George H.W. Bush

January 1, 2003
Gr 4-6-Two factual but antiseptic biographies. Both open with a chapter about the man's adult accomplishments, followed by a chronological telling of his life. While the facts are given and an attempt is made to supply background information on presidential problems and world events, there are few anecdotes and little detail offered to humanize these figures. This is especially true of Bush. Nowhere do readers see his wit, his generosity, or his love of family. Grant fares much better and is seen as a more sympathetic character. Students learn of his love for his wife through his letters and of his warmth as a father, but his drinking problem is barely mentioned and there is no sense of his feelings about the heavy losses in battle. The illustrations make up for any omissions in the texts. Many photographs of family and home along with drawings, maps, and political cartoons all serve to bring the stories to life. There are many books available on both of these individuals, making these titles serviceable where needed.-Marlene Gawron, formerly at Orange County Library, Orlando, FL

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