A biography of George Washington for kids, ostensibly. It's such a shame when biographies are dull and dry. People's lives aren't dull, so how is it that some accounts of those lives are so brain-numbing? And it's an especial tragedy when that biography is intended for kids. Tsk. TSK, I say! *And* this won a Newbery Honor! *Shakes head in dramatic disbelief* ( )

Summary: A story of George Washigton from boyhood to death.

A narrative biography for children surprisingly full of material devoted to Sally Fairfax and her relationship with Washington. I actually found the book to be rather tedious. If a student can handle the length and details of this (386 pages, plus index) book, I'd rather see them reading a biography not written for children. For a younger student, I'd rather see a shorter biography and better illustrations (houses and portraits aren't exactly appealing to the younger set).