DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life by Tanya Lee Stone

 DK Biography: Abraham Lincoln: A Photographic Story of a Life by Tanya Lee Stone-128 pages

This is a short, but informative biography of the 16th President of the United States. I already knew some about his life, especially his time as President. However, I did learn a few new things, especially about his childhood and life before his Presidency. For example, Lincoln worked many different odd jobs including working at general stores and co-owning a general store. He did a lot of things before becoming a lawyer and then politician. His positions on issues evolved over time. For most of his life up until the time he issued the Emancipation Proclamation he simply didn't want to allow slavery to extend. It could continue to exist where it was already legal. Lincoln was against slavery but was not a staunch abolitionist. Some may not realize that he used a lot of executive powers during the Civil War, including suspending the writ of Habeas Corpus to have southern sympathizers (especially in Maryland, so that they wouldn't secede and Washington wouldn't be surrounded) arrested. Also, income tax was instituted during the Civil War as a way to pay for the growing costs of the war. Lincoln is considered by many to be one of the greatest presidents (and I agree). He didn't have much formal schooling. He mostly taught himself to read and write and law, among other subjects. This was a pretty light, easy read and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a basic knowledge of Lincoln. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. 

Who is Hilary Clinton? by Heather Alexander

Who is Hilary Clinton? by Heather Alexander - 106 pages

At age fourteen, Hillary Clinton thought it would be thrilling to become an astronaut, so she sent an application to NASA. The reply was a flat out rejection: the space program didn't take women. It was a critical moment for the young girl, one that made her realize the world she lived in needed changing and that she had better try to make those changes happen. Clinton's life has been a thrilling series of firsts—First Lady of the US, then first First Lady to become a US Senator, Secretary of State, and possibly the first woman to run as the Democratic candidate for President. 

I loved the way this juvenile book summed up her life so perfectly.

Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy by Bonnie Bader

Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy by Bonnie Bader - 108 pages

Private and bookish, Jackie Kennedy found herself thrust into the world spotlight as the young and glamorous wife of the President John F. Kennedy.  As First Lady she restored the once neglected rooms of the White House to their former glory, and through her charm and elegance became a style icon whose influence is still felt even today. 

Nice, easy reading.

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Boy by Megan McDonald

Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Boy by Megan McDonald - 128 pages

Stink is the shortest person in his family.  He's the shortest kid in the second grade.  He's probably the shortest person in the whole world.  Then one day when he's measured, he's a quarter inch shorter.  Could he actually be shrinking?

I listened to this on audio as it was short and I was waiting for another audiobook to come in.  I actually thought it was pretty entertaining and good for a younger chapter book.  I have been recommending the Judy Moody series for years and I can definitely agree to recommending this series about her younger brother to all kids.

Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush

Sisters First by Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush, 236 pages

Sisters first was an excellent book about growing up as both twins and in the political public eye.  The book is written from each twins perspective, alternating in the book between Barbara and Jenna.  At times this was confusing because I was trying to remember which one was who.  The girls include many details from their childhood and growing up with a grandfather who was President.  Then, they became the first family of Texas and then their father became President.  It is nice to read about two sisters who are so close and have stayed that way their whole lives while leading very different and separate lives.  This was very good book on the bond between sisters.

Smart About the Presidents by Jon Buller

Smart About the Presidents by Jon Buller - 64 pages
U.S. Presidents by Dan Green - 112 pages

I read these two books in preparation for a homeschool program I presented on the U.S. presidents.  Both books gave a very slight overview of each president's time in office along with snippets of other information.  Of the two books, I liked Smart About the Presidents the best as it gave more information that was useful for my presentation.