The Presidents of the United States - Hardcover

Grade 3-7-An introductory chapter explains the executive branch and the process of electing a president, and gives an overview of the powers and duties of the office. Each commander in chief is profiled in a colorful two-page layout. A time line flows across each spread and marks the important events in the man's life and administration. Full-color portraits, reproductions, and a variety of appealing graphics and anecdotal sidebars reveal the historical, political, social, and cultural phenomena of each subject's life and times. A fascinating part of each entry is the quotation that has come to define the man and his vision of the office. Ranging from pithy to pitiful, the quotes reflect the evolution of the presidency and each man's impact on it. The glossary includes nearly 100 words, which appear in boldface in the main text, and helps to clarify the author's occasional semantic stumble, such as his assertion that Bill Clinton was "almost impeached." A discussion of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the election of 2000 is also included. While this is a worthy addition to most libraries, students who need more information for reports can look to Ann Bausum's Our Country's Presidents (National Geographic, 2001), which is similar in design but richer in detail.
William McLoughlin, Brookside School, Worthington, OH
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Each of the 43 American presidents gets a spread in The Presidents of the United States by Simon Adams, including a timeline of their accomplishments on the way to the White House, a listing of their party, first lady and vice-president (the exception being George W. Bush, whose spread traces the election process, rather than offering a biographical treatment). A kind of thumbs-up, thumbs-down summary concludes each (e.g., Carter is deemed "An Ultimate Failure" due to the unsuccessful hostage rescue attempt, which Simon suggests caused a "landslide" loss to Reagan).

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.