Who Was George Washington?

Who Was George Washington? by Roberta Edwards is part of the wildly popular "Who Was?" biography series published by Penguin Workshop. This illustrated chapter book introduces young readers to the life and legacy of America's first president, from his childhood in colonial Virginia through his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and his two terms as President of the United States.

Written at a reading level perfect for grades 2–5, the book tells Washington's story in a way that feels personal and accessible. Students learn about his early life as a Virginia planter, his experiences as a young surveyor and soldier in the French and Indian War, his marriage to Martha Custis, his leadership during the American Revolution, and the enormous challenges he faced as the first person to hold the office of President. Edwards brings these events to life with vivid storytelling that helps children understand not just what Washington did, but who he was as a person.

The "Who Was?" series is beloved by homeschooling families because the books make history feel like a story rather than a list of facts to memorize. Each book is approximately 100 pages with black-and-white illustrations on nearly every page, sidebars with fun facts and historical context, and a timeline at the back. The format is perfect for independent reading by second through fifth graders, or as a read-aloud for younger children.

For homeschool families studying American history, colonial America, or the American Revolution, this book provides an ideal introduction to one of the most important figures in U.S. history. It pairs beautifully with hands-on activities, field trips to historic sites, and other "Who Was?" titles covering figures from the same era — like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Betsy Ross.

With over 80 million copies sold across the series, "Who Was?" books have become a cornerstone of elementary history education. They prove that biography doesn't have to be dry — it just needs to be told well.