The Adventures of George Washington

by Margaret Davidson

Christmas night, 1776. — It is a stormy night. General Washington and his men creep out of camp. They go down to the river. The boats are waiting. The men get in. The river is full of ice. — The town of Trenton is across the river. The enemy army is there. Will Washington and his men be able to sneak up and surprise the enemy? — This is the beginning of one of Washington's big adventures.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, American History

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Margaret Davidson grew up in New York City. As a child, she always loved to read.

She initially published books under her nickname and maiden name of Mickie Compere and also as Mickie Davidson

She has written many biographies, true stories about people's lives. Some famous people she has written biographies about are Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Golda Meir.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting account of some of George Washington's more daring deeds. It's good to read about him doing, instead of just sort of standing around.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simplified and old-fashioned biography of George Washington that focuses on his military exploits and glosses over the fact that he owned slaves in a single sentence.



FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: "Get Off My Land" -- "Stop!" -- "I Heard the Bullets Whistle" -- The Quiet Years -- "Who Is That Man in Uniform?" -- "Are You the Men I Am to Defend America With?" -- The Old Fox -- The Old Fox Plays a Trick -- "Your Country Needs You" -- A Place Called Valley Forge -- "It Is Done – Well Done" -- The Adventure He Did Not Want -- "Our Dancing Days Are Over" -- Good-bye

[Gator · Rating 4 out of 5]

“First in war , first in peace and first in the heart of his countrymen.”

We owe so much to George Washington, what a legend.

This book is great both kids and parents.

God bless America 🇺🇸

[Hannah Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great book for learning about George Washington. Referenced Fort Necessity which we visited. I own this one!

[Danielle Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn’t like this whitewashed George Washington biography for kids. It at least mentioned he had slaves, but didn’t say it was wrong. It also perpetuated the “wooden teeth” myth.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of Washington's life for kids.

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am passionate about history, especially when it is presented in simple terms that I can remember. That's why I love these books for youth! When George Washington was born in 1732, the United States still belonged to England. There were no large cities, mostly farms. Later, three groups of people said the land belonged to them: the English, the French, and the Indians. The King of England sent a letter to the Governor of Virginia saying, "Tell the French to get off my land." The Governor chose George Washington, age 21, to speak to the French. George hired a woodsman, Christopher Gist, to take him to speak to the French, but the Commander and his troops stayed where they were. George and Christopher's horses were too tired to go further, so the men walked in the snow to find new horses.

About four months later, George led more than 100 men from the colony of Virginia on old horses, with older guns, and no uniforms. They were off to fight the French, but first they had to build an English fort which they called Fort Necessity. Luckily for the men, a friendly brave came to the fort with directions to the French army, who had been sleeping. Washington won that skirmish, but the war against the French and Indians dragged on, despite a lack of food, guns, bullets or blankets on Washington's side. These men were brave, and aside from their losses, fought three more years.
George was able to return home to Mount Vernon. He married his wife Martha in 1759, and tended his plantation for many years. In 1775, an important speech was given by Patrick Henry in Virginia, which in essence said, "Give me liberty or give me death!" Many agreed it was the time for war, and three months later, they picked George Washington to be their general. Twenty thousand untested American men showed up to fight, but nearly gave up when the English left their ships. Their leader would not quit, and they went on to win at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, despite the fact that many were shoeless and weren't dressed warmly. The soldiers who had signed up for two years were ready to quit, but Washington, sitting tall on his horse, begged them, crying out, "If you will stay, you can save the cause of liberty." He turned his horse, crying and not saying another word, he had made his
point. His army followed him. General Washington was completely surprised when the French Admiral sent him a message that said they; wanted to help him win the war. It wasn't easy, but the war was over on October 18, 1781. He could return to his home in Mount Vernon! But his time of peace wasn't long. The government was having their problems and needed a President. This was a job he did not want, but like all other challenges, he accepted. His biggest complaint, "I always knew I couldn't please everyone. But I can't please anyone!"
George Washington, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. . . ."
died on December 14, 1799.

[David Bird · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first real historical narrative. In its uncomplicated admiration of Washington, it is definitely a book that seems to come from a different age. There are no slaves in this book; the Indians figure in a minor way. The presidency is dealt with in a paragraph (not much adventure, I guess). One could ask for a more balanced narrative perhaps, but for the young boy I was, the uncomplicated hero was just fine.

[Rylan S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason my 3 year old was excited to read this. 90% of it went over her head but she still liked it. And I think I enjoyed it even more than her--maybe because I'm such a poor student of history that it was almost all new to me. Very engaging and approachable for younger readers.

[Molly Southwick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book for kids, has a few of the main stories of George Washington in it. Would have liked more, but it was pretty good.