Theodore Roosevelt for Kids

Gr 4—8—What stands out in this volume is the writing, which presents history as an engaging and informative story. Hollihan opens the narrative with a focus on asthmatic "Teedie." His efforts to strengthen his body are accompanied by a list of bodybuilding activities. Following the chronology of Roosevelt's life, a positive picture emerges of the man and his family, his rise to fame, and his impact on history. Activities include making a journal, building a diorama, "hunting" with a camera, and even making a dessert based on Roosevelt's insult that McKinley had "no more backbone than a chocolate éclair." The projects are interesting and accessible, with cautions to keep an adult nearby when necessary. Numerous black-and-white photos, insets, political cartoons, and illustrations break the text into manageable and interesting bits. A note to Roosevelt's football-player son admonishing him to not sacrifice his studies for the game sounds like any parent. But the president was able to take his concerns further when he invited representatives from Harvard, Yale, and Princeton to the White House to create a new set of rules resulting in the game as we know it today. Both useful and entertaining, this is a worthy addition to most collections.—Janet S. Thompson, Chicago Public Library