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From #1 New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and leading historian Doris Kearns Goodwin comes an essential middle grade guide to Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, and Lyndon Johnson and how they became leaders.
All four presidents profiled grew up and lived in very different worlds—Lincoln was poor and self-educated; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family's rural estate; and Lyndon Johnson's modest childhood home had no electricity or running water. So how did each of them do it—rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually—and have in common—that catapulted them to lead America through some of its most turbulent times?
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 10, 2024 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781797179902
- File size: 310087 KB
- Duration: 10:46:00
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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June 24, 2024
Goodwin (An Unfinished Love Story) chronicles the childhoods of former
presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore
Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson and the events leading to their presidencies in this expansive children’s debut. Though the included stories aren’t a “full accounting of the historical moment,” they still pack a punch and include a wealth of information, some of which is adapted from the author’s works for adults. Starting with Lincoln’s youth, which the subject describes as “the short and simple annals of the poor,” Goodwin showcases his early leadership qualities, as well as his empathy and love for reading, attributes that put him at odds with his father. This blueprint is repeated throughout as each successive figure is shown overcoming childhood adversity. Alongside positive behaviors, Goodwin addresses fraught historical periods brought about by
each leader’s political decision-making, such as Japanese Americans’ imprisonment during FDR’s administration. In a preface, the author addresses how “these leaders set a standard and a bar for all of us, but they were far from perfect,” establishing the tone for this quartet of biographies in which Goodwin hopes “that today’s young people can see how much they
have in common.” Abundant back matter concludes. Ages 8–12. -
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin has reconstructed her set of presidential biographies about four great American leaders to aim at a young audience. Briefly describing each president's early years before expanding on his leadership skills, Kearns encourages listeners with the idea that anyone can rise to an influential role. Lincoln is surprisingly voiced by Graham Sibley as a country hick character in contrast to the pleasantly delivered narrative sections. Rufus Jones provides a well-bred tone for Theodore Roosevelt, and Christian McKay gives FDR's voice a hint of his distinctive upper-class accent. Finally, Johnson is portrayed by Dion Graham with a robust Southern voice. In the conclusion, Goodwin herself warmly addresses her listeners with reminders that even the greatest leaders have faults. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
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