George Washington: A Revolutionary Life

A fresh middle-grade biography of George Washington, published in conjunction with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, featuring never-before-published research, new insights, and full-color illustrations and archival art

A farmer, a general, an entrepreneur, an enslaver, and America's first president. This is the story of George Washington told like never before.

Throughout his life, George Washington maintained a curiosity about the world and a thirst for knowledge. His quest as a lifelong learner was exemplified by the evolution of his thinking about slavery, shaped by religious leaders and his dear friend the Marquis de Lafayette. A complicated man, Washington enslaved many people at his family plantation, while simultaneously helping to build a democracy intended for "all the people."

With a nuanced perspective and full-color, newly commissioned and archival artwork that makes history accessible for kids, this middle-grade biography follows Washington's early life; the establishment of Mount Vernon, which became a national model for agricultural innovation; the American Colonies' growing sense of alienation from the British governance; his military career that lead to his command of the Continental Army; his participation in the Constitutional Convention; and finally, his role as Mr. President.

Washington faced unprecedented challenges--like how to lead an army against the greatest power on Earth, and how to be a president of a newly formed country, balancing a need for stability with the people's push for change.

Readers also learn about the many historical figures who influenced George Washington, including his wife, Martha, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Phillis Wheatley, as well as many other political leaders, soldiers, Native American tribal communities, and enslaved individuals at Mount Vernon.

Published in cooperation with the historic Mount Vernon estate and museum, this book from historian and author Tim Grove sheds new light on one of America's most famous figures, who greatly influenced a radically changing world.

Author: Tim Grove,The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.24h x 7.35w x 0.67d
ISBN: 9781419780936
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
Booklist 02/01/2026
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 84
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026

About the Author
Historian Tim Grove has written several books for young readers. His book Star-Spangled was named a Best Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews and the Chicago Public Library, and First Flight Around the World was a finalist for the American Library Association's YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction award. He holds a graduate degree in history and an undergraduate degree in journalism. Grove's career has included positions at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, National Air and Space Museum, and National Museum of American History. Grove lives in Falls Church, Virginia. Mount Vernon is owned and maintained for the people of the United States by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, a private, nonprofit organization (501c3) founded in 1853. At the forefront of the field, the Association is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country. It is directed by a board of regents, comprised solely of women, who represent nearly 30 states. The Mount Vernon Ladies' Association preserves, restores, and manages the estate of George Washington and educates visitors and people throughout the world about the life and legacies of American's first president.