Our Country's Presidents [Hardcover]

Ann Bausum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Ladies and Gentlemen: the next President of the United States will soon be included within the pages of one of our perennial favorites. National Geographic Children’s Books will publish this fully revised and updated edition of Our Country’s Presidents in time for the Inauguration of our 44th head of state—the first Presidents reference book on the market after the election.

This president will follow in the footsteps of 43 predecessors who have assumed America’s greatest responsibility: these men have faithfully executed their duties—they have signed treaties, addressed Congress, brokered peace, and waged war. Each has left his own indelible mark on the history of the United States and on the lives of the American people.

Find out why George Washington gave up his life as a Virginia planter to lead the nation; why John Taylor was deemed "His Accidency"; walk with the presidents through wars, depressions, civil rights movements, and the space race; romp with the Garfield children in a White House pillow fight; and mourn with a nation for John F. Kennedy.

This timely update will offer fascinating and comprehensive profiles of all the presidents, timelines of their administrations, historic images, and features on important aspects of their terms. A fresh cover design and informative insight about our new leader will make this volume stand apart from all other contenders, and confirm its place as the definitive family reference guide to the fascinating lives of our leaders past and present.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5–8—This update of the 2005 edition includes a large cover photo of Barack Obama, a foreword by him, revised coverage of George W. Bush's tenure, and a brief overview of Obama's political career and election. Four new two-page essays about topics related to the presidency—White House traditions, the relationship between presidents and the Supreme Court, the use of pollsters and polling in elections and governance, and campaigning—have been added. Two previous essays about campaigns and elections have been removed, leaving a total of 18 essays with subjects ranging from a history of the White House to the elder-statesman role played by former presidents. The remainder of the book is unchanged. The profiles range from one to six pages in length and are divided into six groups based upon broad historical eras. Each entry includes information and anecdotes about the man's family, education, political career and administration, and post-presidency. They all include a full-page reproduction of the president's official portrait and high-quality photos and illustrations. This book is attractive and readable and is a good choice for libraries that do not hold earlier editions and need material on the presidents. However, despite the inclusion of information about Obama, the revisions are not significant enough to warrant replacement by libraries that own the previous edition.—Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

From Booklist

It’s easy to see that this edition of the title has been updated: there’s a photo of Barack Obama on the cover, and he wrote the foreword. (In the 2005 volume, it was written by George Bush.) This exceedingly attractive offering is still chock-full of information, presented by veteran writer Bausum in such an inviting manner that children will enjoy paging through, even if there’s no school report looming. Each president is introduced with a full-page portrait, and the other historic images and photos are excellent. The book begins with an introduction to the presidency, followed by an initial time line (continued at intervals throughout the book) that explains what was happening in the U.S. The sketches of the presidents range from one page (Franklin Pierce) to five pages (Franklin Roosevelt). Full of interesting tidbits as well as solid information, the entries are supplemented by spreads on topics such as polling and the 2008 election. A thoughtfully prepared book. Grades 4-7. --Ilene Cooper --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books; Revised edition (February 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792272269
• ISBN-13: 978-0792272267
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,495,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ann Bausum writes about U.S. history for young people from her home in Beloit, Wisconsin. Ann grew up in Lexington, Virginia, and credits this historic town with helping to kindle her love of American history.

Many of Ann's books deal with social justice issues. She loves to research and write about the drama and significance behind under-explored moments in history--from the 72-year-long fight for women's voting rights (WITH COURAGE AND CLOTH), to the struggle for equal rights in the South (FREEDOM RIDERS), to the dark side of U.S. immigration policy (DENIED, DETAINED, DEPORTED), and more. Her newest book, UNRAVELING FREEDOM (2010), examines the home-front scene of World War I and challenges to civil liberties from that era.

Ann's books, which are published by National Geographic Children's Books, earn frequent recognition from librarians, peers, and reviewers as recommended and notable books. They have won such national commendation as the Golden Kite Award (for MUCKRAKERS), Sibert Honor designation (FREEDOM RIDERS), and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award (for WITH COURAGE AND CLOTH).

Find out more about Ann, her writing, and author appearances at her author web site: www.Ann.Bausum.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to US Presidents for Children, February 17, 2004

By 

Wayne A. Smith (Newark, DE) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Our Country's Presidents (Hardcover)

This is exactly the kind of book that can introduce history and government to young readers.

Ann Bausum, for the National Geographic Society, has put together a first-rate book on our country's presidents through George W. Bush.

Each president has at least a page dedicated to their life and presidency as well as a portrait and illustrations of events current to their times. Presidents such as Lincoln and FDR and those who have served in the modern era have four to six page spreads describing their elections, the issues, their lives and the challenges they faced as president.

The write-ups are excellent summaries aimed at explaining the highlights to youth. The photos, paintings and other illustrations make this a very inviting book that some children will browse while others delve into the writing. Either way, older elementary school children have a very inviting and informative introduction into our presidents and history that should capture young imaginations.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enjoyable book, by George!, December 9, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Our Country's Presidents (Hardcover)

From the first George to the latest (wouldn't it just be easier if we voted for the one called George..?) each president is given a few pages of analysis and historical outline - just enough to set each apart for his own achievements, failures, characteristics and ultimate fate (and other, trivial stuff too..just as interesting - read about Gerald Ford. No, really...) in a fascinating setting. And our ultmate fate? To read more about our chosen subject, put the book down having found sufficient information or, as in my case, to keep reading the well structured and accessible text. In short, if you thought presidents, especially dead ones (not the greenback kind) were boring, oh you were wrong! A book every home should have! I love it!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book from National Geographic, January 24, 2009

By 

Spicy R Pepper (San Diego, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Our Country's Presidents: All You Need to Know About the Presidents, From George Washington to Barack Obama (Hardcover)

This is a fantastic looking book. A full page portrait of each President begins each profile and there is a great reference table listing facts including the election year, 'number of presidency', chief opponents, vice president, and even the percent of votes and electoral votes received. Includes Barack Obama!!! I highly recommend this book.