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George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles

The Glasses That Saved America

Author Selene Castrovilla
Illustrated by Jenn Harney
Hardcover
$18.99 US
Astra Publishing House | Calkins Creek
9.38"W x 11.25"H x 0.37"D   | 16 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Jan 21, 2025 | 32 Pages | 9781662680434
Age 7-10 years | Grades 2-5
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Did you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.

The Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away. Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but they were unaffected. It was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses, that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them. The officers dropped their plan and pledged their loyalty to America and to Washington.

Selene Castrovilla’s carefully researched yet playful prose and Jenn Harney’s energetic, original illustrations bring George Washington’s more human side to life in this humorous but important story about true American loyalty.
★ "The author of many children’s books based on research into American history, Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative."—Booklist, starred review

“Selene Castrovilla has written a story of George Washington’s act of humility that transforms an almost disaster at Newburgh into an epic moment in our country’s beginning. This is an account of commitment and humanity coming from a remarkable source: a pair of spectacles.”—Debra Demers, Teacher Learning Coordinator The George Washington Teacher Institute

“Through history, George Washington has been placed on a pedestal, far above us common citizens. In this book, Selene Castrovilla shines a light on one small event in this man’s momentous life, but in doing so, she allows us to view him as the human he was—fearful, embarrassed, and unsure, yet still brave, courageous, and devoted to America. What an incredible gift to children everywhere.”—Patricia L. Maclay, MD, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette

"Allowing readers to experience this event through Washington’s lens, literally, makes for an original, thought-provoking framing... An enlightening tale, enlivened by droll, retro illustrations." – Kirkus Reviews
George Washington’s extraordinary character caught Selene Castrovilla’s eye years ago, and she set her sights on penning Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis De Lafayette. Her enthusiasm for the Father of our Country has never weakened. See what this revolutionary writer, native New Yorker, and mother of two sons is all about at selenecastrovilla.com. View titles by Selene Castrovilla
Jenn Harney is the illustrator for CATastrophe!: A Story of Patterns, “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City Subway, and Probably a Narwhal. She has worked as both an author and illustrator of children’s literature for over twenty years.She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit her at jkharney.blogspot.com. View titles by Jenn Harney

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About

Did you know that George Washington had a secret? He wore glasses! While initially embarrassed by his reliance on this reading aid, Washington’s spectacles proved to be nothing short of spectacular in this charming, funny, and little-known picture book story from American history.

The Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away. Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but they were unaffected. It was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses, that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them. The officers dropped their plan and pledged their loyalty to America and to Washington.

Selene Castrovilla’s carefully researched yet playful prose and Jenn Harney’s energetic, original illustrations bring George Washington’s more human side to life in this humorous but important story about true American loyalty.

Praise

★ "The author of many children’s books based on research into American history, Castrovilla tells her latest story with wit, pathos, and attention to detail. Harney’s quirky illustrations suggest the look of the period while capturing the amusing tone of the narrative."—Booklist, starred review

“Selene Castrovilla has written a story of George Washington’s act of humility that transforms an almost disaster at Newburgh into an epic moment in our country’s beginning. This is an account of commitment and humanity coming from a remarkable source: a pair of spectacles.”—Debra Demers, Teacher Learning Coordinator The George Washington Teacher Institute

“Through history, George Washington has been placed on a pedestal, far above us common citizens. In this book, Selene Castrovilla shines a light on one small event in this man’s momentous life, but in doing so, she allows us to view him as the human he was—fearful, embarrassed, and unsure, yet still brave, courageous, and devoted to America. What an incredible gift to children everywhere.”—Patricia L. Maclay, MD, Board of Governors, American Friends of Lafayette

"Allowing readers to experience this event through Washington’s lens, literally, makes for an original, thought-provoking framing... An enlightening tale, enlivened by droll, retro illustrations." – Kirkus Reviews

Author

George Washington’s extraordinary character caught Selene Castrovilla’s eye years ago, and she set her sights on penning Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis De Lafayette. Her enthusiasm for the Father of our Country has never weakened. See what this revolutionary writer, native New Yorker, and mother of two sons is all about at selenecastrovilla.com. View titles by Selene Castrovilla
Jenn Harney is the illustrator for CATastrophe!: A Story of Patterns, “Smelly” Kelly and His Super Senses: How James Kelly’s Nose Saved the New York City Subway, and Probably a Narwhal. She has worked as both an author and illustrator of children’s literature for over twenty years.She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit her at jkharney.blogspot.com. View titles by Jenn Harney

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