School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book
American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education Recommended Book
Besides being a general and the first president of the United States, did you know that George Washington was also a farmer? Here's a look at America's first President as he's rarely seen.
George Washington was the first leader of our country--but he was also an inventor, scientist, and the most forward-thinking farmer of his time. As he worked to make the new country independent, he also struggled to create a self-sufficient farm at Mount Vernon, Virginia. Excerpts from Washington's writings are featured throughout this nonfiction picture book, which also includes a timeline, resource section, as well as essays on Washington at Mount Vernon and his thoughts on slavery. Both the author and illustrator worked closely with the staff of Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens to render an accurate portrait of Farmer George at work.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Children's Agriculture Book of the Year
Ohio Farm Bureau's Children's Book Award
A Wisconsin Ag in the Classroom Book of the Year
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List
Peggy Thomas is the author of more than a dozen books for children and young adults including the award-winning picture book For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson. Thomas is also an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature and a frequent speaker at schools and conferences. She lives in Middleport, New York.
Review Quotes:
★ "Students will find this title useful for reports, but will also find it a great nonfiction read."-- School Library Journal, starred review
★ "Exquisite artwork. . . . Should be included in library collections because of its unusual treatment of George's lifetime achievements."-- Library Media Connection, starred review
"Sprinkling excerpts from his letters and diaries throughout to allow its subject to speak in his own voice, the narrative makes a convincing case for Washington's place as the nation's First Farmer. . . . Backmatter includes a timeline, author's notes on both Mount Vernon and Washington the slaveholder, resources for further exploration and a bibliography."-- Kirkus Reviews
Peggy Thomas is the author of more than a dozen books for children and young adults including the award-winning picture book For the Birds: The Life of Roger Tory Peterson. Thomas is also an instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature and a frequent speaker at schools and conferences. She lives in Middleport, New York.