School Library Journal Review

Gr 4-6-These entries in the second series of the standard "Encyclopedia of Presidents" are fresher and more welcoming than those in the first. While some people may consider these two men among the weakest and most obscure of the early presidents, each author shows how historical perspectives have reinterpreted their relevancy in the interim. Each book covers its subject's entire life, concentrating on the years and accomplishments in office, and both conclude by summarizing his strengths and weaknesses. Both titles feature a map of what the U.S. looked like at the time the man took office (the states are unlabeled). Sidebars on the vice president and/or First Lady; "Fast Facts," time lines; recommended sites, both Web and terrestrial; highlighted primary sources; and tables that include brief facts and photos of all 43 presidents appear in both books. The blank pages and extensive margins and white space help achieve that holy grail of middle-grade assignments: a 100-page biography. Fortunately, more significant space is given to high-quality reproductions and illustrations, many in full color. Worthwhile updates.-Andrew Medlar, Chicago Public Library, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.