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Gr 3-6 A carefully researched, evenhanded narrative with well-crafted, vibrant, watercolor illustrations. Schanzer states that her challenge was to "]cram 20 years of history, biography, and philosophy into a picture book that kids could grasp and enjoy." She has been entirely successful. The introduction sets the tone, introducing both George Washington and King George III, mentioning their differing views, and noting that every story has two sides. The remainder of the book presents these two si...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Using the natural voice of a storyteller, Cheney tells young readers a few reasons why George Washington is known for being "first in war" and "first in the hearts of his countrymen." A spare text, printed alternately on the right- and left-hand quarter of each double-page spread, covers the despair of the soldiers at Valley Forge, Washington's bold strategy to attack the British at Trenton and Princeton, and the sacrifice and bravery he exacted from his troops. Fiore's dramatic paintings cover three quarters of each ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More