George Washington is an almost mythological figure in American history, but Jurmain has revealed his more human side here making his accomplishments seem even more admirable because they were done by "a plain, ordinary citizen like everybody else." Jurmain's focus is on exploring how Washington was a reluctant President who felt anxious over the huge responsibility the job entailed. The text has plenty of humor, but the illustrations, by Larry Day, carry plenty of humor on their own; I particularly enjoyed the illustration of Washington leaving the false teeth shop. Jurmain includes selected bibliographical references and a brief introduction. Although the length of the text limits it to a read-aloud audience of 2nd grade and up, George Did It would be a great introduction to a unit on Presidents or the formation of the United States. It could also be paired with John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith for a President's Day or Fourth of July storytime for older kids. ( )

Appropriate for grades K-6 because there is quality vocabulary throughout the story and it is a fun story. This story is about how George Washington became the first president of the United States of America. At first, he was hesitant about accepting the position, but in time he did it! Addresses history, fear, ambition, perseverance, patriotism, and accomplishing goals. In the classroom, young children will enjoy hearing the story and learning about history in a fun way. Older children can use this book as a research resource when learning about historical figures.

Retelling: George helped the Americans fight the French and Indians for Territory. He helped oppose the British when they imposed unfair taxes on the colonies. He built a colonial army and led the fight. He helped write the constitution to rally the interests of 13 new American states. He did all these things, but what did it feel like to be George. This book highlights the enormous pressure that George Washington's popularity brought him, by including his reactions to the increasingly daunting responsibilities the people trusted him with.

Thoughts and Feelings: I love biographies that bring out the human side, and help you imagine what it might have been like to exist on the cusp of major changes in history. This book does that successfully. I particularly enjoy the quirky details of Georges personality that the author includes (e.g. 10pm was past his bedtime). ( )

The book George Did It is about all the things George Washington did. It’s a story about how everything he was faced with he did not want to do but how the Americans counted and depended on him. They kept asking him to do things like fight the British, and help write the Constitution. When the Americans asked him to become the first president he did not want to do it. Finally after some begging George Washington agreed to be president. It outlines his journey from his home to the new capital in New York. This book shows how excited the Americans were to be starting this new government with him as the president. This book teaches children about the first president of the United States. It also talks about all the things a president has to do while they are in office. Children can also learn about the founding fathers deciding on titling George Washington’s new position ‘president’.