Rutherford B. Hayes

November 1, 2008
Gr 4-7-These attractive biographies present overviews of the leaders accomplishments and failings. Their lives are chronicled in an impartial manner, from childhood to how they are remembered today. The focus is positive, and foibles such as the Lewinsky affair are delicately handled. While the books are not accepting of wrongs, as in the case of Jeffersons ownership of slaves, controversial decisions are put in historical context. There are no endnotes, but quotes are attributed within the text. The information has minor errors (such as the statement that Hillary Clinton was the first woman to run for president). Included on each spread are photographs (mostly in color) or reproductions of relevant documents, including age-appropriate political cartoons. These serviceable biographies will make the lives of the presidents accessible to young readers. Libraries already owning the Our Presidents series (Childs World) will note many similarities between the two sets and may only want to purchase "Clinton" and "George W. Bush", which include significant additions.

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