10 Fantastic Books for Kids About George Washington

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As President’s Day gets closer, your kids can learn about the first president of the United States by reading one of these fantastic books for kids about the life of George Washington. 

The following book descriptions can help you determine which books might be a good choice as you introduce your kids to the first leader of our great United States. Some of my favorite children’s authors like D’Aulair, Foster, and Fritz are included in this list. These books would be an excellent choice to add to your February reading list!

Through this selection of book lists about Washington’s life,  your kids will learn some interesting facts about the father of our country. 

• He is pictured on a dollar bill.
• Washington’s image is chiseled on Mount Rushmore.
• As a boy, he faced hardships when his house burned down.
• When he was 11 years old, his father died. 
• Young George’s favorite subject in school was math.
• His hero was his older brother Lawrence.
• He wrote a list of manners which he titled 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior.
• He fought in the French and Indian War as well as the American Revolution.
• At his inauguration, they forgot to bring a Bible for him to swear on.

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George Washington by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’aulaire book

This book is a personal favorite of mine! The D’Aulaires have done it again!

This lovely picture book of George Washington tells the story of his life in beautiful illustrations. Beginning with his mother telling him stories from the Holy Bible, the narrative goes on to show his later admiration for his older brother Lawrence, his early surveying days with Lord Fairfax, and his experiences fighting the native Americans in the woods. 

Readers sympathize with General Washington’s hardships in the American Revolution during the winter of Valley Forge, but they cheer him on as Lord Cornwallis surrenders to him. The book concludes with his inauguration as the “little boy from the lone Virginia plantation had become the Father of His Country.”

Take the Lead, George Washington by Judith St. George

This George Washington book tells all about the early years of his boyhood, family life, and early adult life. Kids will learn some little-known facts like how he was almost swept away by the current crossing the Potomac River on a surveying trip with Lord Fairfax.

George Did It by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain

Read about the real man, the dependable and modest George Washington. He willingly led the army as commander-in-chief and helped write a new Constitution, but he did not want to be president of the United States!

He turned away the offer of President because it caused him “great anxiety.” Weighed down by the heavy responsibility of running a new country after his election (he was the only candidate,) he compared himself to a criminal going to his execution. Everywhere he went he was celebrated, but he humbly asked people for no reception.

Despite his fears, George had a big job to do and as the book finishes, “George Did it.”

Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards

Meet George Washington in this short chapter book that tells about his life from beginning to end. What I love about this book is that it is easy to read with nice illustrations on almost every page to keep the reader engaged. It also includes a few diagrams, charts, and a timeline to give young readers further details. 

George Washington’s World by Genevieve Foster

Would you like to know what was going on in the world around him during the time of George Washington’s life? This chapter book, geared toward older kids because of its length, tells the stories of his contemporaries along with the details of his life.

Learn about the famous kings, leaders, scientists, doctors, and inventories who were living at the same time as George Washington! The table of contents is divided into six parts: George as a boy, a soldier, a farmer, the commander, a citizen, and the President.

The pencil-drawn illustrations add a nice touch to this classic book!

President George Washington by David Adler

This book is a good option for young readers who are building literacy skills. The text uses simple words to help kids learn about this great man who was “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

George Washington for Kids by Brandon Marie Miller

This is a non-fiction, textbook-style book that walks through the major event’s in Washington’s life., Readers can observe famous paintings of Washington,  a picture of George’s geometry lesson, and several other first-hand resources. I love the hands-on project options where you learn to play the game of quoits, make a compass, and design a bookplate. 

George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz

In this adorable story, the main character, George, has the same name and birthday as George Washington. He knows so much about his hero, but one thing he has never been able to find out is what George Washington ate for breakfast. He is determined to find the answer to this question. He even makes his grandma promise to make George Washington’s breakfast for him if he can learn what it is. The fun part of this book is that kids can try making George Washington’s breakfast at the end of the book.

George Washington’s Teeth by Deborah Chandler and Madeleine Comora

In this funny tale, we learn of Washington’s lifelong tooth problems. Written in four-line rhyming verses, the story weaves in and out of the major events in his life showing the problems he was having with his teeth throughout these moments. The end of the book shows a timeline of events with excerpts from his writings to validate the dental problems described throughout the story. The fun facts in this book will be ones your kids will remember!

George Washington: His Legacy of Faith, Character, and Courage

Read about Washington’s faith in God and his determination to always be truthful. Learn the famous story of six-year-old George chopping down the cherry tree and responding to his father’s questions by saying, “I cannot tell a lie. I am the one who cut down the cherry tree.” This book highlights George’s courageous character by telling the stories of his British ancestors who certainly must have influenced his character and way of living. 

Enjoy these other book list suggestions you may want to add to your library.

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