Book
Summary:
George
Washington suffered greatly during the Revolutionary War and his first year as
president. He suffered from terrible toothaches and lost all his teeth. Embarrassed
by his toothless grin, Washington and his dentist construct dentures for the
war hero to wear.
APA Reference of the Book:
Chandra, D., & Comora, M. (2003). George’s Washington’s teeth. New York,
NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.
Impressions:
This
whimsical story tells the tale of Washington and his problematic teeth. Anytime that Washington eats, he loses a
tooth. Chandra and Comora take an
interesting fact about this well-known American hero and use rhyme to make the
story flow and create interest. Much is known about Washington, but his
toothaches and dental problems are not common knowledge. Truth be told, Washington
did not have dentures made of wood.
Washington helped his dentist construct useful, wearable false
teeth. This story would make a fun read
aloud and a great addition to any library.
Reviews:
From Kirkus Review-
Now It Can Be Told: that severe,
square-jawed look that the Father of Our Country flashes in his portraits
reveals not only strength of character, but also his struggle to hide the fact
that he was nearly (entirely, later in life) toothless by keeping a succession
of spring-loaded false teeth in place. Drawing information from Washington’s
own writings, the authors deliver a double account of his dental tribulations:
first in sprightly rhyme—Martha “fed him mush and pickled tripe, / But when
guests came to dine, / He sneaked one of his favorite nuts. / Then he had only nine”—followed by a
detailed, annotated timeline. Cole’s (Larky Mavis, 2001, etc.)
freely drawn, rumpled-looking watercolors document the countdown as well, with
scenes of the unhappy statesman at war and at home, surrounded by family,
attendants (including dark-skinned ones), and would-be dentists, all in
authentic 18th-century dress. Contrary to popular belief, Washington’s false
teeth were made not of wood, but of real teeth and hippo ivory; a photo of his
last set closes this breezy, sympathetic, carefully-researched vignette on a
note that will have readers feeling the great man’s pain—and never looking at
his painted visage the same way again. (source notes) (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)
Kirkus Review. (2002, December 15). [Review of George
Washington’s Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora.] Kirkus Review. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/deborah-chandra/george-washingtons-teeth/
In the Library:
Since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and
Washington’s birthday, I would read this story to students to discuss proper
dental care. Young students would enjoy
learning that the 1st President lost his teeth just like they lose
their teeth. I would incorporate activities to go along with tooth care. Students could design and make a set of
dentures for George Washington. They could also make videos to demonstrate how
George Washington should have cared for his teeth.
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