Each President, including President Bill Clinton, is represented in this lively and irreverent expose of their foibles and quirky habits, as well as the influence their First Ladies did and didn't have on their time in office. Their eccentricities and influence as well as their accomplishments are all covered.
The minutiae of daily life often make history come alive for young people. Kathleen Krull recounts ordinary, everyday details about each U.S. president, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Sometimes it's household gossip (Jefferson's favorite foods), sometimes confidences of friends (Lincoln's able storytelling), often tidbits of family life (Amy Carter's tree house). Narrator John Brown gives these glimpses into the personal lives of historic figures a lively reading, much as a classroom teacher might. His pacing keeps the steady flow of sketches fresh, although listeners may not want to take all 42 presidents in one session. Adults can also enjoy the trivia--some is new and some remembered from media coverage of the modern presidents. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
- School Library Journal...
"Successfully walking a fine line between maintaining respect for the office as well as her subjects while at the same time serving up some delicious inside gossip, Krull provides fascinating observations...Students who claim that history is boring may change their minds after listening to this recording."
- Horn Book...
"Without being malicious or muckraking, [Krull] transforms icons into human beings with distinct, sometimes quirky personalities who have more in common with their constituents than one might imagine...as addictive as it is fascinating."
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly Best of ‘98 Award, PW...
"As a supplement to other history volumes, or just for the fun of it, this is a fascinating listening experience."
About the Author
Fired when she was a teenager from her library job for "reading too much," Kathleen Krull went on to become a highly successful children's book editor, reviewer, and author. Her curiosity about subjects that passionately interest her-music, people, nightmares, and American history are just a few-led her to create the "Lives of" books, as well as other notable children's books. Do you know the following tidbit about Kathleen Krull?: She married her next-door neighbor and they presently live in San Diego, California. Krull may be reached by e-mail at kkrull1@san.rr.com or visit her website kathleenkrull.com
