Who Was Thomas Jefferson? by Dennis Brindell Fradin, John O'Brien (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life.

Illustrated by John O'Brien.

Ruth Buchholz - Children's Literature

How did a red-haired, freckled-faced boy who loved to read, spoke several languages, and played the violin, grow up to write the Declaration of Independence, become the second Vice President and, after a bitter political battle with old friend John Adams, the third President of the United States? This pleasantly written biography about Thomas Jefferson tells the tale in an easy-to-read style. In addition to Jefferson's amazing professional and political life, the book objectively discusses Jefferson's desire to eliminate slavery and why he didn't. Also blended into the discussion are aspects of his personal life, his adoration for his father, how he met and married his wife Martha, the grief of losing her and three of their five children. The book carefully discusses his subsequent relationship with Sandy Hemings and their children. The pen-and-ink illustrations give the feel of the era. Side-by-side timelines of Jefferson's life and world history of the time are a nice addition. This book is an excellent source for reports or those fascinated by history. 2003, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 9 to 12.

Product Details

• ISBN: 0448431459
  
• ISBN-13: 9780448431451
• Format: Paperback, 112pp
• Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)
• Pub. Date: July 2003
• Sales Rank: 7,487
• Age Range: 8 to 12
• Series: Who Was...? Series

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents