the goal of independence. When a country is fortunate, this leader is a person of virtue and ideals. The United States was incredibly lucky to have such a leader, General George Washington. Zachary Kent tells the powerful story of how this honorable Virginian grew as a person and led the founding of the country. The name of this fine book is “George Washington: Encyclopedia of the Presidents.”
On February 22, 1732, George Washington was born in a modest brick home in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father, August Washington, moved the family from farm to farm raising tobacco. Young George’s father died when he was 11 years old. At the time of this loss, his half-brother, Lawrence took a keen interest in the lad and invited him to his plantation at Mount Vernon, Virginia. In addition to becoming an accomplished horseman, George soon learned how to do surveying and served in an expedition surveying western lands. These lands in the Ohio River Valley were the source of contention between France and England. Rivalry soon broke into warfare and Washington received a commission in the British-American Army as a lieutenant-colonel. For the next several years, Washington served as an officer in the French and Indian War. When it was concluding, he resigned from the army and returned to Virginia. He soon happily married the widowed Martha Custis and settled into the life of a gentleman.
These were happy years for Washington as he adopted Martha’s two children and served in the Virginia legislature. But his peace was to be short lived as the stirrings for independence from England began spreading throughout the colonies. The political arrangement between England and the American colonies was like that of a parent and a child. England was not brutal to the colonies, but always insisted the colonies remain dependent on the mother country. When the colonies were young and weak, this relationship was tolerated. But as the colonies matured, they refused to stay in continued adolescence. With this, the American Revolution happened. Though still young and weak, the colonies finally wanted independence. They needed a strong and valiant leader. This man must be selfless and filled with courage. He had to be someone that everyone would immediately respect. The colonial leaders knew that man was George Washington.
How did George Washington get 13 quarreling colonies and state legislatures to work together? Where did he get his courage and vision? Why did everyone revere him? And finally, why is George Washington really the Father of the United States? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this outstanding title, “George Washington: Encyclopedia of the Presidents.”
This fine book is from the series known as the “Encyclopedia of the Presidents.” It is very well written and contains many fine illustrations. The writing style is inviting and middle-school students will enjoy the text. The book is packed with information on the life and work of George Washington.
The third Monday of February is a nation-wide holiday know as President’s Day. So this Feb. 16, I would encourage you to share this wonderful title with members of your family. Enjoy!
