George Washington: A Revolutionary Life

A fresh middle-grade biography of George Washington, published in conjunction with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, featuring never-before-published research and new insights

A farmer, a general, an entrepreneur, an enslaver, and America's first president. This is the story of George Washington told like never before.

Throughout his life, George Washington maintained a curiosity about the world and a thirst for knowledge. His quest as a lifelong learner was exemplified by the evolution of his thinking about slavery, shaped by religious leaders and his dear friend the Marquis de Lafayette. A complicated man, Washington enslaved many people at his family plantation, while simultaneously helping to build a democracy intended for "all the people."

With a nuanced perspective that makes history accessible for kids, this middle-grade biography follows Washington's early life; the establishment of Mount Vernon, which became a national model for agricultural innovation; the American Colonies' growing sense of alienation from the British governance; his military career that lead to his command of the Continental Army; his participation in the Constitutional Convention; and finally, his role as Mr. President.

Washington faced unprecedented challenges—like how to lead an army against the greatest power on Earth, and how to be a president of a newly formed country, balancing a need for stability with the people's push for change.

Readers also learn about the many historical figures who influenced George Washington, including his wife, Martha, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Phillis Wheatley, as well as many other political leaders, soldiers, Native American tribal communities, and enslaved individuals at Mount Vernon.

Published in cooperation with the historic Mount Vernon estate and museum, this book from historian and author Tim Grove sheds new light on one of America's most famous figures, who greatly influenced a radically changing world.

“Accessible and readable, this well-researched biography is a strong ­addition to history classrooms supporting contemporary middle grade learners.”—School Library Journal