Customer Reviews

Presidents and First Ladies of the United States (Journeys Into the Past)

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This well-illustrated book falls short in terms of accuracy and lame editorial remarks, like this one about Reagan's fight with Alzheimer's: "The public responded sympathetically to this courageous admission and wished the Reagans well." I mean, I know what the author is trying to say, but it sounds like she is trying to wrap up the Reagan chapter and can't think of anything better to say. Up until his funeral, the man remained a controversial figure, and was frequently the butt of mean-spirited remarks, even related to his tragic final illness.

She describes the Clintons: "searching to find a way to shape and renew the nation in a continuing progression toward the promise of the future." What does that mean? What President DIDN'T have the same goal?

There are gross errors, like the picture of Benjamin Harrison, which is not him, but a by-stander in the same picture. It is missing information on the date of death of Louisa Adams, in the little factoid box on the margins.

Speaking of the factoid boxes, they are hard to follow, using a different format for First Ladies than what is used for the Presidents.

Basically, what this book needs is a little editing and proofreading. It may be said that it was written for maybe mid-late elementary children, but please make sure it has no errors, especially if that were the case!

I would recommend another picture book of the same topic.