TOS Review- George Washington: True Patriot from YWAM Publishing

Today I am reviewing George Washington: True Patriot from YWAM Publishing.

This book is in their Heroes of History series.

I also reviewed their Unit Study Curriculum Guide.

This engaging book has 19 chapters (146 pages).  It covers Washington's life from his early life until his death.  The focus of the book is on his role in the Revolution, the beginning of our nation and his presidency. The book starts, however, with a gripping scene from the American Revolution to grab the reader's attention and then goes 'back in time' to Washington's humble beginnings and is able to illustrate what in his life brought him to that point.

Does it idolize him or make him a god?  Certainly not.  The book does rightly portray Washington as intelligent, dedicated, strong and wise.  His shortcomings, like a poor decision made in the French and Indian War are also explored, and how he was profoundly affected by what happened that day.  It haunted him for years and he made sure that he learned from the mistake and never made it again.  So, perhaps that is a shortcoming, but learning from one's mistakes and being sure to never make them again to me is truly an attribute and positive example for the book's readers.

The book was written for ages 10 and up.  We used it as a family read aloud.

The Curriculum Guide included activities/supplemental materials and lesson ideas to incorporate creative writing, reading comprehension and history/geography.  It helps make the material in the book come alive for the children and provides lots of opportunities for hands-on learning.

The Curriculum Guide was divided into sections:

• Quotes
• Chapter Questions (great for comprehension!)
• Community Links
• Student Explorations (crafts and hands-on projects!)
• Related Themes (applying math, science)
• Social Studies (Vocabulary, Geography, places)
• Culminating Events
• Books and Resources

One of the suggestions in the Curriculum Guide is to take your children on related field trips.  We live outside of Philadelphia, so we have been able to visit many of the important sites in the War for Independence, as well as the founding of our nation.

During Valley Forge's Homeschool Day, for example, we were able to walk into Washington's headquarters and see his room and actual possessions.  It was an awe-inspiring experience, to say the least!  As they articulate in the Unit Study, to be able to see these important places in person, rather than just reading them in a book, makes it relevant and real for the children and brings to life everything they have read and learned.

You can easily see how you can do quite a bit in all subject areas with this Unit Study!  :-)

My children loved the book.  It kept their attention, was written in an informative, but casual style and had them really wanting to hear and learn more.  The different activities I chose from the Guide were fun and hands-on.  I plan on looking into the many other titles that YWAM has available.  The books retail for only $6.99 and the Unit Study Curriculum Guide is only $7.49.

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