George Did It

George Did It was written by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain and illustrated by Larry Day. These two people did a wonderful job relaying the story of George Washington who was actually quite reluctant to become the first president. This story is an informational and interesting read, that will leave children wondering: Was our first President really so apprehensive of the job at first!?

 

This historical biography fiction was paired with Larry Day's cartoon watercolor styled illustrations. The pictures throughout the book are quite whimsical in a sense, but still capture the time period that Washington lived in. We can see the pinkish blue colored sky in the background to the clothing that Washington is wearing that depicts the different time era.

 

 

What makes this story so interesting is its factual unknown details about the first President. The idea that Washington actually didn't want to become President will leave readers wondering: "What else do I not know about George Washington?" It is clear to see that children would become engaged in this book to learn more about George Washington and his journey that led up to him becoming President.

 

Teachers should read this story to students between Kindergarten and 5th grade. Children will enjoy the comic styled illustrations throughout the book as well as the interesting information there is waiting to be revealed. While reading this story, teachers should ask questions such as: What do you think will happen next? Why didn't George want to become President? Do you think George Washington will make a good President? Why or why not? What is the moral of this story? What did the story mean to you?

 

Class activities:

 

1. Construct a timeline of George Washington's lifetime and include illustrations.

 

2. Have children come up with a play to re-enact Washington's choice to become President.

 

3. Make a pros/cons list from George Washington's perspective on whether or not he should choose to become President.

 

This is a short video on the biography of George Washington:

 

 

I think this book is extremely beneficial for the home, and especially the classroom! Children will love George Did It as well as these other books written by Suzanne Jurmain:

• Worst of Friends
• Freedom's Sons
• Once Upon a Horse

"What is defeat? Nothing but education; Nothing but the first step to something better."
~Bruce Lee
 References:

 

Jurmain, Suzanne. George Did It. New York: Penguin Group, 2006. Book.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-EcyNz9vCE

http://www.usd116.org/profdev/ahtc/lessons/CCahill08/CCahill08.htm