In Schraff's view, although Carter's presidential record is decidedly mixed, in the days since he sacrificed his political career to save the lives of the Iran hostages, he has become our ``best example of a retired former president.'' In clear, concise prose, this entry in the United States Presidents series traces Carter's career from five-year-old peanut vendor to venerable peacemaker, showing how he overcame the obstacles of a rustic background and substandard education to excel in the navy, in business, and in politics, closing with a summary account of his post-presidential achievements up to his 1996 visit to Tunisia to mediate the Rwanda-Burundi conflict. Schraff provides only glimpses of Carter's private life and family, but quotes briefly and to good effect from a variety of published sources, supports her narrative with plenty of notes, and supplies both a select bibliography and a list of Internet addresses for readers seeking more detail. A readable, if utilitarian, update for Ed Slavin's Jimmy Carter (1989) and the other series biographies. (b&w photos, index, not seen) (Biography. 10-13)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-89490-935-5
Page Count: 112
Publisher: Enslow
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1998
BOOK REVIEW
Marguerite Henry died barely two years ago, after living the life of which most writers dream: She wrote from the time she was young, her parents encouraged her, she published early and often, and her books were honored and loved in her lifetime. Her hobby, she said, was words, but it was also her life and livelihood. Her research skills were honed by working in her local library, doing book repair. Her husband Sidney supported and encouraged her work, and they traveled widely as she carefully researched the horses on Chincoteague and the burros in the Grand Canyon. She worked in great harmony with her usual illustrator, Wesley Dennis, and was writing up until she died. Collins is a bit overwrought in his prose, but Henry comes across as strong and engaging as she must have been in person. Researchers will be delighted to find her Newbery acceptance speech included in its entirety. (b&w photos, bibliography, index) (Biography. 9-12)
Pub Date: March 10, 1999
ISBN: 1-883846-39-0
Page Count: 112
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At Home With The Presidents (176 pp.; $12.95; Sept. 24; 0-471-25300-6) Morris offers succinct biographical information and anecdotes about all 41 presidents with brief information about homes they grew up it, historic sites dedicated to them, or libraries in which their artifacts are housed. Included are small pictures of the presidents and some of the buildings discussed. Readers will find the book of limited use for research, since the sources for quotations are not given, there is no index, and material considered controversial is not attributed. Appearing out of context are statements such as “George Washington adored his older brother” and “George’s mother was jealous of the two brother’s relationship.” The information on historic sites is upbeat but bland, and could have come right out of tourist brochures. (b&w photographs, illustrations, further reading) (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Sept. 24, 1999
ISBN: 0-471-25300-6
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Wiley
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
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