George Washington, An Initial Biography

by Genevieve Foster

Back in print from Purple House Press!

This story of Washington, simply told and charmingly illustrated, introduces young readers to the events in the life of the first President of the United States.

As a young man of 16, George helped survey the wilderness beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains, keeping a journal of everything he saw. A few years later he inherited Mount Vernon from his older brother Lawrence, whom he idolized. Over the decades he took part in the French and Indian War, attended the first Continental Congress, and then commanded the Army during the War for Independence.

After eight years of war, he was finally able to return to his peaceful, beloved Mount Vernon. Children will delight in looking into his home, viewing the grounds with the President and Nelly Custis.

Written in 1949, this title was selected as a Newbery Honor book in 1950.

94 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

Genevieve Stump Foster was an American children's author and illustrator best known for her innovative approach to writing history books for young readers. Born in Oswego, New York, she spent most of her childhood in Wisconsin after the death of her father. Foster studied at Rockford College, the University of Wisconsin, and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She began her career as a commercial artist before focusing on children’s literature. Inspired by her daughter, she developed a distinctive method of presenting history by integrating global events to show their connections. Her first major success, George Washington's World, highlighted how the American and French Revolutions and British imperialism affected Washington’s life. Foster's books, praised for bringing historical figures to life, were translated into numerous languages and distributed internationally. Over her career, she wrote 19 nonfiction books, several of which became Newbery Honor titles. Foster passed away in Westport, Connecticut, leaving a legacy that continues through her enduring works and influence on historical storytelling.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read. This is a light reading on his beginning and end. I learned quite a bit of new information about one of my favorite President's.

[Desiree']

1950 Newbery honor book

[Joshua Chipchase · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and simple. But the writing seemed awkward and clumsy at times. Read it to the kids for homeschool.