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George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale (2012)

by Margaret McNamara(Favorite Author)

3.63 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0375844996 (ISBN13: 9780375844997)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Schwartz & Wade

review 1: This book is an interesting combination of a fictional story about George Washington on his 7th birthday, and facts about the man and his life. McNamara has combined factual information with myths from George Washington's life and presented them all in the course of this one day. For example, she shows what kind of student he was, as well as including the cherry tree chopping myth. The illustrations fit the story well in their style, but aren't compelling to young readers.As an adult reader, I understood that she was combining a wide variety of George Washington stories, from different times in his life, into one story. I think this might be confusing and uninteresting to young readers. There is a note from "George" at the end of the book which explains how everything is t... moreied together and its significance. I did learn many new and interesting facts about the President!Overall, I don't think this book will have a very high interest level with its intended audience.
review 2: Young George Washington is excited to turn 7, but his family is so busy that it seems they don't even notice. Will anyone ever remember George Washington's birthday?This is a cute story, and a perfect introduction to George Washington. What I really admire about this book is that it is self-conscious: text boxes and a follow-up note help the reader differentiate the "facts" from the "fiction." Share this book in the classroom around Presidents' Day, and engage young readers in a discussion about symbolism and characterization by asking them why the author would incorporate myths into a seemingly factual story. Teaching children to analyze this book will help them understand the importance of approaching every text with an open and questioning mind. less

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