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Those Rebels, John and Tom
A brilliant portrait of two American heroes from the award-winning creators of The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy)!
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different.
John Adams was short and stout.
Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean.
John was argumentative and blunt.
Tom was soft-spoken and polite.
John sometimes got along with almost no one.
Tom got along with ju...more
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different.
John Adams was short and stout.
Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean.
John was argumentative and blunt.
Tom was soft-spoken and polite.
John sometimes got along with almost no one.
Tom got along with ju...more
Hardcover, 48 pages
Published
January 1st 2012
by Scholastic Press
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The stylized characterization based on historical sources was interesting. In a simplistic way, the writing complicated Jefferson's slave ownership. A caricature of King George reminded me of the short Schoolhouse Rock "No More Kings" video, and when I looked it up on youtube it looks like a lot of the illustrations were quotations of the animation. There's an old caricature that might hint at the origins. My favorite thing was the contrast between Jefferson and Adams in the writing, and Fotheri...more
Another fun look at the important introvert/extrovert friendship between founders Thomas Jefferson and John Adams (see also: Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud). I like the wordplay and limited-color illustration style in this one; it focuses more on the budding friendship of the two men as they crafted the Declaration of Independence, and only mentions their falling out in the thorough Author's Note. Their fighting and division of ideas after t...more
I really enjoyed this book. It is about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and more specifically their role in America’s independence. It includes not only facts about their political careers but also their personal lives and friendship which make them more relatable to their younger audience. The illustrations are interestingly done in only red, blue, and yellow which is very patriotic, which is obviously a common theme throughout the book. I enjoyed the passage about Thomas Jeffersons weapon, the...more
I enjoyed just about everything about this picture book biography that focuses on two of the nation's founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. In her usual engaging writing style, the author enumerates the many differences between the two men, ranging from their height to their upbringing to the way they handled those around them. But she also shows clearly how those differences didn't matter all that much once they found common ground in their hatred of King George and their love for...more
Another excellent children's non-fiction book by the dynamic duo of Kerley and Fotheringham. I love how they work together so well to bring people and events of the past to life for children! This time, they take two leaders of the American Revolution -- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson -- and tell their story. Written in language that will appeal to kids -- and using a variety of font sizes to emphasize names and phrases -- this would even make a good read aloud for an older group of students. W...more
This picture book tells the story of how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were instrumental to United States History. Beginning with their early years, Barbara Kerley highlights some major events that led each man to Philadelphia that fateful day in 1775 when the Declaration of Independence was finally signed.
THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM focuses mostly on how opposite they were from each other. In fact, it was pretty much the pattern of the whole book.
John skipped school to fly kites and shoot m...more
THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM focuses mostly on how opposite they were from each other. In fact, it was pretty much the pattern of the whole book.
John skipped school to fly kites and shoot m...more
I shouldn't have bought this because I wasn't crazy about Kerley's "Alice" book and I HATED the one with Suzy Clemens. And since this has come out right at the same time as the same time as Suzanne Tripp Jurmain's very similar (and far better) book Worst of EnemiesI can compare this and find it wanting.
The Jurmain book is just as engagingly written without becoming cutsey. The layout is clear and attractive. The color palette here jumps from one background to another from page to page making thi...more
The Jurmain book is just as engagingly written without becoming cutsey. The layout is clear and attractive. The color palette here jumps from one background to another from page to page making thi...more
A look into the long friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Author Barbara Kerely begins the book by highlighting the differences between these two founding fathers. Adams came up from humble means opposed to Jefferson's silver spoon. Despite these differences, the two shared a passion for the colonies and a hatred for King George. While the substantive text truly informs the reader, Fotheringham's fun and vibrant illustrations capture the reader's attention.
This book is great for l...more
This book is great for l...more
Like Worst of Friends this covers the relationship between John Addams and Thomas Jefferson, but this focuses specifically on how the Declaration of Independence came to be and ends there. I found the backmatter to be much stronger here than in Worst of Friends with a page-long Author's Note, a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, and direct and specific quotation sources. I thought the text was pretty good, but I found the main weakness to be the illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham. Th...more
This book was a quirky take on Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. It told the story of the two very different men from an original point of view. Instead of just talking about how these two men influenced the creation of the United States, Kerley used key personality traits that both possessed to show a different side of them, not many know. I really enjoyed learning more about each man's individual personality and how that helped them to become passionate about setting America free from England's...more
Who knew there would be another children's biography of the friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams?
Like Worst of Friends, this one tells the story of how the two friends helped write the Declaration of Independence and steer the U.S. in its early days. The emphasis here is more on how the two were different and yet alike, as well as on the specific steps leading up to the Declaration. It does not spend as much time as the other on their enmity or presidency, though does bring up sta...more
Like Worst of Friends, this one tells the story of how the two friends helped write the Declaration of Independence and steer the U.S. in its early days. The emphasis here is more on how the two were different and yet alike, as well as on the specific steps leading up to the Declaration. It does not spend as much time as the other on their enmity or presidency, though does bring up sta...more
I found this book delightful in both pictures and words. I enjoyed how Kerley presents both main characters side by side and then merges them together after they met. This technique allows the reader to see just how different John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were as well as the commonalities that brought them together. Fotheringham does a fantastic job with the illustrations. The cartoonish nature of the illustrations adds humor and emotional expression. I especially liked the maps that showed th...more
A look at history starring two very different and equally influential men who helped found our country. Digital artwork in vibrant reds and blues do a great job of characterizing John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as well as highlight their many differences.
The text does a good job of providing information about the fight for our country’s freedom at an appropriate level. An author’s note provides more information on the relationship of Adams and Jefferson, including a falling out they had regardi...more
The text does a good job of providing information about the fight for our country’s freedom at an appropriate level. An author’s note provides more information on the relationship of Adams and Jefferson, including a falling out they had regardi...more
Packed with engaging language interspersed with real quotes from Founding Fathers and friends, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, this is a book of contrasts, made more so by Fotheringham's graphically rich illustrations. It is also a book about compromise. The contrast-compromise dichotomy is clear even to young readers. I read it aloud to my kindergartner, and although he clearly missed many of the nuances, Kerley's alternating comparisons of John and Tom's temperaments, style of communication,...more
The journey John Adams and Thomas Jefferson took to write the Declaration of Independence is talked about in this book. It speaks of how two individuals came together (even though they were almost polar opposites) and how they became a stronger force by working together.
This book can be integrated for social studies and writing. Writing- this book does a lot of comparing and contrasting of John and Tom. Use as a model for students to evaluate and then practice their own compare and contrast sta...more
This book can be integrated for social studies and writing. Writing- this book does a lot of comparing and contrasting of John and Tom. Use as a model for students to evaluate and then practice their own compare and contrast sta...more
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were two of our founding fathers. They could not have been more different yet they believed in the same thing...an independent America. Together they helped this country become free and were both presidents. They even died on the same day. I think their story is an interesting one and this book does a great job of illustrating the time period and their friendship. The illustrations are wonderful and very child friendly. The entire book read like a Saturday morning...more
I think the cartoonish figures on the cover kept pushing this book further down in my TBR pile. Glad I read it. Will reread WORST OF FRIENDS to do more of a comparison. (Who knew there would be two picture book biographies in one year on John Adams and Thomas Jefferson??) Well researched book with quote source notes in the back matter. Ended up liking the illustrations just fine. I am curious about the time frame of the Revolutionary War. (My lack of US history is showing...) Did this happen aft...more
I love the bold, energetic illustrations in this book about the differences between founding fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. They struggled together to lay the foundation for the United States, one with long and "obnoxious" speeches at the Continental Congress and the other through quietly writing the Declaration of Independence. This book makes the two historical figures very human by bringing their personalities to life. Read the Author's Note as well to get a complete understanding o...more
I have read many children's and adult books about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and about The declaration of independence and the American Revolution. I have passed along my love of these stories to my kids. We grab any new ones we see. I have to say that this is by far one of the best children's books we have read. It kept my daughters attention. It stuck to the facts. It had real quotes from John and Tom. It was of course a quick version but it left all the relative parts in. And really pain...more
Perhaps it was the color scheme of gold, red, blue and white and cartoonish faces for revered historical figures on the cover that put me off initially, but ultimately I thought this an insightful view of two friends helping to create the U.S. constitution. To begin with, showing the human side of two boys growing up and establishing them as Tom and John let me know there was going to be an emphasis on these two men's personalities and the comparing and contrasting between oral and written style...more
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Very cool book, and my son love it. He had to read Johnny Tremain for third grade, and so he is really into the Revolutionary War, and loved this book. I loved the use of silhouettes in bright, vibrant colors. Pretty cartoonish illustrations for the most part, but very well done, and as I said, a lot of fun and exciting for kids. Not your usual, tired old book about the Revolution.
Honestly I'm torn. I just read Worst Friends and it is similar, but not.
The writing is very good in both books, but I think kids and parents might prefer this book slightly. Personally I prefer the illustrations more in this book.
This book focuses more on their vast personalities and how they combined their abilities to have the Continental Congress finally reach agreement.
In this very politically strained time in our country, I think this book shows and proves that they didn't always get alo...more
The writing is very good in both books, but I think kids and parents might prefer this book slightly. Personally I prefer the illustrations more in this book.
This book focuses more on their vast personalities and how they combined their abilities to have the Continental Congress finally reach agreement.
In this very politically strained time in our country, I think this book shows and proves that they didn't always get alo...more
The likenesses and differences of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are cleverly portrayed in minimal text and amusing illustrations that invite inferences, discussion, and conclusions. Their ultimate partnership in shaping the Declaration of Independence was as essential as it was unlikely. This is a must in any American History discussion.
Informative, well-written account of the differences between and relationship of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Thrown in, of course, is plenty of information about the first Continental Congress and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is written with a child reader in mind and is just right with its blend of humor and fact.
Delightful, illustrates the beauty of friendships where two people complement each other. Awesome to see this in some of our Founding Fathers. Great explanation of the Revolutionary War and the surrounding situations that led to it. Perfect for elementary school kids who are just getting introduced to the start of our country.
Informative historical picture book describing the differences of these two important political movers and motivators in colonial times, and then after with our new nation. As much as these men were different, often coming to blows, they more often respected the other and their achievements.
This was another fun Americana book to read. I especially think my mother would like it (she loves that kind of stuff). And perhaps Christy Garner. I remember talking to her about a lot of fun American History facts as well. A good book to read before a DAR project on the founding fathers.
very well researched and student friendly, makes the revolutionary period and the leaders very accessible. large size and bold color illustrations good for reading aloud. back matter could be used as an example on how writers need to reference their sources. wish the book had a recommended reading section.
Two very different men, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, formed an alliance for freedom. Both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George. Together they served the cause for a young country's independence. Reviewer 17
Alternating pages show the differences between John and Tom while some pages show how they were alike. Illustrations have plenty if red and blue and convey the time period with the style. Author's note at end provides resource notes and additional information.
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