From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-These books try too hard to combine history with biography and lose their subjects in the process. They each start with an exciting moment in the subject's life and then return to the period of his birth. All three have one- to two-page chapters with very large headings, very wide margins, and much illustrative matter. The result is a minimum of text. The coverage of each man's life is so sketchy that at one point Madison is beginning his term as Jefferson's secretary of state and the next he is being inaugurated as president. Monroe barely appears in the first half of his book. After a short paragraph about his attendance at college in Virginia, the rest of the "Student to Soldier" section is about British and American soldiers preparing for war in Boston. Adams's second wife appears only in the time line at the end of the book. The illustrations are most often unattributed historical paintings, drawings, and engravings. Some are photographs of reenactments or present-day locations. They are generally well reproduced and enhance the appearance of the books. Jean Fritz's Why Don't You Get a Horse, Sam Adams? (PaperStar, 1996) gives a much better introduction to Adams while her The Great Little Madison (Putnam, 1989), though for better readers, gives a much more intimate picture of Madison's life. All three men are better served by the "Encyclopedia of Presidents" series (Children's).Louise L. Sherman, formerly at Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Card catalog description
A biography of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court whose many decisions shaped American law and had lasting effects.
John Marshall ANNOTATION
A biography of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court whose many decisions shaped American law and had lasting effects.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
Each entry in this series covers the unique features of man important to the struggle for American independence. This volume covers John Marshall's early years, family, education, the issues he was involved in, important historical context, his contributions to the formation of early government, and his last years. As Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Marshall's many rulings, may of which overturned state laws, helped the Constitution stand firm as the supreme law of the land. Stuart Kallan's text is interesting and readable, less like a textbook series and more like an informed enthusiast, which upper elementary and middle schoolers will appreciate. The inviting look of the text is assisted with a calligraphy heading on every double-page spread or two and a generous selection of illustrations, etchings, photographs and archival material. Endmatter includes websites, a timeline, short glossary and index. All in all, this series is a welcome and attractive contribution to the literature about the country's founding fathers. Part of the "Founding Fathers" series. 2001, Abdo Consulting Group, $24.21. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer:Susan Hepler
Art & Photography
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