From Publishers Weekly
St. George's (So You Want to Be President?) tandem biography portrays the compelling and equal partnership and marriage that helped shape the United States from a British colony to a fledgling democracy. Though on their first acquaintance in 1759 neither 23-year-old John Adams nor 14-year-old Abigail Smith found much to admire, their friendship blossomed into a steadfast, passionate and intellectually stimulating union that lasted 54 years. Their marriage survived political upheavals, personal tragedies and separations of as much as nearly five years. During these frequent absences, the Adams wrote letters, and the biography proves strongest when it relies on their epistolary dialogue to capture the relationship (e.g., Abigail's famous entreaty to her husband to "Remember the Ladies," 1776, asking for a separate legal existence for women and a share in a husband's profits). The narrative chattily navigates the couple's experiences throughout John Adams's career, which includes a pivotal role in the Continental Congress and election as the nation's first vice president and second, if not entirely successful, president, but St. George provides only a cursory look at policies and politics. First and foremost, this book focuses on personalities, including Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin, assisted by archival portraits and prints. Readers will enjoy this look at the romance of these two patriots who worked so tirelessly for their country. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 6-9-John and Abigail Adams's marriage lasted 54 years, surviving wars, tragedies, politics, and frequent separations. During these absences, the Adamses wrote the letters upon which this biography is based. St. George utilizes their actual dialogue (updated to adhere to current grammar and spelling standards) to capture the personalities, hopes, and fears of the Adamses and their contemporaries (Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Mercy Warren, etc.) Through these excerpts, readers gain an insight into the feelings the couple had about the events occurring around them, as well as a recorded history of their daily life. Numerous archival portraits and prints are included. This title succeeds as a joint biography. However, the author focuses on the couple's romance, with little consideration given to the political dealings of the time. While well written, the book may not generate much interest in the intended audience. Note: at least one error (an incorrect date attributed to a portrait) remains in the final edition. An additional purchase.
Shauna Yusko, King County Library System, Bellevue, WA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
