PICTURE BOOK - My Name is James Madison Hemings by Jonah Winter

Illustrated by Terry Widener

2016, Schwartz & Wade Books
Goodreads rating: 4.26 - 151 ratings

My rating: 5

Endpapers Front:  Brown / Back: Dark Green

Illustrations:  Acrylic on Bristol board.  Fantastic.

1^st line/s: "My mother, Sally Hemings, was herself born into slavery, as had been her mother, my grandmother Elizabeth."

My comments:  Here is a picture book for older readers (we need more of them!) that doesn't tiptoe around the truth.  Yippee, Jonah Winters!   Beautifully told from the point-of-view of James Madison Hemings as a child, he tells how he feels to be "owned" by his father, treated a bit better than the other slaves at Monticello, but nowhere near like Jefferson treated his white grandchildren.  Terry Widener's illustrations are right-on, perfect for the text.  Usually Jonah Winter's mother, Jeanette, does his illustrations, but as much as I LOVE her work, I really like the way this book is presented as a whole. It was a brave topic to be tackled for a children's picture book and Jonah Winter did an admirable job.

Goodreads:  Here’s a powerful historical picture book about the child of founding father Thomas Jefferson and the enslaved Sally Hemings. 
          In an evocative first-person account accompanied by exquisite artwork, Winter and Widener tell the story of James Madison Hemings’s childhood at Monticello, and, in doing so, illuminate the many contradictions in Jefferson’s life and legacy. Though Jefferson lived in a mansion, Hemings and his siblings lived in a single room. While Jefferson doted on his white grandchildren, he never showed affection to his enslaved children. Though he kept the Hemings boys from hard field labor—instead sending them to work in the carpentry shop—Jefferson nevertheless listed the children in his “Farm Book” along with the sheep, hogs, and other property. Here is a profound and moving account of one family’s history, which is also America’s history.
          An author's note includes more information about Hemings, Jefferson, and the author's research.

31. Blood Oath - Christopher Farnsworth

#1 Nathaniel Cade, President's Vampire
listened to in the car from Tucson 'cross country May 27& 28, 2016
2010 Putnam Adult
390 pgs.
Adult Fantasy/Mystery
Goodreads rating: 3.92
My rating: 4
Setting: mostly Washington, DC

My comments:  This was pleasantly different than the books I've been reading/listening to lately.  Differing points-of-view, which I always seem to enjoy.  A good mystery.  Humor.  But, throw in a vampire, national security, and the POTUS and what do you get?  Blood Oath!  Zach Barrows, the vampire's "human handler" is a riot!  Cocky, sarcastic, and quick-witted.  Flashbacks to 1867 when Nathaniel "became" a vampire give details that make Cade more believable and real.  I will read the next in the series.

:Goodreads synopsis:  Zach Barrows is an ambitious young White House staffer whose career takes an unexpected turn when he's partnered with Nathaniel Cade, a secret agent sworn to protect the President. But Cade is no ordinary civil servant. Bound by a special blood oath, he is a vampire. Cade battles nightmares before they can break into the daylight world of the American dream, enemies far stranger-and far more dangerous-than civilians have ever imagined.
Blood Oath is the first in a series of novels featuring Nathaniel Cade-the President's vampire. 

MOVIE - The Butler

PG-13 (2:12)

Wide release 8/16/2013

at El Con on 9/4/2013 with Sheila

RT Critic: 72 Audience: 82

Cag:  5 Loved it 

Directed by Lee Daniels

The Weinstein Company

Actors:  Forest Whitaker, Opray Winfrey, Liev Schrieber, James Marsden, Alan Rickman, John Cusack, Robin Williams, Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Rotten Tomatoes summary:  LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER tells the story of a White House butler who served eight American presidents over three decades. The film traces the dramatic changes that swept American society during this time, from the civil rights movement to Vietnam and beyond, and how those changes affected this man's life and family.

My comments: I totally enjoyed this for many reasons.  One, it is a great overview of the Civil Rights Movement.  Two, the lead actors were great, and it was really, really fun to see other well-known actors play presidents and first ladies (Jane Fonda was Nancy Reagan, James Marsden was Jack Kennedy, Liev Schrieber was Lyndon Johnson, and Alan Rickman was Ronald Reagan, to mention just a few).  And three, it was based on a true story.  Granted, I don't know how much of it was true, but if Gaines' son, Louis, was indeed a part of all the civil rights media giants of the 60s and 70s as portrayed, then the Gaines family truly had a huge part in US history.  It was long ... but I barely noticed, I was so enthralled with the movie.  Highly recommended.

America the Beautiful: Together We Stand- Katherine Lee Bates

Illustrated by Bryan Collier, Raul Colon, Diane Goode, Mary Grandpre, John Hendrix, Yuyi Morales, jon J. Muth, LeUyen Pham, Sonia Lynn Sadler, Chris Soenpiet

Orchard Books, 2013

HC $17.99 (splurged and purchased it)

24 pages

Goodreads rating: 4.10

My rating: 5 (This is an awesome book)

Endpapers: Blue with white stars - Like a closeup of that part of the American flag.

Title Page: Just the title, in huge, bold red and white font

Quotes from presidents Carter, Jefferson, Reagan, Lincoln, Obama, Kennedy, FDR, Washington, GHW Bush, Theodore Roosevelt...

The end pages include national landmarks and symbols.  Gorgeous!

My Goodreads review:  Everything about this book was special. The ten American artists and the illustrations they created. The ten chosen quotes from ten different presidents. The four pages of information at the end. As I teacher, the book SCREAMS mini-lessons. Art, history, language arts, social consciousness....I can even use some of these great quotes for handwriting assignments with meaning and verve. I splurged. I wonder whose brainstorm it was to put it together?

Goodreads summary: Each of our presidents has had a unique vision of America. In AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, these ideas are translated into gorgeous illustrations by such top artists as Bryan Collier, Jon J Muth, Diane Goode, Mary GrandPre, Raul Colon, Sonia Lynn Sadler, Yuyi Morales, John Hendrix, LeUyen Pham, and Chris Soentpiet. Each of these talented illustrators has found a unique way to interpret the values and beliefs that have built our great country.

Through moving illustrations, AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL integrates the lyrics of the familiar patriotic tune with inspiring presidential quotations. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL will help teach children about our country's great leaders while highlighting American values such as diversity, unity, and freedom. In addition, the back cover features a quote from the acceptance speech of the winner of the 2012 presidential election.

The First Pup – Bob Staake

The Real Story of How Bo Got to the White House
Illustrated by the author
Feiwel and Friends, 2010
$16.99
32 pages
Rating: 4
Endpapers: Colorful cartoonish dogs running across the page
Illustrations: 1.) pencil sketch 2.) cut out the silhouettes 3.)scan and digitally color 4.) Adobe Photoshop details added

Here's another book about Sasha and Malia Obama's dog, Bo. He even graces the cover of Of Thee I Sing! It's a cute story of how the Portugese water dog came to the White House. I'd love to know how much of this was true. I'm sure that it was Ted Kennedy's idea, that makes sense and I know he had a Portugese water dog. But did it arrive by limo as the world watched?

The illustrations are cartoonish, but work (I'm not really a fan of cartoonish illustrations, especially in true stories). A great book to share with kids, especially when talking about the presidency and the First Family.

Of Thee I Sing - Barack Obama

A Letter to My Daughters
Illustrated by Loren Long
Alfred A. Knopf, 2010
$17.99
32 pages
Rating: 5
Endpapers: Medium blue

"Have I told you lately how wonderful you are?
How the sound of your feet
running from afar
brings dancing rhythms to my day?
How you laugh
and sunshine spills into the room?"
I love the format of the book. I love the 2-page illustrations on the title page. And it continues -- on the left page he asks a question and on the facing pages answers the question, using a special famous American from our history. He talks about Georgia O'Keeffe, Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson, Sitting Bull, Billie Holiday, Helen Keller, Maya Lin, Jane Addams, MLK, Jr., Neil Armstrong, Cesar Chavez, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington. The last 2-page spread shows the kids that have been included along the way - the famous people as children, and all sorts of different kids of every ethnicity. This page would make a lovely poster!

"Have I told you that they are all a part of you?
Have I told you that you are one of theml
and that you are the future?
And have I told you that I love you?"
This is a wonderful book - written by our president for his daughters and all the kids of America. And I've got to say - our president is a terrific writer.

Lincoln Tells a Joke - Kathleen Krull & Paul Brewer

How Laughter Saved the President (and the Country)
Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
Harcourt Children's Books, 2010
$17.00
32 pages
Endpapers: wide red and blue spatter stripes with small white stars sprinkled on

I love Kathleen Krull's voice. She writes biographies for kids with really neat information and interesting point-of-view. She is joined by her husband for this biography.

I've never heard of Abraham Lincoln's love of jokes and laughter. This engaging story details his love of words as it tells of his many successes and even more failures. The way Krull depicts the man makes him seem real. Flesh and blood, complete with bad hair days.

Included are many quotes and many insights into Lincoln's personality and life.

"You may fool all the the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time. But you can't fool all of the people all of the time." I didn't know that came from Lincoln! How about, "Better to remain silent and be though a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." ! ! !

This is a wonderful short telling of Abraham Lincoln's life. The laughter and joking references are terrific, but so are the facts about our 16th president that make the man who he was. Interesting. Well written. Great information.

(The illustrations are okay, but it's the words that carry this book.)

The Brothers Kennedy - Kathleen Krull

Illustrated by Amy June Bates
S & S Books for Young Readers, 2010
$16.99,
for: grades 1-5
40 pages
Rating: 5
Endpapers: Royal blue

My kind of book. I love good picture book biographies - and this one is wonderful - a heart-tugger, actually.

Joe -- John -- Robert -- Edward -- the four boys in the powerful Massachusetts Kennedy family. This book is all about how they fit together, felt about each other, what their passions and beliefs were, and how they died. Their stories are woven beautifully to really present them as brothers. Brothers who teased and supported each other through everything. It's hard to believe they're all gone now.

Amy June Bates superbly illustrated this book. There's one absolutely tremendous illustration - the full-two-page spread of Robert and Edward on the dunes by the sea. The only words are, "And then there were two brothers."

There are two full pages at the end of "further information," then a timeline and sources list. Excellent history - interesting, not-at-all boring....real. Informative. A good read.

First Family - Deborah Hopkinson

Illustrated by A. G. Ford
"Ages 4-7 (I'd go older, too)
Katherine Tegen Books, HC, 2010
32 pages
$17.99
Rating: 4
Endpapers: Tree green

Hey, this was great. Interesting peeks at the Obama family... President Barack, First Lady Michelle, daughters Malia annd Sasha, and dog Bo (a Portugese water dog given to them by Sen. Ted Kennedy (see My Senator and Me). Family times - growing a vegetable garden and having a swing set on the White House grounds-Secret Service information, tidbits about their 132 room home - all accompanied with lovely illustrations (paintings?) and added informational notes at the end . The 4 - 7 age range seems low. I think kids of all ages would enjoy this.

Good book!

Hillary Rodham Clinton - Kathleen Krull

Dreams Taking Flight
Illustrated by Amy June Bates
Simon & Schuster, 2008
For: ages 5-10
36 pgs.
Endpapers have copyright info & title page

In this picture book biography for kids we learn a great deal about Hilary Clinton - and because we know so much about her from the media, none is surprising - but it's really interesting. (She wanted to be an astronaut -- and a doctor!)

At the end of the book are more detailed facts and information for each two-page spread. I read every word- it was really interesting.

Whether you agree with Hilary's politics or not, you've got to agree that she has championed and pioneered women's rights like very few others. A groundbreaker.

Amy June Bates' illustrations cover the entire page. It was interesting to see she lives in Carlisle, PA, where I visit at least three times a year (that's where Laura lives).

On each two-page spread is a great quote. For example:
"Take a deep breath, look ahead, and keep trying to fly."
"Stank up for yourself, and keep your balance."
"Even if you jake a mistake, never be afraid to show your intelligence."
"Find heroes to lift you up."
"When borders surround you, try to break through.
"You don't have time for fear."
"Try harder - you can do better."
"Dare to compete."
"Think of the world as bigger than yourself, and carry on."
"Be who you are, get through it, and wait for times to change."
"When something makes you fall, rise up again."
"Take the lead role in your own life."
"Take a risk and dare to change the world."

The author's website: www.Kathleen Krull.com

40. The Incredible Shrinking Kid - Megan McDonald

Stink Series, Book #1
Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
102+ pages (Last 12 pgs. are upcoming book)
Candlewick, 2005
$4.99
Rating: 5 (Yup, 5. Can't wait to read another.)
Reading Level N

This book has references to poetry, figurative language, research, acrostic poetry, and six pages of graphic novel/comics at end of each of the chapters. It's REALLY well written. James Moody ("Stink") is Judy Moody's younger brother. She figures prominently in the book. "You're only as short as you feel." How can you beat that?

Okay, I'm sold. I love Stink. (Does that mean I'll love Judy Moody?)

Stink is certain he's shrinking. He's certainly not getting any taller. Then he gets to be the person that brings home the class newt for the weekend, and it slips down the drain. He celebrates James Madison for President's Day (he was 5' 4" tall), likes school, enjoys homework, writes poetry and songs - well, what's not to love?

The illustrations are the same as Judy Moody. Black and white and fun.

It looks like there are four books in the series so far:
1. Stink: The Incredible Shrinking Kid, 2005
2. Stink and the Incredible Super-Galactic Jawbreaker, 2006
3. Stink and the World's Worst Super-Stinky Sneakers, 2007
4. Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express, 2008

First Dog - J. Patrick Lewis & Beth Zappitello

Illustrated by: Tim Bowers
Published: May, 2009
$15.95
Rating: 4
(Beth Zappitello is J. P. L.'s daughter)
Endpapers: Blue with the ten different breeds of dogs mentioned with infor about that dog.

What a riot!
A cute little black dog travels around the world looking for the perfect place to live. He goes to many different locations - discovering dogs associated with these places (London/English bulldog, Paris/French poodle, South Africa/Rodesian Ridgeback, etc.). But there's a problem at each spot around the globe. So he returns home to America, sees an article in the newspaper that the first family is looking for a dog, gets into the White House, the girls ask if they can keep him and their dad's reply is, "Yes we can!"

Illustrations: Boxes covering most of the page, framed in pale yellow - no white. Words on yellow.

Afterword about abandoned dogs.

Our Abe Lincoln - Jim Aylesworth

An Old Tune with New Lyrics
Illustrator: Barbara McClintock
for: Young kids
Rating: 5
2009
$16.99

A class is putting on a play about Abe Lincoln, accompanied by simple words to the thune of "The Old Grey Mare." I sang the words as I read from page to page. The following is from the middle of the book:

Friend Abe Lincoln go sent of to Washington
........Sent of to Washington
........Sent off to Washington
Friend Abe Lincoln got sent too to Washington
........Many campaigns ago.
Kind Abe Lincoln then led as the president
........Led as the president
........Led as the president
Kind Abe Lincoln then led as the president
........Many cruel days ago.

Simple. You get the picture. It tells the story of Abraham Lincoln simply, first facts for younger kids to have and hold and take with them through life.

There's no white - pale yellow instead - one full page is a framed illustration, the facing page has the stage curtains on top and side with additional drawring across the bottom, beneath the lyrics.

Very, very nice.

Change Has Come

An Artist Celebrates Our American Spirit
Artwork: Kadir Nelson
Words: Barack Obama
Published: 2009
Rating: 5
For: Everyone!
Endpapers: Rust
$12.99

A tiny book, perhaps 5 X 7 - but one I picked up and read three times as it sat before me on the table at Borders. Simple colors - black/gray on cream. Powerful, unforgettable words. Sketches - of the Obama family, of Americans, of Pres. Obama, of the White House. Simple. Lovely. Special.

We're not going to settle anymore.
and
What began as a whisper has now swelled to a chorus that cannot be ignored.
and
Yes We Can.
and
Together, ordinary people can still do exraordinary things.
and
I believe that as we stand on the crossroads of history, we can make the right choices and meet the challenges that face us.
and more!

Such a hopeful book.

Abraham Lincoln Comes Home - Robert Burleigh

Illustrator: Wendell Minor
For: Kids, but they need to be old enough to know who Lincoln was
Published: August, 2008
Rating: 4.5
Read: today
Endpapers: Enlarged corner of the American flag with the words: "WE MOURN/ OUR CHIEF/ HAS FALLEN

Edge-of-page to edge-of-page gentle, meaningful illustrations accompany a similarly gentle story that eloquently says a lot with very few words.

A young boy and his father ride their horse and buggy, its single lantern bobbing, through the darkness of the prairie to the place where the railroad passes through. Bonfires burn along the rails as the people wait for the train carrying Lincoln's body to pass. Slowly it appears, with a picture of Lincoln atop the cowcatcher. Slowly it passes, so that the country can pay its last respects to an honored and much-loved man. For 1600 miles, by hearse and by train, Lincoln's body was carried from Washington D.C. back to Springfield, Illinois. It is said that about thirty million people were able to see the train, march in a procession behind the hearse, or attend one of about a dozen funeral services.

The media has certainly changed things. This story, these illustrations, hold a reverance, a simplicity, that seems absent today. It's a beautiful book, celebrating an exceptional life, adding an additional chapter to a story many of us know well. Bravo.

President Pennybaker - Kate Feiffer

Illustrator: Diane Goode
For: Kids
Published: 2008
Rating: OK 2.5/5
Read: Sept. 13, 2008
Endpapers: Azure

Luke Pennybaker feels that life is unfair. So he decides to run for president. He chooses his dog, Lily, as the vice presidential candidate, gains support, and begins to campaign. Gaining popularity, he and Lily win the election. After he moves into the White House he is far too busy being president to do any opf the things he'd likes. Once again, it isn't fair! So he resigns and Lily takes over as president.

(Luke would like to see an orange White House.) So an unnecessary double page spread is thrown in: "To show his support, the current president bought 40 gallons of orange paint and started to paint the Whie House. When he ran out of paint, he bought 40 more gallons and 40 more and then 40 more. By now the White House was painted orange." O.....kay. ? . ?

Cute story, but not great. Lots of ridiculous promises that he could never fulfill - reality for adults, but confusing for kids? Perhaps I'm thinking about some of the compaign promises I hear from my Student Government hopefuls?