122. John F. Kennedy: The Making of a Leader

John F. Kennedy: The Making of a Leader by the Editors of TIME for kids with Ruth Upadhyay (Canada) - (US)
TIME For Kids Biographies

Pages: 44
Ages: 7+
First Published: 2005
Publisher: Harper Trophy
Genre: children. biography, easy reader
Rating: 4/5


First sentence:

On a cold spring day in Brookline, Massachusetts, a baby was born in the big frame house at 83 Beals Street.

Acquired:  Purchased a new copy from an online retailer.

Reason for Reading: read aloud to my son as part of our history curriculum.

We've really enjoyed the books in this series and this one was no exception.  Telling the story of JFK's life, briefly, from birth to assassination in a lively, interesting narrative with lots of photographs that contain extra information in their captions.  There are also a few sidebars throughout which bring further details to the table other than those discussed in the text.  It is in one of these sidebars we learn of the futures of Jackie, John Jr and Caroline.  Pleasantly enough, the book restricts itself to John Kennedy and barely mentions any of the clan.  Of course we meet his parents, but other than being told and shown a picture that he came from a big family we are only introduced to Joe,Jr. an older brother who died in the war and, obviously, Robert, as he was at Attorney general.  Otherwise the book stays on focus with John, giving plenty of information of his pre-presidency days, a chapter on Jackie's influence on the world and politically focusing on Cuba, the Soviet Union and Civil Rights.  A very enjoyable book. This series is highly recommended for brief, yet meaty, glimpses into the lives of famous Americans.