The Revolutionary John Adams - Hardcover

Harness, Cheryl

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0792269705 ISBN 13: 9780792269700

Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books, 2003

Synopsis

John Adams comes to vivid life for young readers in this addition to Harness's acclaimed presidential picture-biographies. Dynamic artwork and lively narrative create a warm, personable portrait of the stubborn man from Braintree, Massachusetts, whose passion for liberty spurred him on to extraordinary roles as a Founding Father, first Vice President, and second President of the United States. Through Adams's eyes, kids witness the tension-enflamed streets of Boston, the bickering Continental Congress, the complexities of waging the War for Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. Vivid quotes from both John and Abigail Adams provide great primary source material for school reports, and three illustrated maps show readers where key events took place.

About this title

About the Author:

Cheryl Harness is the author and/or illustrator of numerous children’s books, including seven picture book biographies for National Geographic and the series Cheryl Harness Histories. She has a natural talent for making history fun for kids, injecting the "wow" factor into the lives of America’s historical heroes and heroines. A multi-award winning author and illustrator, she lives in her historic hometown of Independence, MO. Visit Cheryl Harness at her Web site: www.cherylharness.com.

From Booklist:

Gr. 3-6. America's second president, John Adams, is often overlooked because he's sandwiched between George "the father of his country" Washington and the brilliant, multitalented Thomas Jefferson. Harness corrects that oversight in this concise, yet informative, offering that emphasizes Adams' public life and his important contributions to the establishment of the U.S. government. The oldest son of a shoemaker and farmer, Adams attended Harvard, taught school, and later became a lawyer. An active participant in colonial causes, he helped to write the Declaration of Independence, lobbied for France's assistance during the Revolution, authored the Massachusetts state constitution, and served as ambassador to England before becoming president. After leaving office he remained active as an elder statesman, debating and exchanging views with his archrival Jefferson until the day they both died, July 4, 1826. Harness' warm, friendly, mixed-media illustrations, which range from full-color, double-page spreads to labeled diagrams to black-line silhouettes, will delight children, and quotes from Adams' letters, including many letters to his wife, Abigail, are a bonus. A fascinating book for young history buffs, this will also be great for classes studying the struggle for independence; there's even an illustrated summary of world events during Adams' term of office. Pair this with Alexandra Wallner's Abigail Adams (2001), which looks at the other half of a dynamic couple. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0792269705
• ISBN 13: 9780792269700
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 48