Revolutionary John Adams [Paperback]

Cheryl Harness (Author)

Book Description

Release date: January 10, 2006 | Age Range: 7 - 9 years

John Adams comes to vivid life for young readers in this addition to Harness's acclaimed presidential picture-biographies. Dynamic artwork and lively narrative create a warm, personable portrait of the stubborn man from Braintree, Massachusetts, whose passion for liberty spurred him on to extraordinary roles as a Founding Father, first Vice President, and second President of the United States. Through Adams's eyes, kids witness the tension-enflamed streets of Boston, the bickering Continental Congress, the complexities of waging the War for Independence, and the challenges of governing a new nation. Vivid quotes from both John and Abigail Adams provide great primary source material for school reports, and three illustrated maps show readers where key events took place.


"How wonderful now to see his story told for children in such an appealing fashion. Cheryl Harness's illustrations and text are first rate, appropriately full of life and understanding." —David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of John Adams

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-An accessible, appealing, and informative look at the second president of the United States, "the stout, stubborn New Englander eternally bookended and overshadowed by tall, glamorous Virginians [George Washington and Thomas Jefferson]." Harness points out that Adams is one of the few revolutionary leaders for whom there is no monument. And she credits his numerous contributions as ambassador to France and England, both during the Revolution and later, and his role as champion of a strong and central government. She personalizes the text by recounting the great sacrifices made by Adams and his family during his long years of public service and includes quotes from his letters and speeches throughout. Details such as the supplies Abigail packed for John and their 10-year-old son when they sailed for Europe in 1777 are included. The author also points out what hard work it was to be a revolutionary as well as a diplomat. Large, colorful illustrations highlight points in the text, such as a painting of Adams, Jefferson, Washington, and Alexander Hamilton looking sincere and forceful. The book closes with an overview of world events during Adams's presidency, including Napoleon's invasion of Egypt. A first-purchase.
Edith Ching, St. Albans School, Mt. St. Alban, Washington, DC
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. America's second president, John Adams, is often overlooked because he's sandwiched between George "the father of his country" Washington and the brilliant, multitalented Thomas Jefferson. Harness corrects that oversight in this concise, yet informative, offering that emphasizes Adams' public life and his important contributions to the establishment of the U.S. government. The oldest son of a shoemaker and farmer, Adams attended Harvard, taught school, and later became a lawyer. An active participant in colonial causes, he helped to write the Declaration of Independence, lobbied for France's assistance during the Revolution, authored the Massachusetts state constitution, and served as ambassador to England before becoming president. After leaving office he remained active as an elder statesman, debating and exchanging views with his archrival Jefferson until the day they both died, July 4, 1826. Harness' warm, friendly, mixed-media illustrations, which range from full-color, double-page spreads to labeled diagrams to black-line silhouettes, will delight children, and quotes from Adams' letters, including many letters to his wife, Abigail, are a bonus. A fascinating book for young history buffs, this will also be great for classes studying the struggle for independence; there's even an illustrated summary of world events during Adams' term of office. Pair this with Alexandra Wallner's Abigail Adams (2001), which looks at the other half of a dynamic couple. Kay Weisman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 7 - 9 years
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books (January 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792254910
• ISBN-13: 978-0792254911
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.2 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #77 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( A ) > Adams, John

More About the Author

Cheryl Harness makes her home in Independence, Missouri, the "Queen City of the Trails," a couple of blocks away from the big white house where Harry and Bess Truman used to live. She lives with Mimi (a black and white Shih Tsu)), and Merrie Emma (a cross-eyed scaredy-cat). As an author, illustrator, public speaker, and presenter in many an elementary school, Cheryl is known for her engaging, entertaining approach to history, her detailed watercolors, and the way she plays her harmonica.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book April 4, 2011

By P. Gregory

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This biography closely follows David McCullough's book about John Adams. I bought it to prepare my grandchildren, ages 8 and 9, for a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. Very readable and interesting.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Picture Book of John Adams, Well Written! February 23, 2011

By Lynn Ellingwood VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

This book will definitely have a place in my classroom. It is a wonderfully written biography on John Adams, written for the late elementary/ middle school grades. The covers his young life right through to his death and is very good at depicting his life. His work as a revolutionary receives thorough coverage in the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Loud and Proud March 26, 2013

By Bird that Reads

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you know anything about Adams the word "pugnacious" comes to mind! But you may not know the back-story, that Adam's words and spirit where a significant catalyst in the formation of our nation. And - that Adam's fire was kindled through a devoted relationship with his wife Abigail, our nation's first female leader who reminded John, "not to forget the ladies!"

Harness hits all the Adams high-points - through story and art. You'll follow Adam's accomplishments as he charts the course of our nation and learn how his thoroughly modern relationship with Abigail was the ballast that kept him on course. While we have Founding Fathers, women like Abigail finally earn their place here in the glorious picture. And while Harnesses' illustrations bring the 1700's to life, it's her underscoring of the words through Adam's life - words in his oratory and words in his conversations and letters to Abigail and finally with his rekindling of friendship with Jefferson - that we realize just how important word, deed and action really are!

And as a footnote, in an age where we chastise young spirited children and firebrand them with some kind of a "deficit disorder," you'll see through all of Harnesses stories that fire and passion really built a great nation...Huzzah!