From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-Fernandez places the Clinton impeachment in historical perspective by comparing it to the trials of Andrew Johnson and several federal judges who were impeached for various offenses and discusses the deliberations of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He uses primary sources to explain how the framers viewed impeachable conduct and what they understood to be "high crimes and misdemeanors." Curiously, he does not discuss the congressional hearings on Nixon and Watergate, which were central in creating our contemporary understanding that impeachable offenses must involve criminal conduct. He is objective in his treatment of Clinton, and he writes clearly, helping young readers understand the historical, legal, and political factors that shaped the case. Black-and-white photos, illustrations, and period art are of average quality and merely illustrate the text. Daniel Cohen's The Impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton (21st Century, 2000) remains the best choice for overall coverage of the scandal, but this title is a good supplementary choice for libraries that need report material on the constitutional and historical antecedents of the impeachment.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7-10. Fernandez is an attorney, not a writer for children or young adults, and it shows in a text that is dry and legalistic. Still, there are only a few books on the impeachment, and this offers not just a look at the Clinton impeachment but also a historical context that includes the Founding Fathers' discussions about impeachment and a lengthy overview of the British origins for the term high crimes and misdemeanors. Because the text is so detailed, it will take older students, most likely report writers, to read and understand it. Unfortunately, they may be put off by a format that looks young: lots of white space and plenty of photographs. The book primarily explains rather than offers opinions, but readers may still come away with the subtle impression that Bill Clinton was let off easy. Use this until something more readable comes along. Bibliography. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
