George Washington's Spectacular Spectacles

2026 NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Book
2026 Teachers Favorites Choice (Children’s Book Council)

“Selene Castrovilla recounts a little-known historical moment with humor, compassion and suspense…(her) story reminds us that even the most revered figures have insecurities — and revealing them can be the bravest act of all — while Jenn Harney’s illustrations balance a child-friendly aesthetic with timeless charm.“—The New York Times Book Review

★ “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

“Taking a page from the Schoolhouse Rock! playbook, Selene Castrovilla (Revolutionary Friends) and Jenn Harney (Pirate & Penguin) offer a fine nonfiction picture book… this take on true historical events–known as the Newburgh Conspiracy, according to an author’s note–finds George Washington behaving not so much like the father of his country as like America’s dorky dad… George Washington’s Spectacular Spectacles is written in the language not of history books but of we, the everyday people… with her caricaturish Photoshop art, Harney both captures and contributes to the humor of the situation… this take on true historical events revolving around George Washington’s poor eyesight is a fine and funny nonfiction picture book.“—Shelf Awareness

“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

“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

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. She is a revolutionary writer, native New Yorker, and mother of two sons.

Jenn Harney has illustrated more than twenty books, including Cool Off and Ride by Claudia Friddell, Hornswoggled!: A Wacky Words Whodunit by Josh Crute, and CATastrophe!: A Story of Patterns by Ann Marie Stephens. She is also the author and illustrator of Underwear! and Swim Swim Sink.

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