George Did It

George Did WHAT? Well, he succumbed to peer pressure and, as the only candidate, became President of a brand-new government. His job was to guide, cajole & encourage the disparate settlers in the thirteen colonies to pull together and form one nation: What an impressive word is "INDIVISIBLE."

The book, "George Did It" by Suzanne Jurmain is cleverly 'put together' with plenty of appeal for boys even. It might inspire a class study of presidential cartoons through the decades &/or *a unit on drawing cartoons*. It is a good springboard for children becoming acquainted with presidents, politics /AND/ peer pressure.

Young readers will follow with amusement Jurmain's story (& the comical drawings of Larry Day) about George Washington's reluctance to be president. A man of advanced years (57 !) he was tired of War and eager to return to the comforts of home. Home was Martha & Mount Vernon, an estate/plantation on the Potomac in the beautiful Virginia countryside. He was ready for the change in responsibilities, to be a family man once more.

Some children will be able to relate to George Washington as a veteran. They may come to respect a different call to serve as they learn about the responsibilities of the presidency and how Washington felt it was his duty to serve in that capacity. Reviewer mcHAIKU suggests that teachers incorporate into a unit about presidents the words that 14 year old George copied into a book, later printed (isbn: #155709103X) as "George Washington's Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation." Now there is a mouthful of wisdom that is excellent advice for ALL presidents and citizens alike.