Module 11 - George Washington's Teeth

Biography

Chandra, D. & M. Comora.  (2003). George Washington’s Teeth. (B. Cole, Illus.). New York: Farrar Straus Giroux

Summary

As the title tells us, this picture book is about the dental problems of our very first president.  The story is told in rhyme as we get a humorous account of how he loses each of his teeth, whether it was in a dentist’s chair or during battle or while eating a nut.  After losing all of his teeth, George and his dentist used plaster to make false teeth for him.  At the end of the book, Chandra and Comora provide a timeline that includes some important events in the president’s life, including all the information about his dental problems.

My Thoughts

Before I read this book, I had no idea that George Washington had lost all of his teeth.  As I began reading the picture book, with its humorous rhyme, I wondered to myself if the authors had embellished the facts a bit.  But they had not, as the timeline and sources in the back proved.  It sure does explain why he is not smiling in any of his portraits!  As an information book for children, I think this book was excellent.  It was exciting and funny and grabbed my attention from the beginning. 

Reviews

“Written in rhymed verse and illustrated with attractive watercolor illustrations, this book opens with an entertaining account of our first President’s dental problems and succession of false teeth.  The second section consists of an extensive time line with thumbnail pictures featuring portraits of Washington and a photograph of his last set of dentures.  Notes within the time line support the initial story and provide details about Washington’s life.”

Christolon, B. (Aug 2005). [Review of the book George Washington’s Teeth by Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora].  School Library Journal, 51(8), p 48

Ideas for Use

This book would be a good introduction into a lesson on dental hygiene for young kids.