Book Description

In 1966 Ji-li Jiang turned twelve. An outstanding student and leader, she had everything: brains, the admiration of her peers, and a bright future in China's Communist Party. But that year China's leader, Mao Ze-dong, launched the Cultural Revolution, and everything changed. Over ht next few years Ji-li and her family were humiliated and scorned by former friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They lived in constant terror of arrest. Finally, with the detention of her father, Ji-li faced the most difficult choice of her life.

Told with simplicity and grace, this is the true story of one family's courage and determination during one of the most terrifying eras of the twentieth century.Ji-li Jiang was twelve years old in 1966, the year that Chairman Mao launched the Cultural Revolution in China. An outstanding student and much-admired leader of her class, Ji-li seemed poised for a shining future. But all that changed with the advent of the Cultural Revolution, when intelligence became a crime and a wealthy family background invited persecution'or worse. For the next three years Ji-li and her family were humilated and reviled by their former friends, neighbors, and colleagues and lived in constant terror of attack. At last, with the detention of her father, Ji-li was faced with the most dreadful decision of her young life: denounce him and break with her family, or refuse to testify against him and sacrifice her future in her beloved Communist Party.

Told with simplicity, innocence, and grace, this unforgettable memoir gives a child's eye view of a terrifying time in twentieth-century history'and of one family's indomitable courage under fire.

01 Blue Spruce Award Masterlist (YA Cat.)

Reviews (74)

The Red Scarf Girl: A Girl With Determination
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-li Jiang was a fascinating memoir about Ji-li's life during the Cultural Revolution. This book exceptionally demonstrates the qualities of a hero, presented by Ji-li's actions. Ji-li was a smart, determined leader and she always stood up for what she believed was right, all of which are qualities of a hero.
A person would not only be drawn to this book because it takes place during the Cultural Revolution, which was a horrible time period for many people living in China then, but because it is about a girl going into junior high school who is strong, inside and out, by standing up for what she believes is right, no matter what criticism and punishment she faces on her quest to make things right. In this book, Ji-li comes from a family of bad class status because her grandfather was a landlord. The Communist Party, which Ji-li belongs to, is run by Mao Ze-dong who is trying to reform China by getting rid of the Four Olds: Old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. The Red Guard, a group of teenagers who live to serve Mao Ze-dong, search the homes of families with bad class status to confiscate any objects and possessions that might have fallen into the category of one of the Four Olds. Since Ji-li was born into a family of bad class status, she is told that she still has a chance to become an educable child. She would have to do whatever it took to prove herself loyal to Mao Ze-dong, even if it meant breaking from her family. One night, Ji-li's father is arrested by the citizens of Shanghai, the city where the story takes place, and Ji-li has to decide between two choices: whether to break off relations with him and her family to become an official supporter of Mao Ze-dong, or to support her father and family, which would cause her to sacrifice any future that she would have in the Communist Party.
An example of when Ji-li demonstrates her heroic nature was when she was able to stand up to her enemies, Du Hai and Yang Fan. Ji-li was being teased by them for saying things that were Four Olds. They were tormenting her so much that finally, she was able to come back with thing that they had done which were Four Olds also. This part of the book is significant to the idea of heroism because part of being a hero is standing up to your enemies and not letting anyone bring you down.
"Not me. I'll never be a quitter." This is a quote from a part in the book where Ji-li is given one more chance to prove her loyalty to Mao Ze-dong by working in a rice field as summer labor. This is a terribly difficult job, working for many days bending over rice plants in the scorching heat. One day as she was working, Ji-li faints from exhaustion. Her friend, Chang Hong who is a member of the Red Guards, says that she should stop working in the fields, but Ji-li doesn't want to give up. She loves her family and she also loves Mao Ze-dong and the Communist Party, so she feels that summer labor is the only way that she can have them both. This scene in the rice fields symbolizes how determined Ji-li is and how she will never give up on a task, no matter what the circumstances are; a true quality of a hero.
This story about Ji-li in the Cultural Revolution brings out the qualities that are put together to convey the theme of an exceptional hero. The heroic actions that Ji-li takes to stand up for what she believes in makes this story very enjoyable and uplifting even when her family is going through emotional struggles. This story is well-written and detailed and anyone who is interested in China and the Cultural Revolution should read it.

A review of Red Scarf girl
In today's world, people are taught that heroic people must influence the masses. Only those who have monumental physical strength, celebrity status, or piles of money have the resources to affect the world around them. Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang disproves these notions. This non-fiction book tells the story of a 12 year-old girl growing up in the midst of the Cultural Revolution who becomes a hero to her family. The glossary at the end of the book defines the Cultural Revolution as "The social and political upheaval that overtook China from 1966 to 1976. During this time many innocent people were ruthlessly persecuted. THe Cultural Revolution was launched by Chairman Mao, supposedly to rid the country of anti-Communist influences. Long afterward it was revealed that Chairman Mao unleashed this chaos in order to protect his own political position." (pg. 276) Red Scarf Girl is a moving, well-written story.
The book opens with a prologue, in which Ji-Li tells the reader the single most important lesson in school: "Heaven and earth are great, but greater still is the kindness of the Communist Party; father and mother are dear, but dearer still is Chairman Mao." (pg. 1) The people of China are brainwashed with this mantra, but Ji-Li does not feel it plays a large role in her life until sixth grade. Always a high achiever, she is looking forward to attending Shi-yi, an elite middle school. Then, Chairman Mao nullifies all teacher recommendations and divides children into schools by neighborhood; meaning Ji-Li will not go to Shi-yi. This is only the beginning of Ji-Li's problems. She becomes an outcast in school, her house is searched and Communist officers take everything of value, all because of her family's middle class status. Ji-Li's father is held in prison because his father was the evilest of all men - a landlord. Ji-Li is offered freedom from her "black" (non-Communist) class status by Communist officers. All she has to do is break from her family and testify against her father. No 12 year old should have to make the decisions she did.
Ji-Li Jiang used literary techniques to tell her story effectively. She is very descriptive, for example, "The kitchen, located on the landing and crowded with pots and pans and a two burner stove, was crowded and stuffy. With the heat from the sun outside and the heat from the stove in front of me, I was simply melting." (pg. 90) Ji-Li uses dialogue to make the story more interesting. Though she may not have remembered exactly what everyone said, the dialogue keeps the book moving. Although the book does not tell of her life throughout the entire Cultural Revolution, the book has a satisfying ending; not a fairytale finish, but a hopeful one. All of these storytelling elements enrich Red Scarf Girl.
One of the most important qualities of a hero is selflessness. Ji-Li Jiang showed this repeatedly. A Communist officer offered to let her change her name in order to break from her "anti-Communist" family. She almost does, but then, "I thought of Aunt Xi-wen lying in the alley (being punished for having bad class status), and Shan-Shan (her son, who had "broken" from her) walking right past her. I jumped up and ran out." (pg. 215) Later, people from her father's work unit pulled her out of class and gave her a very serious decision to make. "'As I told you before, you are your own person. If you want to make a clean break with your black family, then you can be an educable child and we will welcome you to our revolutionary ranks'...I saw myself standing in the middle of the stage, facing thousands of people...condemning Dad for his crimes, raising my fist to lead the chant." (pg. 224-5) Ji-Li refuses his offer, which meant that although she would be frowned upon in society, she would remain faithful to her family. It would have been easy for Ji-Li to change her name or testify against her father to save herself. Heroes, however, have the strength to be selfless.
Red Scarf Girl by Ji-Li Jiang shows how one 12 year old had the strength to be a hero, to be selfless. Ji-Li was not rich, very physically strong, or well-known. She only put others before herself, a truly heroic action. Clearly, Ji-Li Jiang put her best effort into this book. Red Scarf Girl is exceptionally written, and can inspire everyone.

Interesting
This is a wonderful book that drew me in. I really felt for Ji-Li Jiang, the main character. I read it when I was in elementary school and didn't know anything about the Cultural Revolution. It educated me and I also liked how realistic it was (that's because it is a true story) and how Ji-Li agreed with communism, and it took a long time for her to realize how wrong it was even though she herself suffered a lot.

It's not five stars though. It's a good book and I can't find anything wrong with it, but I've read better and it's not one of my favorite books. But I still highly recommend it.

Mao's Reign Exposed Through a Child's Eyes
Ji-li opens up to the world what her suffering meant to her in her childhood. Her bravery held her up through the beginning of communism in her country. Red Guards (supporters of the Cultural Revolution) roamed the streets, ransacked homes, beat teachers, and took Ji-li's father to "detention". The pain of Ji-li flows through the book. The before admiration of her peers went to hate. The bright future as a Red Guard becomes dark. Ji-li's hopes and dreams fall from automatic judgment and ancestry. Ji-li's story is devastating but her determination in Mao's dark world is inspiring.

A Must Read!
Having spent several years of my childhood in Hong Kong, I've had an ongoing interest in Chinese culture and history. When I read this book, I felt that this was a book I wanted to share with everyone.

Red Scarf Girl gives us a window into the life of a girl growing up during the Cultural Revolution - a time of great upheaval in China. Having read "Life and Death in Shanghai," by Nien Ching, several years earlier, I had already been given an excellent perspective of what it must have been like to live through this period as an adult. Now, I was fascinated to see the years of the revolution detailed through the eyes of a young girl who was trying not just to survive, but to rationalise, accept, and believe in what she saw happening around her.

This is a very moving account and I believe that anyone could benefit from reading it unless they are determined not to let that happen. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not just for Elementary School Students
This text is geared toward an elementary audience. It is a quite comprehensive look at Douglass' life. It could easily be used to illustrate that slaves did not only work on plantations in the south, but in cities hired out as laborers. It would be an excellent introduction for the abolitionist movement and other events leading to the U.S. Civil War. Students enjoy being read to from these types of texts, but remember to give them something to do while listening. Have students complete an undated timeline of his life. Then utilize these timelines to discuss the main ideas of the text with students. (Possibly using the timeline notes graphic organizer from Jim Burke's Tools for Thought

A Picture Book of Frederick Douglass
A great book with which to incorporate children's literature with social studies instruction. Political Science is just one discipline of the social studies and as such can be taught effectively in early childhood classrooms. Books like this one about Frederick Douglass demonstrate how individuals sought to secure rights for all people and were willing to violate unjust laws in the process. ... Read more

Book Description

The intriguing story of Eleanor Roosevelt traces the life of the former First Lady from her early childhood through the tumultuous years in the White House to her active role in the founding of the United Nations after World War II.A Newberry Honor Book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Woman of the century
To my mind there are two biographers that write for children and that can do no wrong. On is the ineffable J. Giblin (author of "The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler") and one is Russell Freedman. Freedman is best known for his well-rounded and intensely researched biography of Abraham Lincoln (entitled "Lincoln: A Photobiography"), winner of the Newbery award. Turning his sights to a slightly more modern personage, Freedman examines the life and times of Eleanor Roosevelt.

Every biography needs a hook. It's not enough to lay out the facts of a person's life and let them speak for themselves. Many times, a work examining a famous figure needs to go a little further. To find out what exactly made this person tick. Eleanor Roosevelt's life was not a common one, but it many ways it began ordinarily. Born to beautiful but distant parents, Eleanor struggled with her plain looks and her inordinate shyness from day one. Freedman is often in a position to demonize those people in Roosevelt's life that let her down, yet he never wishes to do so. Rather than actually say, "Eleanor's parents were negligent baboons", the author instead places the facts before the viewer. Examining them, we see that, yes, they were negligent baboons. But we have reached that conclusion on our own, without being told what to think. So goes the rest of Freedman's book. As she grows, Eleanor matures, finds strength in herself, and eventually becomes the best known (and most widely respected) first lady of the United States.

There are a few problems with the biography, though they are small. The book allows itself a small flourish occasionally. One example might be Eleanor's death scene, wherein the author supposes that the former first lady may have seen the image of her father upon dying. Also, though the sources cited are many, Freedman fails to footnote a single page in any way (a talent Giblin has always excelled in). A timeline of Eleanor's life would not have been out of place here either. Just the same, these are small potatoes.

This is a book written specifically with children or young adults in mind. As such, it is interesting and informative. Beautiful photographs accompany almost every page, and there is even a small photo album of additional shots in the back. Hearsay and conjecture about Mrs. Eleanor's private life has been ignored entirely. The book does observe FDR's romantic liaisons (some provided by his daughter, no less) but it does not dwell on them obsessively. As Eleanor forgives but does not forget his dalliances, and so too the reader comes to forgive (maybe a little less) but not forget them either. FDR is interesting, but this is a book about Eleanor Roosevelt and the life she led. Anyone wishing to teach about a popular proto-feminist would do very well to use this woman as their primary example. Freedman has treated her with the dignity she deserves. It is a noteworthy accomplishment.

This is a fantastic book to look into for information!
This book is one of the books that you should really read. It contains tons of information about Eleanor Roosevelt. I had to write a biography about her for a project at school and I aced it! This book had lots of pictures too. I could not put it down!

Very well researched and fascinating!
As a fifth grade student, I did not think that reading a biography would be interesting. However, this book captured my interest from the beginning to the end. The author provides many details about Eleanor Roosevelt's life both before and after she met FDR. After reading this book I really admire Eleanor Roosevelt. She was truly a determined, caring woman.

This book really reveals the life of an American Heroine!
This book is truly one you should read. I read it for english and loved learning about a first lady who wasn't afraid to stand up for her rights. But when you read you will discover her life wasn't all glamour. The book is easy reading and enjoyable. There are some parts that you may skip and won't really make a difference. So buy this book now and read until your done! ... Read more

Product Description

Story of the Governor of New York, vice-president, and our 26th President. Follow Teddy across the United States, through South America, and through a war in Cuba. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Where have you gone, Teddy Roosevelt, our nation turns...
Jean Fritz is perhaps best known for her short picture book biographies of Revolutionary War Heroes. I was anxious to read this particular book, and to my great surprise found it to be much longe than her usual fare. Just the same, the book carries the same spirit and adept interesting writing Fritz has employed on her other ventures. I had some disappointments with this book, it's true, but all in all I think it's a fine biography and the best one out there for any kid interested (or required) in reading about our odd twenty-sixth President.

We begin with a small sickly boy. Young Teddy (a name he accepted but disliked) was asthmatic and, as a result, of poor constitution. Pressed by his adored father to make something of himself, Ted set about exercising and pushing himself so as to become strong and tough. This man was truly an embodiment of all that was masculine. As he grew he was continually obsessed with nature, and it was assumed that he would someday go into the field of naturalism. As it happened, Teddy got waylaid and after taking some law went into politics. What was to follow was a madcap series of election losses, faithful Republican supporters, and, in time, a war.

Now it is around the time that Fritz starts describing Teddy's involvement in the Spanish-American War that she loses me. What separates Fritz from James Giblin or Russell Freedman (two excellent historical biographers for children in their own right) is that she refuses to blame Teddy for anything. As a writer she obviously admires her subject, and you can see why. There was much to admire about the man. At the same time, however, this was a fairly war-hungry fella. Unlike Giblin, who has written such wonderful biographies as "Charles Lindbergh: A Human Hero", Fritz doesn't show the problems that came with Teddy's choices. There is little doubt to my mind that Teddy saw the Spanish-American War as a "just" war. There is also little doubt that it most certainly was NOT a just war. Even when it becomes clear that the American public was misled in its thinking that war was the only answer ("Remember the Maine" anyone?) and that Teddy was a part of that misinformation, Fritz ignores such controversial topics. And what of the muckrakers? Where's Teddy's famous dismissal of hard-hitting journalism? Too much is left unsaid or avoided in this book to allow it to be considered one of the great children's biographies out there. Additionally, one does have to take issue with Fritz's portrayal of the Native Americans. As a previous reviewer has pointed out, Fritz's facts (though she includes a lovely bibliography of sources) seem sketchy.

Which isn't to say there isn't a lot to love here. There are Fritz's thrilling tales of Mr. Roosevelt's life. As an author, she has packed a great deal of info into this book. Everything from ponies in the White House to the origin of the teddy bear is included here. Accompanying Fritz's narration are some great illustrations by Mike Wimmer. My objection to them might be that even when we are viewing a young 20-some year-old Teddy, the illustrations are clearly of an older man. How hard would it have been to erase the waddle on the twenty-three year old Ted? Even shots of our protagonist as a boy show him with his head almost completely turned away from the viewer. It would have been nice if Mr. Wimmer had had a little more confidence in his own artistic abilities.

On the whole, it's a nice book. I know I've talked it down and pointed out its inconsistencies, but in spite of my own personal feeling, Teddy Roosevelt is a subject well worthy of a biography. This, after all, was the pro-environment president. The president who fought against huge corporations and went head-to-head with J.P. Morgan. The times in which we live today could use another Theodore R. When big business is just as large as ever and the national parks Teddy created are threatened by drilling, we should look back at heroes like the one found in this book and remember that sometimes a single man can accomplish a lot in his day.

An Excellent Read!
This was such a joy to read. I just couldn't put the book down. I had no idea that Teddy Roosevelt had an affliction that he overcame, thanks in part to his ambitious father.

Until I read this book, I had no idea that Teddy Roosevelt thrived on adventure or that he collected specimens of animals. It's amazing that he managed to survive all of his adventures like he did being as sick as he was. Everything the man did was to test his endurance if not make history as well.

Now I understand his push for conserving the nation's natural resources. By the time he became president, there weren't many wild animals left or trees for that matter. At any rate, this book was fun to read, especially when Teddy Roosevelt climbed to the top of Mount Marcy before the death of McKinley.

It really amazed me how much energy the man had. Probably from all those treks out west when he was a boy to hunt or whatever. The gym his father built was nothing like what he faced on his many sojourns out west and to Africa. It made me dizzy to read about all those campaign stops and speeches.

At first, I thought this book a little slow when I read about his early life, but then it picked up when Teddy begin serving on various Civil Service jobs and eventually gaining the Vice-Presidency under McKinney and being elected to a second term as President afterward.

I highly recommend this book.

Bully for you, theodore roosevelt!
An excellent chidren's biography of theodore roosevelt, which will be enjoyed by people of all ages.My only criticism is that the books title should be 'Bully for you, theodore roosevelt,' instead of 'Bully for you, teddy roosevelt,' a name which to him was anathema.

Unacceptable historical errors
Although Jean Fritz is an award winning author of history books, she makes some serious errors in this book making it unacceptable for school libraries. I love her writing style and the way she relates many humorous stories of Teddy Roosevelt's childhood, but when she relates his western adventures her historical research is seriously lacking. She refers to how the Sioux Indians killed 10,000 buffalo a feat which would have been impossible since the tribe was totally defeated, low in numbers, and relegated to reservations in the time period she described, the late 1880s. White buffalo hunters, not Native Americans slaughtered buffalo for their tongues and left their carcasses to rot. The Sioux had a tremendous respect for nature and only hunted a few buffalo at a time, just enough to feed their tribal group.

These egregious fallacies make this book totally unacceptable. Children should be given historical sources that are accurate, not ones that perpetuate myths. It is unfortunate since the rest of the book is wonderful and with some judicious editing, this would be one of the best children's biographies of Roosevelt. ... Read more

Book Description

Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life.

Illustrated by John O'Brien. ... Read more

Book Description

Rosa Parks is best known for the day she refused to give up her seat on asegregated bus, sparking the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott. Yet there is much more to her story than this one act of defiance. In this straightforward, compelling autobiography, Rosa Parks talks candidly about the civil rights movement and her active role in it. Her dedication is inspiring; her story is unforgettable."The simplicity and candor of this courageous woman's voice makes these compelling events even more moving and dramatic." — Publishers Weekly, starred review ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Strong Woman
Rosa Parks was a Black woman who lived in a time of unequality. Blacks were being treated as though they were lower and were lost of the many priveleges that white people had. Well, Rosa Parks didn't let what they thought get in her way. She stood for what she believed in and stuck by it all the way. By refusing to sit at the end of the bus, Rosa showed me how strong, independent, daring, and brave she was. She knew of the consequences yet it didn't stop her. I really admire her.
This book came across me after my friend Catherine read it and recommended it to me. She told me that it was a good book and that I should read it. She told me that it would touch my heart and would help me see Rosa Parks in a different way. Seeing the cover, I knew that it would talk about one of the most important events of her life-the incident at the bus.
I enjoyed this book very much. My favorite part was when she refused to sit at the back of the bus.She demonstrated acts of bravery and courage. She showed them that she was equal and that no one had the right to treat them differently. That event also proved that small acts can make big differences in the world. One little protest made a positive change in the way of the world. This helped me want to be more active in our world. I realized that the blacks had to go through so much to be where they are today. It helped me appreciate them more. This book should be read by everyone!

Rosa Parks: My Story
I personally thought that this book was very interesting. It gave me a view of what it was like to be in her shoes. At some parts in the book I actually felt like I was her or one of the other characters in the book. It's a shame that people had to fight for what they did back then. I guess now it shows that we are a much stronger Nation.

THE ROSA PARKS STORY
This story is about a black women in the days of segrigashon who was sent to jell for not following the rules. It all started when rosa parks refused toget up for a white man and the polic decided to take this inisent lady away. But not any black person blame her for what she did but they did say it was her falt she was in jailin the first place. But you can't realy blame her she was tired of giving in to the whites because they were so cruel to blacks and she was not going to take it any more so she broke the unfear rules and she dicided to make her own. Later on rosa parks started a boycotand changed the lives of millions of black people and thats A great african americn moment.

My Story
Rosa Parks tells the story of her life through amazing passages in her own autobiography. Rosa was born on Feb. 4, 1913 in Tuskegee Alabama. She entered school in Pine Level in 191, where her mother taught. In 1924, she attended school in Montgomery, but leaves 4 years after to take care of her mother and grandmother. Rosa married Raymond Parks in Dec. in 1932, and encouraged her get her high school degree, which she received in 1933. Finally, in 1943, she became Secretary of the NAACP, and it wasn't until then that she met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and was inspired to go with the Civil Rights movement. She's probably most famous for what she did on that Montgomery bus; she stayed in her seat and didn't budge even when they threatened to arrest her.

Rosa has a strong character and a will to succeed. She was determined to stand up for herself, accepting the consequences. What she did on the bus displayed a power that most people don't have. Instead of giving in to what seemed was the easy way out, Rosa took the high road and stood her ground. She could have taken it easy and just moved back a seat, but she didn't budge. Segregation was a big issue back then, but many people had different opinions. It was because of Rosa that the Civil Rights Movement started, beginning with the Montgomery Bus Boycott she started.

Although her life shows her strong will, the hardest thing she must have done was stay on that bus. She willed up enough strength and courage to stand her ground. All she had to do was give up her seat to a white man; it was the law. The law said white people were above colored, which of course, isn't true. Thanks to the inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she knew what she had to do. She stayed on that bus and allowed them to arrest her. She started the Montgomery Bus Boycott because of this, which led into the Civil Rights Movement. Still, her stand on the bus was my favorite part from her autobiography.

the rosa parks story
Rosas life story is amazing how she puts every detail on how the blacks were treated(like dirt!) If you want to know more about the amazing story of Rosa Parks, who refused to move on the bus for a white man,and did a fifty-six mile march to Montgomery, with a whole bunch of other blacks who were tired of getting treated like they were.If you want to know more about this amazing life of rosas buy this book immediately!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

This valiant story of how young George Washington was drawn into his country's struggle for independence gives readers a vivid perspective on a crucial era in American history--and on the life of a revolutionary hero. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Pretty Useful
This book is pretty useful for students in elementary school who need to know basic information about George Washington. The only thing I did not like is it did not make specific references to things such as the Revolutionary War, or the Declaration of Independence. The book would discuss these events in Washington's life, but they would not really callthe events by their names.

George Washington
This book would be a good book to use to share information about George Washington. That is what I used it for. I don't think it would be a book I would just let my students read. There are some messages in the book that you might not want students to know, or some things that you would like to share in a different manner other than a book. Overall though, I did enjoy it!

Meet George Washington
My seven year old son loved this book. As a beginning reader, he never balked when told to sit and read. It provided a great springboard for discussions for bringing history to life and encouraged a love for history and reading! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Fun book for all
I was on a pop quiz team in high school so knowing the order of all the US Presidents was imperative and the book helped accomplish that end. It uses cartoons and silly phrases that are easy to remember and visualize. Now I will never forget that JFK was the 35th and Buchanan was the 15th. Rock Forth.

The Rumors Are True
My mom bought me this book when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. I read the whole thing through in an hour or so, and I immediately had all the presidents memorized. When I was in 6th grade, one of the book's authors, Will Cleveland I think, came to my school. To start off his speech he asked if anyone knew who the 14th president of the United States was. I was the only one in the audience to raise my hand, and after I said the answer (Pierce), I told Mr. Cleveland I had read his book. He said I was proof that the book really works, and he was right. I am now in 10th grade, and can still name all of the presidents in order, along with all of the helpful clues in the books. I just passed Yo, Millard Fillmore! down to my 11 year-old sister, and it's working so far for her too. Long story short: this book works!!!!!

Unbelievable!!!!!!!
I am in a presidential class at a Univeristy and I had to learn all the presidents for class. I checked out the book and read it and within about 20 minutes i could write all 43 presidents from memory. This is unreal it really works!!!!

It works!
I'm a high school junior and I'm still using this book for all my quizes and tests. While everyone else in my class was struggeling through the first fifteen presidents, I breezed through them all just by remembering the cute cartoons and pictures. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone! It also contains great information about the presidents and their administrations. I used it middle school, I'm using it in high school, and I'm sure it will be useful through out my continuing education.

It worked for me!
My 10 year old sister was given this book as a gift. I'm pretty good at history, so I thought learning all the presidents in order would be really cool. I read the book for 20 or 30 minutes, took the quizes, and by the time I was done I could name all the presidents in order, and backwords. The book also gives you clues to help remember the 5,10,15,20,25,30,35, and 40th presidents. ... Read more

Book Description

"I believe in recognizing every human being
as a human being, neither white, black, brown, nor red."

This was just one of the messages that Malcolm X brought to people of color. He lived by the idea that black people should demand equality by taking their lives and futures into their own hands. With guidance from the religious leader Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm became one of the most powerful leaders of the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and his beliefs live on today.

Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers, together with illustrator Leonard Jenkins, delivers a straightforward and compelling portrayal of one of America's most influential figures.

Reviews (1)

Outstanding!
This book really captures the heart, the mind, and the troubles of Malcolm X and society in the 1960's. The beautiful illustrations are wonderful at expressing complex emotions and complement the words of Walter Dean Myers extemely well. This book is fabulous as children seek to understand the complexities of those turbulent times. ... Read more

Book Description

Young John F. Kennedywas a mischief maker, but he also had a serious side. He cared about people's problems and, with his words, could easily persuade others to go along with his ideas. As he grew up, Kennedy's family decided that he was meant for great things -- the presidency of the United States.

TIME For Kids® Biographies help make a connection between the lives of past heroes and the events of today. Kennedy's desire to help Americans -- and others around the world -- is as important now as it was forty years ago.

Reviews (1)

neat book
This book is all about the life of John F Kennedy.It told about when he was born, his marriage and his death. Here are some interesting facts I learned of John F. Kennedy.He was a member of the Peace Corps.He wrote 2 books.He met with Martian Luther King.In back is a helpful time line of events.

The book was not too long and not too short.It contained the right amount of information for kids.

I would recommend this book to kids who are learning about the presidents.I learned a lot from reading this book. ... Read more

Book Description

John Adams comes to vivid life for young readers in this latest addition to Harness’s acclaimed presidential picture-biographies. Dynamic artwork and lively narrative create a warm, personable portrait of the stubborn man from Braintree, Massachusetts, whose passion for liberty spurred him on to extraordinary roles as a Founding Father, first Vice President, and second President of the United States. Through Adams’s eyes, kids witness the tension-enflamed streets of Boston, the bickering Continental Congress, the complexities of waging the War for Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. Vivid quotes from both John and Abigail Adams provide great primary source material for school reports, and three illustrated maps let readers see where key events took place.

Book Description

Each day was an adventure for President Theodore Roosevelt. When he was a kid, he kept turtles in the bathtub and frogs under his cap. As an adult, he was a cowboy, a river explorer, and a big game hunter. Sometimes he would go on marches through deep puddles and icy rivers -- just for fun! TIME For Kids® Biographies help make a connection between the lives of past heroes and the events of today. When Teddy became president, Americans were looking ahead with excitement to the twentieth century. Teddy's spirit and dreams helped make the United States one of the greatest countries in the world. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brilliant woman
An excellent story about the life of this genius. Doesn't go much into her service as National Security Advisor, but it does give some insight into her accomplishments. Recommended for young women! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Patrick HenrY!!!
This a very great book! It tells great stories about Patrick Henry's life and tells in great detail about his famous Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

Fritz makes history come alive!
Jean Fritz makes history intersting for all ages. She has an uncanny way of seeing a historical figure as a real person with a well-rounded life that encapsulates more than just what he or she did in public. The life of her subject is of more importance than dates and events. Somehow this shift of emphasis makes the dates more memorable. She tells her story fresh, not told in the typical detached fashion. Her research and enthusiasm for her subjects make the stories come alive in interesting ways for today's student reader and interested adult.

Easy Read About An Early Hero
An interesting twist on a children's biography of theRevolutionary War hero Patrick Henry. The device of the "29th ofMay" is used to tie the various parts of Henry's life together--from his childhood in the wilds of the Virginia countryside to his famous patriotic activities to his retirement at Red Hill. His failures as well as his successes are discussed, allowing children to see a more authentic character than many easy-read biographies. Notes from the author at the end of the book give more historical details. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Fantastic Book
This suberb book helps know what happened during segregation. It really teaches you alot and has amazing pictures. If you need to read a great book to read this exciting book is the book to read! I would recommend this book to all ages because it really is that good!

Freedom to be Black
I hope every child gets to read a lest one Black history Book. Even grown men and women.Every person in this world should be able to fell What it was like to be in Black history and this book is prefect to help you.You will feel like you were there right next to Rosa Parks. If you your child or anybody else is interested in Black history I promise this is a book for you.

Great book in a series of Picture book biographies
David Adler has done a tremendous job with this biography as with the others in the series. The book is a great introductory biography for young students in grades K-3. Although his biographies have been criticized for being simplistic, I feel this is exactly what makes these books perfect for younger audiences. They were meant to be an INTRODUCTORY biography, not an exhaustive research study. Young listeners will not be bored and will not drown in excessive information. The book is abundantly illustrated with colorful pictures and concludes with a timeline of important dates. My kids, ages 5,8 and 11, love this series.

Review of "A Picture Book of Rosa Parks"
I really enjoyed this book. It is filled with great illustrations and fun & interesting facts that make it a wonderful book to teach children about Rosa's life. I would highly recommend it for all teachers & parents to share with children. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ready for some quirky facts about the presidents of the United States?Andrew Jackson had to sneak out of his own inauguration party and sleep in ahotel because his fans got so wild. Poker-playing Warren G. Harding once gambledaway a set of White House china. Lyndon B. Johnson was an auto mechanic, a grapepicker, and a high-school teacher before becoming president.

Kenneth C. Davis's tremendously popular Don't Know Much About... series takes onAmerica's commanders in chief in this entertaining, often enlightening guide tothe 43 presidents. Each president is allotted a page or three, which includesyears in office, highlights of his time in power, and weird bits of trivia,including George Washington's propensity for brushing his horse's teeth everymorning (although he himself didn't believe much in bathing) and spiffy dresserChester Arthur's habit of changing his pants many times a day. A timeline runsalong the bottom of most pages, describing major milestones in American history.It's fun and educational, how about that? (Ages 6 to 10) --EmilieCoulter ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Don't Know Much About the Presidents
Excellent book and an easy read.This author makes history fun.

This book is the Best
I like this book because it tells me all the facts about
the presidents and I love to study presidents.My 14 year
old sister needed help with her report on Theodore Roosevelt and
Franklin D. Roosevelt and she asked me because she knew I would
know some things!I have checked "Don't know much about the
Presidents" out of the library and since I have to take it back,
my dad said he would buy me my own copy to keep!

A Great Intro to the Presidents
This book is a wonderful introduction to learning about the presidents, even for younger children who express an interest.Our five-year-old is a good reader, and can manage much of this book herself.A great one to keep in the back of the car for short (or long) trips.Or pick a president each night to learn about at bedtime.This book is written at a level that can be appreciated by the younger set, but because it's got a sense of humor and some fun facts about each president, will also be enjoyed by older children (and adults!).We're enjoying re-learning about the presidents again with our daughter!

A Great Intro to the Presidents
This book is a wonderful introduction to learning about the presidents, even for younger children who express an interest. Our five-year-old is a good reader, and can manage much of this book herself. A great one to keep in the back of the car for short (or long) trips. Or pick a president each night to learn about at bedtime. This book is written at a level that can be appreciated by the younger set, but because it's got a sense of humor and some fun facts about each president, will also be enjoyed by older children (and adults!). We're enjoying re-learning about the presidents again with our daughter!

Everything You Wanted to Know about Our Presidents, and More
Do you know who was the youngest president ever elected to office, who served the shortest term, and who served the longest?Do you know which president had fifteen children, which was an avid fisherman, and who brought a goose, wallaby, donkey, lion cub, raccoon, two cats, twelve dogs, and birds to the White House when he moved in?The answers to these questions and much, much more can be found in Kenneth Davis' marvelously entertaining and engaging, Don't Know Much About The Presidents.Written in an easy to read, question and answer, conversational format, Mr Davis packs this book chock full of historical information, fun facts, and trivia.Learn about each of our 43 president's talents, idiosyncracies and family, his inauguration, important achievements, and life in the White House during the time he served.Each biographical spread is complemented by Pedro Martin's charmingly witty and humorous illustrations that enhance the text and just add to all the fun.With a detailed timeline highlighting important and interesting historical events running continuously along the bottom of each page, Don't Know Much About The Presidents is a treasure trove of fun and information that's perfect for kids 8 and up.So find out which president's good luck charm was a red carnation, and enjoy! ... Read more

Book Description

The words of the Declaration of Independence, so familiar to us and so important to our country, were those of Thomas Jefferson. He was a primary force behind United States independence. Without his influence, our country would be vastly different from the nation we know today. Jefferson initiated public education, established a national library, and paved the way for the abolishment of slavery. Although he was not a power-hungry or even ambitious politician, Jefferson served in many different offices, including president, in order to help his fledgling country remain on its feet. His faith and dedication to the idea of self-government never wavered, even in the face of many personal hardships. John B. Severance traces Jefferson's life from his plantation boyhood to his two terms as president and his last days preparing for the opening of the University of Virginia, weaving details of both Jefferson's political career and his rich personal life together to create a thoughtful and well-researched biography.Jefferson quotes, bibliography, index. ... Read more