Joe Biden

January 11, 2021
In 15 chapters, this timely biography of Joe Biden offers an endorsing portrait of the incoming president. Gormley (John McCain: An American Hero) successfully captures Biden’s character, sketching the boyhood leadership abilities that emerged in Scranton, Pa., and Wilmington, Del.; exploring his early political ambitions, which led him to write at age 12 about wanting to become president; and including endearing details about the natural athlete, who was prone to getting into scrapes and “couldn’t resist a dare.” Gormley establishes Biden’s strong loyalty to family and commitment to public service, highlighting some of his personal trials, including navigating his stutter, the tragic deaths of his first wife and daughter, and the loss of his oldest son to cancer many years later. While the writing can bog down in political machination in its coverage of Biden’s time in local government, the Senate, his several runs at the presidency, and his vice presidency, Gormley’s personal angles shine strongest, and interspersed essays about topics such as civil and voting rights and the Supreme Court contextualize events and underscore complicated issues. An informative introduction that effectively frames the challenges ahead. Ages 8–12. Agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House.

March 1, 2021

Gr 4-7-This is a favorable portrait of the 46th president, written in short chapters for middle-grade readers. Gormley provides facts, anecdotes, and political context, describing Joe Biden's childhood, his early political career, his role as vice president, and the 2020 presidential election. Biden's blue-collar roots and relatability are highlighted as he overcomes a childhood stutter, loses his first wife and daughter to a tragic car accident, and later loses his son to brain cancer. Racial issues are addressed throughout, though the discussions generally favor Biden's likable character and uncomfortable truths are glossed over. Gormley touches on various controversies surrounding Biden, including his use of verbal microaggressions in regard to President Obama and multiple allegations of sexual assault. These issues are resolved quickly and without depth; their resolutions can be attributed to Biden's white privilege, which is not addressed. Newspaper column-style segments detail mini-histories and important context regarding historical movements, laws, and the role of government. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the racial injustices and civil unrest of 2020 on Biden's presidential campaign are relegated to a single chapter, which feels rushed compared to the leisurely pace of the rest of the text. VERDICT A thorough but imperfect look at the life of Joe Biden.-Allison Staley, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

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