Great Society: The Story of Lyndon Baines Johnson (Notable Americans)

Colbert, Nancy A.

ISBN 10: 1883846846 ISBN 13: 9781883846848

Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub, 2002

Discusses the personal life and political career of the man who served as senator from Texas, vice-president, and the thirty-sixth president of the United States.

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From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up-In her telling of the life of America's 36th president, Colbert is neither chatty and witty nor dry and dull. While she doesn't sugarcoat any of the man's shortcomings, she does present him in an overall positive light. Vietnam is a major focus of the final chapters, but so is Johnson's tireless work toward a "Great Society." These perspectives show how one person could be extremely popular and also vilified at different points in his long career. Politics does overshadow all other aspects of his story (Lady Bird makes only limited and fairly one-dimensional appearances), which was pretty much the case in real life. In an editorial oversight, the NASA headquarters are referred to as being "at the Johnson Space Center" in 1958 when the facility was not named in honor of the president until 1973. Black-and-white photos, often blurry, are scattered throughout the text. On the whole, this book gives students little incentive to stray from standard biographies such as those in the "Encyclopedia of Presidents" series (Children's) and "Our Presidents" series (Child's World).
Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 4-8. Colbert chronicles the public life of Lyndon Johnson from his 1908 birth in the Texas hill country to his death at his ranch in 1973. The author emphasizes Johnson's strong political roots (members from both sides of his family held state offices in Texas), his financial difficulties during the Great Depression, and the intense drive that resulted in his being dubbed a political wonder kid. She also recounts the long hours Johnson spent working in Washington, which led to his spectacular success. Colbert acknowledges Johnson's dislike of Kennedy (who he felt was too inexperienced for the presidency), his bad health habits, and his temper, though she eschews any discussion of Johnson's other rumored personal vices. Even so, this is a solid, readable introduction for both report writers and history buffs. Black-and-white photos; notes; bibliography; time line. Kay Weisman
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

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