Editorial Review

A noteworthy review of The United States Presidents from School Library Journal on November 1, 2020

Cover: George Washington: Our 1st President

Young readers learn about each president’s childhood, their introduction to politics, and time in office. Significant world events that occurred during the president’s tenure are highlighted in boldface to facilitate comprehension and provide historical context. Each title includes a time line, information on the branches of government and the election process, and a glossary. The role of the First Lady is discussed, featuring a page dedicated to her biography and official work. Fun anecdotes are included to humanize the presidents. For example, when Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard, he once rescued a set of false teeth. Above all, this series does not glorify the presidents. Their flaws and failures are mentioned as well as their successes. Andrew Jackson was known as the ’people’s president,’ but he was also a racist who terrorized Native Americans. Thomas Jefferson publicly disavowed slavery, but he enslaved Black people and directly profited from the institution of slavery. VERDICT The United States presidents get a fresh treatment in this fair and informative biography series. Readers will understand that no human is perfect, including the presidents.

—Cathy DeCampli

Products Reviewed

Title   ATOS Format Qty
Abraham Lincoln: Our 16th President
Andrew Jackson: Our 7th President
Andrew Johnson: Our 17th President
Barack Obama: Our 44th President
Benjamin Harrison: Our 23rd President
Calvin Coolidge: Our 30th President
Chester A. Arthur: Our 21st President
Donald Trump: Our 45th President 6.6
Dwight D. Eisenhower: Our 34th President
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Our 32nd President
Franklin Pierce: Our 14th President
George H. W. Bush: Our 41st President
List

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