I am George Washington – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I am George Washington

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2016

90%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Proof that even the guy on the dollar bill started out as a kid who just really liked being honest (and maybe had a thing for trees).

I am George Washington

book

2016

90%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Proof that even the guy on the dollar bill started out as a kid who just really liked being honest (and maybe had a thing for trees).

4.9

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4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

Brad Meltzer’s 'Ordinary People Change the World' series is the gold standard for getting a 6-year-old interested in history. By keeping Washington as a tiny, big-headed kid throughout the book, it bridges the gap between 'historical legend' and 'someone I can relate to.'

It’s wholesome, it’s fast-paced, and it actually leaves kids with a sense of what character looks like. It’s a staple for any early elementary bookshelf, though parents should be ready to talk about the stuff the book leaves out as kids grow into deeper historical conversations.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 5-to-8 crowd. Any older and the 'bobblehead' art style starts to feel a bit too 'babyish' for kids who want more gritty details.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s all about character, honesty, and leadership. The tone is encouraging without being preachy, and it models the kind of 'big-picture' thinking we want kids to have.

Imaginative

The creative choice to keep Washington as a child-sized figure even during adult events makes history feel like a playground for the imagination rather than a dusty museum.

Safe

100

It's a picture book. No ads, no chat, no hidden gore. Even the war scenes are handled with a gentle, age-appropriate hand.

Enriching

Excellent for early literacy and a perfect 'first' history lesson. It teaches that virtues like bravery and persistence are what actually change the world.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Humanizes a historical icon by showing him as a kid first, making him feel like a peer instead of a statue.
The comic-strip layout and 'big head' art style keep early readers engaged way better than a dry textbook.
Focuses on the 'why' of leadership—like courage and integrity—rather than just memorizing dates.
It's a fast read that feels like a reward, not homework.

⚠

What to Watch For

It’s a 'hero's journey' version of history; it glosses over the more complex or darker parts of Washington's life, like slavery.
The patriotic tone is very high—great for a first intro, but you'll want to add more layers as they get older.

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes someone a good leader today?"
"George had to be brave when things were scary—when have you felt like that?"
"If you were the very first president, what is the first rule you would make for the country?"
"Why do you think it was so important for George to be honest about the cherry tree?"

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Related Guides

Beyond the Cape: A Parent’s Guide to Brad Meltzer’s Ordinary People Change the World

Discover how this hit book series and the Xavier Riddle show turn historical icons into relatable role models for today's kids.

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