The New Big Book of U.S. Presidents

May 1, 2013

Gr 4-8-In this overview, most presidents have a one-page entry, but Washington, Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Truman, and Lyndon Johnson each get two pages because of added historical information for their time periods. The entries feature a half page devoted to the president's term in office. One third of the page offers a box with basic facts about the man and his picture. The rest of the page is devoted to segments that focus on significant events or accomplishments of the time. Those vignettes often discuss women, African Americans, or Native Americans. A time line runs through the whole book at the bottom of each page, providing consistent historical perspective. The brief text is well written but surprisingly dense. The title and format suggest an elementary-age audience, but the text seems better suited for middle grades. Eyewitness Presidents (DK, 2009) and Time for Kids Presidents of the United States (HarperCollins, 2005) are similar titles aimed at a younger audience. Our Country's Presidents (National Geographic, 2013) and the Scholastic Encyclopedia of the Presidents and Their Times (Scholastic, 2013) provide more historical information and longer entries. If a new guide to the presidents is needed, this title is a useful purchase. If the collection already has several similar books, this title does not offer a distinctive approach.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA

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