Book Description

For a long time, the main role of First Ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House...until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had experience and knowledge of many issues, and fought for laws to help the less fortunate. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen, and she used these gifts to campaign for her husband and get him elected president—four times! A fascinating historical figure in her own right, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of First Lady forever. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An impressive and highly recommended life story
In Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?, biographer Gare Thompson reveals to young readers the impressive and highly recommended life story of one of the most influential women in American 20th Century history. Individual chapters begin with the question "Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?", and the continue on with "Early Years"; "Daddy's Little Girl"; "All Alone"; "Years at Allenswood"; "Cousin Franklin"; "Marriage and Children"; "Politics"; "White House Years"; and "Ambassador to the World". ... Read more

Amazon.com

This work is perhaps the most complete and enjoyable children's book ever written about one of the nation's most fascinating and important figures, Abraham Lincoln. Russell Freedman covers Lincoln's life and career in a balanced treatment that is enhanced by period photographs and drawings.The book won the Newbery Medal, the Jefferson Cup Award and the Golden Kite Honor Book Award, and earned a citation as School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Fabulous Introduction On Abraham Lincoln
This is a wonderful book about Abraham Lincoln. It's the very first book that I read on him when i was about eleven or twelve years old. It's still one of my favorites because it has quick easy to read information. The pictures are beautiful to look at.
This is also a really good way to get kids interested in Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. It's what got me started really.
All though it seems kind of childish to me now. it still really is a very good book to learn from.
With this references book, you will also learn about some key figures in Lincoln's life. Such as Mary Ann Todd and Josuah F. Speed. There is also some good information on them from an introduction on Lincoln.
What I also like about the book is that it doesn't really talk on about the myth of Lincoln.
But the author tries to talk about the man himself instead. There are also some pictures of Abraham and Mary's first house in Springfield. Illinois, and a lot of other nice pictures.
I very much recommend this book to any one who is knew at learning about the 16th President of the United States of America.

The Life of Lincoln: A truly wonderful book.
Lincoln: A Photobiography by Russell Freedman informs the reader about Lincoln's family and his life before he became President and the effects upon the U.S. after this death. The book starts out about his early childhood and tells about his father,mother,sister and goes on to inform the reader about his marriage and children. Freedman goes on to tell about Lincoln's rise in government, first as a Representative in the Illinois House of Representitives to President of the United States.
The author Russell Freedman, shares wonderful pictures that the reader enjoys viewing, that are not readily available. Freedman grabs the readers attention by not just using staticical information, but show Lincoln as a person just not a President.

Lincoln: A Photobiography is worth reading because, Lincoln's voice can be felt thru his many speeches. The book takes you back to the Cival War and you believe you understand why Lincoln was a great human being.

Not your parents' Lincoln
A small unimposing masterpiece. It is interesting to me that the photograph chosen for the cover of this book should show Lincoln without his usual beard and stovepipe hat. I like to believe that maybe the author chose this photo himself, perhaps to make people think a little differently about Lincoln from the start. I have nothing for praise for this biography, by the way. The facts are interspersed with the excellent details of Lincoln's life growing up. Freedman has the ability to mingle the times in which Abe lived his life in such a way that the readers hardly notice how well they've become acquainted with the setting before the Civil War arrives. This book is so readable and such a good length that I can see children actually enjoying reading it on their own. Admittedly, this may not often happen, but it's wonderful to read a book that even gives them the option. "Lincoln: A Photobiography" would teach especially well to large groups of kids and would pair nicely with Ruby Bridges's, "Through My Eyes", giving kids a real sense of the history of African-American civil rights.

If you're new to Lincoln, please start here
Russell Freedman has done a masterful job with this Lincoln biography, primarily intended for younger readers. Though touted as a "photobiography," there are not an abundance of Lincoln photos, though there is an excellent assortment of photographs of the time period, as well as pictures of his wife and children. The Lincoln portraits that are printed are among the greatest Brady albumen's ever taken of a prominent person, and show Lincoln's world-weary countenance in the face of the raging storm of the Civil War.

Freedman writes well and he focuses on Lincoln as an individual. I was pleased to see so much space devoted to Lincoln's complex relationship with Mary Todd, the woman who became his wife. The adversity this couple endured is sobering: the loss of Eddie and Willie at young ages, Lincoln's melancholia and spells of profound depression, as well as the strains of the Presidency. Who can imagine the torment of trying to keep a nation together while millions of American boys died in combat? The strain Lincoln endured is beyond imagination. Freedman tries to have the young reader put themselves in Lincoln's shoes. This is an instructive technique. Freedman also devotes considerable time to Lincoln's special father-son relationship with Tad, and his account of the assassination is excellent.

Readers of all ages can glean something from this book, but the target age range would be from 10-15. For young people first starting to learn about Lincoln, look no farther than here. This is a first-rate example of biography for the younger audience.

Sparked my Interest in the Civil War
I first read this book when I was in fifth grade. It was the first "history" book I read that really interested me. Russell Freedman turns history from dates and facts into the lives of real people during an extremely difficult time. I'm 19 years old and currently writing a speech on why it is one of my favorite books of all time. ... Read more

Book Description

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America."
-- Lynne Cheney

Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces.

Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history.

Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I didn't know Washington had it in him.
This was a fascinating look at a part of the Revolutionary War I didn't even know existed, and I'm sure my children didn't either. Spies and double spies and secret codes I associate more with James Bond than George Washington. Presented in a clear and interesting way that makes for a compelling book, full of the kind of details that make history fun. Nice writting that is understandable but doesn't talk down to children. Also, an appealing book physically, small, and made to look (under the paper cover) like George's own secret book of codes. The codes are reproduced in the book and there is a running message to decode. ... Read more

Book Description

Our original Big Book of U.S. Presidents has sold more than 200,000 copies! It was also a Scholastic Book Club Selection, and continues to be a perennial favorite in the $9.98 Courage Children's line. This updated edition features a revised profile of George W. Bush, plus a look ahead to our next president. In fact, it will be published less than 3 months after the 2004 election, close to inauguration, and will be one of the first books to feature a profile of the newest president. This fascinating introduction to U.S. government includes famous quotes, achievements, and a detailed timeline for quick reference to historical eras and events, plus more than 50 illustrations.

Full-color illustrations ... Read more

Book Description

Bringing the world of Presidents to the palm of your hand,FANDEX presents a chronological field guide to all 42 of America'schief executives.Which President made the Louisiana Purchase?Whowas in office during the Teapot Dome scandal?Which President won aNobel Peace Prize?And who endured the childhood nickname Useless? From the historic Founding Fathers (three of whom died on the Fourth ofJuly) and the 19th-century forgettables (Fillmore, Tyler, Pierce, etal.) to our current leadership, PRESIDENTS lets you finally get itstraight. 50 individually die-cut cards, full-color throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A cute way to learn various facts and info...
My kids find the Fandex format easy to use, and the information on them accessible. We have several, and with the elections going on this past year they used this one the most.

I like the fact that each president has a photo, as well as pertinent info: Date of birth and death, Number; Party represented; Vice President; First Lady's name. As well, there is a bio and some history for each one, including events leading up to and what happened while he was in office.

The only quibble I have about these decks is that sometimes when they're completely fanned out, the edges of the illustrations get caught up in each other, making it hard to close them properly. But other than that, they're cute, informative, and a nice format for kids.

Very good learning tool
I think this book is great, my 5 year old daughter now knows all of the presidents by name and number! In fact I am buying another one beacause she has worn the one we have out, but insists that she needs one.

Great! The whole family loved it--we'll buy another Fandex
Good information on all levels. Bought it for my kids, but we haved all enjoyed learning about the presidents in this type of format. We will definately be buying more in the future.

Great info in a unique format
A favored trivia source during our family vacation; now lives at my son't middle school where it's still going strong after 6 months. Trees Fandex is breathtakinly beautiful

The One I Bought Fell Apart
Not much information in this non-book (actually a bunch of flash cards). I thought maybe my kid would like it, but couldn't get him to look at it more than twice. Then the next thing I knew, the whole "binding" had broken apart, and we had "President"cards all over the place. What a mess! ... 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

He might have been just a rich farmer...but that wasn't his whole story. Not by a long shot!

It has been 200 years since George Washington died, but his story is more important than ever. His sacrifices for his country made him a legend, but who was this complex and valiant man? Cheryl Harness uses her lively writing style and richly detailed watercolors to bring the man behind the monument to life.

You'll smell the "hot blood and smoke" as George dodges bullets in the French and Indian War, sense his "purple fury" at soldiers who ran from battle early in the Revolution, shiver as he leads his army across the icy Delaware, and shout "Long live George Washington" as he is sworn in as President of the United States. But you'll see another George, too: A man who loved to dance, listen to his granddaughter play music, and entertain friends at his beloved Mount Vernon.

Love of liberty compelled George Washington to serve his country. Was he always sure he could do the job? Not at all! But he had to try. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Poorly Written
As a writer, Cheryl Harness desperately needs an editor for omissions, unity, logic & coherence. Shock value is found useful on computer games, but injures the understanding and imagines that children need a low thought standard. That is disparaging.

A colorful juvenile biography of George Washington
This juvenile biography of "George Washington" by Cheryl Harness combined detailed watercolors with a text that emphasizes that nobody really knew how remarkable the man was until events brought him to the forefront of history. The biography begins with young George Washington dreaming of commanding a warship in the Royal Navy and ends with the former President catching a chill after going out on a snowy day for his customary ride through the fields of Mount Vernon. Most of the focus of this book is on General Washington during the American Revolution, which means that his military service in the French & Indian Wars and his presidency become secondary considerations. The latter is reduced to what the new President would be called, the construction of the new capital city, and the political divisions of Washington's cabinet. The artwork is a combination of big pictures of the noble Father of Our Country and smaller maps and scenes representing the life and times in which Washington lived. The images of Washington are probably the best part of the volume since they do a very nice job of making Washington look like a human being rather than a formal portrait or a marble statue. Some of the pages get a bit cluttered with images and sometimes threaten to overwhelm the text, but on balance this is a solid juvenile biography that makes up with spirit what it lacks in detail. Then again, Harness makes a point of identifying all the historical figures when she details the Continental Congress or Washington's cabinet. This is one of several nice looking presidential biographies Harness has put together for the National Geographic Society.

Makes a GREAT Read Aloud For "Children" of ALL Ages!
The illustrations in this book are nothing short of amazing. Very powerful. They jump right out at you and each page is loaded with beautiful visuals and text. I lost myself in each page as I read this book to my two daughters. The storyline is definitely geared for the higher primary grade levels (4th/5th Grade and up), but my kids were still mesmerized. Quite frankly, so was I!

I'll add this to our personal library because it is well written and they will appreciate it more in later grades. If you are looking for a terrific book about Washington for younger readers try George Washington: A Picture Book Biography by James Cross Giblin.

But don't neglect the sheer artistry in this book by Harness. It is truly remarkable!

5 Stars...

Enjoy

A Great Washington Picture Book Biography!
Harness is a master of the longer picture book biography. While her biographies are heavy with text, they also are heavy with detailed illustrations and little extras! She strikes the balance well! George Washington is no different! Beautiful illustrations jump out! Teachers and kids will love the extra surprises at the end - a "More About George" section and a detailed sketch that identifies everyone at the Constitutional convention in 1787. Buy this book! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A very informative juvenile biography of Thomas Jefferson
Although this juvenile biography of Thomas Jefferson is part of the Encyclopedia of Presidents series, it actually does one of the better jobs of looking at the third President as an inventor, scientist and naturalist through the use of photographs of several of his inventions and pages from his notebooks. Jim Hargrove follows the standard format for the volumes in this series by beginning with the story of how Jefferson came to write the Declaration of Independence, including some of the better reproductions of the early draft written in Jefferson's own hand with various changes. Chapters are devoted to Jefferson growing up in Colonial Virginia and his public life divided into discrete units ending with the American revolution, his election to the presidency, and his leaving the White House. A final chapter looks at Jefferson's final years as the Sage of Monticello, which ended with his death on the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration (and includes his instructions for his tombstone). Because each volume runs about 100 pages (including chronologies and index), the Encyclopedia of Presidents series is able to provide more detailed information about each President than any other comparable series. There are other juvenile biographies that will work much better as introductions to the life and work of Thomas Jefferson, but this is where you can find the most detailed information about this or any other president short of turning to an adult biography hundreds of pages long. Sometimes it is hard for an author to stretch out the life and accomplishments of a President to a hundred pages (e.g., Warren G. Harding), but Hargrove does a nice job with the exact opposite problem in covering the enormous accomplishments of Jefferson in these few pages. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Actually, this juvenile biography ends with Bush's inaugural
Zachary Kent's juvenile biography of George Bush for the Encyclopedia of Presidents suffers from the fact that it was the last volume in the series, published in 1989. As a result, it actually covers only the first (half) day of the Bush Presidency. However, of the other juvenile biographies I have found on the first Bush to be President, one only goes as far as the night of the election, and a couple of others cover the first week and first year of his Presidency respectively. Only the volume in the "Our Presidents" series covers the entire four years Bush served as President. Ironically, that particular volume ends with the election of George W. Bush, who has his own volume, which basically ends before he has a chance to do anything in the White House as well. Like father, like son.

However, in terms of providing the details on how George Herbert Walker Bush made it to the White House, Kent fulfills his mission. The book begins with Bush being shot down during World War II and being rescued by an American submarine. Young readers will learn how Bush met and married Barbara, started three successful oil companies, and compiled an impressive political resume as a U.S. Congressman, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican Party, head of the U.S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and a professor at Rice University before deciding to seek the Republican nomination for President. Ronald Reagan won the nomination instead but selected Bush to be his Vice President. The book ends with Bush's successful 1988 campaign to be the first incumbent Vice President since Martin Van Buren to win the White House.

Despite the fact this juvenile biography does not cover his actual Presidency, it is interesting to get a sense of where Bush stood when he entered the White House. Kent's coverage of the campaign covers all the key points, from Bush's celebrated interview with Dan Rather of CBS, his controversial choice of Dan Quayle as his running mate, and his successful "Thousand Points of Light" speech at the Republican convention. When this book came out Bush's infamous "read my lips: No New Taxes!" pledge was seen as a sign of strength. Another strength of the book is that it relies heavily on actual quotes from Bush and other political and family figures. The rear of the book includes a Chronology of American History starts with Eric the Red reaching Greenland in 982 and highlights Bush's life from his birth in 1924 to his election in 1988. While it does not tell young readers anything about his term as President, this volume does provide the best account of Bush's life before that point and a concise coverage of the 1988 campaign. ... 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

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

Book Description

When Thomas Jefferson was young, Virginia was still a colony of England. Jefferson thought that many English laws and taxes were unfair, so he studied hard to become a lawyer and help make better laws. Soon he and others came to believe that the colonies should become a new country, and Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. As the third president of the United States, he focused on exploring the country and making it grow. His fairness and love of learning made him one of the most beloved presidents of all time.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Easy-to-read history book
This is a great book for older remedial students as well as grades 1-4. The primary facts are here with some illustrations. The text is simple and easily understood.

Not What I Was Looking For
This book was not what I was looking for. My teacher assigned us a Biography/Autobiography book report (like every month), and I checked this book out in the library. Yeah, maybe its ok for 4-8 year olds, this book is really boring for children like me. This book had stuff I already knew about, and I didn't learn anything. It was really boring and had no interesting facts. So, if you are looking for a book with a detailed scope about Thomas Jefferson, read another book. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It Tells About...
This book tells all about Abraham Lincoln and his adventures in the Civil War. This was a great book and I hope you enjoy it.

Good Intro for Preschoolers
My four year olds really liked this book and Adler's book on George Washington. We have looked at some of the other books in the series, and the subject matter in some others seems too old for preschoolers. My preschoolers were interested in the Lincoln and Washington books because they liked hearing about presidents and (because they are boys!) wars. But one caution about the Lincoln book: be prepared to talk about Lincoln getting shot (there's an illustration of this happening). Also, the book discusses slavery and depicts a slave auction. The pictures are as innocuous as possible, and my children were not upset, but you should plan in advance for how you are going to introduce this piece of history in an age appropriate way.

Don't waste your money on this book!
Don't bother to buy this book. David Adler merely collectsfacts about the life of Abraham Lincoln and connects them together. Alist of facts do not a story make! Lincoln was a fascinating man, with a sense of humor and a strong will and an honest character who seems to have truly cared for others. None of this comes out in Adler's books. Not even listed as facts in his boring way. I gave the book one star because the artist shouldn't be punished for illustrating the wrong book. But the people in the pictures are barely identifiable. Buy another biography, like Abraham Lincoln, which won a Caldicot award and has been around for decades. I doubt Adler's book will last that long.

Great beginner biography
Perfect biography for first through fourth graders. Adorablecartoon pictures and packed with information. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A lot better than I thought it would be!
My mom was always encouraging me to read biograhies. One day, my mom sat me on a chair and forced me to read at least one chapter. I didn't think I would like it, but I loved it! Tons of info on Abe Lincoln! Some conversations were added to make it more interesting, but most of it was true. I am reading tons of bios from the same series (the Childhood of Famous Americans series). I would encouage everyone to read this book and other books of the series!

Interesting.
This has been one of the more interesting biographys I read. This book focoses in more on his childhood than more on his life in polotics. ... Read more