Who Was George Washington?

Roberta Edwards' biography of George Washington stands as an accessible entry point for young readers seeking to understand the life of America's first president. Published as part of the popular "Who Was?" series by Penguin Workshop, this book distills the complex story of Washington's life into a format designed for middle-grade readers, typically ages eight to twelve. Edwards manages to present historical information in a straightforward manner while maintaining enough detail to give readers a genuine sense of Washington's character and achievements.

The book follows a chronological structure, beginning with Washington's childhood in colonial Virginia and progressing through his military career, presidency, and final years at Mount Vernon. Edwards opens with an engaging scene from Washington's life before stepping back to provide context about his early years. Born in 1732 into a family of Virginia planters, Washington experienced the loss of his father at age eleven, an event that significantly shaped his future. The author explains how this loss ended any possibility of Washington receiving a formal education in England, as his older half-brothers had done, setting him on a different path than originally planned.

Edwards devotes considerable attention to Washington's development as a young man, including his work as a surveyor and his early military experiences during the French and Indian War. The narrative explains how these formative experiences built the skills and reputation that would later prove essential during the Revolutionary War. The author describes Washington's growing prominence in Virginia society, his marriage to Martha Custis, a wealthy widow, and his management of Mount Vernon, the plantation that would remain his beloved home throughout his life.

The book's treatment of the Revolutionary War balances the need for simplicity with historical accuracy. Edwards describes Washington's appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and the numerous challenges he faced leading an inexperienced force against the professional British military. The winter at Valley Forge receives appropriate attention, illustrating the hardships endured by Washington and his troops. The author presents key victories and defeats without overwhelming readers with excessive military detail, maintaining focus on Washington's leadership qualities and determination during this pivotal period.

Edwards addresses Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention and his reluctant acceptance of the presidency. The book explains how Washington understood the precedent-setting nature of his position and approached the role with characteristic seriousness and dignity. His decisions about how a president should behave, how the office should function, and how to balance federal and state powers helped establish traditions that continue to influence American governance. The author notes Washington's desire to retire after one term and his eventual agreement to serve a second term before firmly declining a third.

The biography does not shy away from the contradiction between Washington's stated beliefs in liberty and his ownership of enslaved people. Edwards presents this information in age-appropriate language, noting that Washington enslaved people throughout his life and that Mount Vernon's prosperity depended on their labor. The book mentions that Washington's will provided for the freedom of his enslaved workers after Martha's death, though Edwards appropriately refrains from presenting this as redemptive, instead allowing readers to grapple with this historical complexity.

The illustrations throughout the book, created by True Kelley, complement the text and help readers visualize historical settings and events. These black and white drawings appear regularly throughout the chapters, breaking up the text and adding visual interest. The "Who Was?" series format also includes timelines and additional contextual information that enhances understanding of the historical period.

Edwards writes in a clear, direct style that respects young readers' intelligence without talking down to them. The vocabulary remains accessible while introducing period-appropriate terms and concepts. Sentence structure varies enough to maintain interest, and the pacing moves steadily through Washington's long and eventful life. The book succeeds in presenting Washington as a real person rather than a marble monument, showing both his strengths and his flaws, his public achievements and private concerns.

For its intended audience, this biography serves as an effective introduction to George Washington's life and legacy. The book provides enough detail to give readers a solid foundation for understanding Washington's significance in American history while remaining concise enough to hold the attention of younger readers. Edwards accomplishes the difficult task of making an eighteenth-century figure relevant and interesting to contemporary children, presenting historical facts in an engaging narrative format that encourages further exploration of American history.