Grade 7-10-A critical look at Jackson that traces his rise to military and political power and emphasizes his willingness to use force and domination to achieve his goals. Meltzer discusses his subject's presidency in some detail, describing his policies and their effects on the country. However, he fails to convey why the man has been so well regarded by historians and why he was important to the building of our nation. While Jackson's Indian removal policy and protection of slavery cannot and should not be defended, and his dismantling of the Bank of the United States was ill advised, he also had a positive impact on the country. Meltzer does not give him enough credit for his resolute defense of the Union during the nullification crisis, and fails to mention how his nationalism and his popularity with the average Americans who were just starting to take part in the political process was an important part in the building of a more cohesive country. As usual, Meltzer writes well, and this book is interesting and easy to understand. Well-chosen black-and-white illustrations, maps, and drawings add to the text.
Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 8-12. Meltzer's biographies always teach us as much about the history of the period as they do about his subject. His latest book is no exception. Readers will emerge with a multifaceted picture of Andrew Jackson--a wily land speculator but poor businessman, a politician who fought to preserve the Union but subverted the law when convenient, a gambler who loved horse racing, a doting husband, and a proponent of slavery. They will also come away with the understanding that Jackson was very much a product of his time and that he was willing to represent the people against the "rapacious moneyed aristocracy" as long as it suited his interests. Thoroughly covered are Jackson's role in and the conditions that led to such historic events as the Indian removal and the abolitionist movement, with Meltzer selecting and presenting all his information in a manner that is thoughtful, provocative, and very readable. Student researchers will appreciate Meltzer's source notes as well as his suggestions of other topics to explore. Chris Sherman
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