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Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. But their differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends. They each became leaders of opposing political parties, and their rivalry followed them to the White House. Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America's most well-known presidents and how they learned to put their political differences aside for the sake of friendship.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
October 30, 2025
Here's another good book about Adams and Jefferson! I like how the author presented them, remaining true to history and not writing from any personal prejudices. Jurmain also mentioned their strengths and weaknesses.
Kudos for both of these points, as the lack of or the complete distorting of facts is kind of a pet peeve with me. Actually, it's not "kinda," it is and strongly.
We've all read those children's biographies that seem to make gods out of their subjects, trumpeting their rock-solid characters and devote religious beliefs. I remember when I read a book on Christopher Columbus in high school and learned some shocking things that had been completely glossed over and/or fabricated in my kid's book. Yeah, he wasn't actually a "missionary" like he was presented to be in that little children's book of mine.
You won't see me applauding any of those books.
This one though, isn't one of them! Clap, clap, clap.
And here’s a reel of my visit to the Adams’s homes in MA and other book recs!
Ages: 6 - 10
Content Considerations: “for goodness sake” is used.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
Kudos for both of these points, as the lack of or the complete distorting of facts is kind of a pet peeve with me. Actually, it's not "kinda," it is and strongly.
We've all read those children's biographies that seem to make gods out of their subjects, trumpeting their rock-solid characters and devote religious beliefs. I remember when I read a book on Christopher Columbus in high school and learned some shocking things that had been completely glossed over and/or fabricated in my kid's book. Yeah, he wasn't actually a "missionary" like he was presented to be in that little children's book of mine.
You won't see me applauding any of those books.
This one though, isn't one of them! Clap, clap, clap.
And here’s a reel of my visit to the Adams’s homes in MA and other book recs!
Ages: 6 - 10
Content Considerations: “for goodness sake” is used.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
August 12, 2016
I don't usually add picture books to my good reads, but man this is such a great book. I love it. The feud between TJ and JA is legendary and so is their make-up and eventual death within hours of each other on July 4, 1826.
I loved how sweetly the book contrasted and compared the two men who both added much to the discourse of what makes a good government and more enigmatically, what makes a good American.
I loved how sweetly the book contrasted and compared the two men who both added much to the discourse of what makes a good government and more enigmatically, what makes a good American.
January 12, 2012
Politics brought John Adams and Thomas Jefferson together. It also tore them apart. In Worst of Friends, Suzanne Tripp Jurmain captures the deep friendship between them, the political differences that severed that friendship and the eventual reconciliation.
Larry Day’s illustrations complement Jurmain’s writing beautifully. They capture both the seriousness and the humour in this tale. Facial expressions reign supreme whether they are facing off across a table or young children are gazing at their statues. The insults they hurled at each other makes it clear that politics have never been polite. “Vain, suspicious, irritable, stubborn, and wrong” John and “weak, confused, uninformed, and ignorant” Tom may have been founding fathers, but they were not universally admired! Their personal conflict was rooted in deep political differences over the role of the federal government and impacted the governing of the United States to this day.
A good read anytime, The Worst of Friends by is a particularly worthwhile read during an election year for adults as well as children. I just hope it doesn’t lead to any street fights between classrooms divided between Team Tom and Team John.
Reviewed at RovingFiddlehead KidLit. Part of #nfpb2012
Larry Day’s illustrations complement Jurmain’s writing beautifully. They capture both the seriousness and the humour in this tale. Facial expressions reign supreme whether they are facing off across a table or young children are gazing at their statues. The insults they hurled at each other makes it clear that politics have never been polite. “Vain, suspicious, irritable, stubborn, and wrong” John and “weak, confused, uninformed, and ignorant” Tom may have been founding fathers, but they were not universally admired! Their personal conflict was rooted in deep political differences over the role of the federal government and impacted the governing of the United States to this day.
A good read anytime, The Worst of Friends by is a particularly worthwhile read during an election year for adults as well as children. I just hope it doesn’t lead to any street fights between classrooms divided between Team Tom and Team John.
Reviewed at RovingFiddlehead KidLit. Part of #nfpb2012
April 3, 2013
This is one of those books I had to read for work, but I would have read anyway because it is historical (so one of the reasons I'm writing this review is so I can remember what I thought about it when it is time to talk about it at work!). I really liked this book, partially because I really like the story of how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were so close, grew apart, and then came back together in the end. This story is written simply so that you don't have to have any previous knowledge of the time period to understand the book, or the politics behind Adams' and Jefferson's split. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful and take up the majority of the pages making the story that much more interesting for young kids. The only thing that I wish the author would have included is the fact that when they died they believed the other still lived and said so before they died.
Additionally, the story is not only important because of the history, it is important because it shows kids that you can remain friends even if you disagree with each other. Granted, while talking about things you passionately disagree about you might say hurtful things, that doesn't mean you can't be friends. Embrace each other's different point of views and agree that you each have a right to your opinions much like Tom and John did at the ends of their lives.
Additionally, the story is not only important because of the history, it is important because it shows kids that you can remain friends even if you disagree with each other. Granted, while talking about things you passionately disagree about you might say hurtful things, that doesn't mean you can't be friends. Embrace each other's different point of views and agree that you each have a right to your opinions much like Tom and John did at the ends of their lives.
April 10, 2012
This book is a nonfiction and is for children for the age group of P. This book did not win any awards. This book is about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams being best friends and how their political views of how the United States should be ran ruined their friendship. However, they learned to put aside their political differences for their friendship.This story was humorous and I actually learned a lot about Jefferson and Adams that I didn't know before. The theme to this story is a good one that everyone can relate to whether young or old. The theme is that best friends or even friends will argue, but you shouldn't let that ruin your friendship. I would read this book to children during the elections, just so they can get an idea of what the presidential campaign is like. I also could read this book to talk about how friendships and how we should cherish the friends we have and shouldn't let fights get in the way of it. Lastly, I could use this book to talk about the American history and how some events came to play in our history and how important is it in shaping America today.
December 13, 2017
Jurmain tells here the story of the friendship between two of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, which changed into hatred, and how they eventually became friends again. What surprised me here was how different both men were, not only physically but in habits as well. It's sad that such a strong friendship, which developed because they agreed about so many things, should end because of a difference of opinion. I like the way Jurmain tells the story, and the touches of humor that illustrator Larry Day adds. Did John Adams really take his wig off, throw it on the floor, and stomp on it in anger when people called him names after he became President? And when Jefferson won the next election, did Adams really leave Washington in the middle of the night to avoid greeting and congratulating him? Thank goodness the two came to their senses in their old age and became friends again. And to cap it off, they died on the same day, July 4, 1826! Young readers will enjoy seeing a human side to this pair of famous men. Recommended!
November 15, 2019
The tumultuous, on-again/off-again friendship of American Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson is explored in this immensely engaging work of picture-book history. Although very different in their backgrounds and temperaments, John and Tom worked together for independence, and were the best of friends. Then, during the early period of the republic, they joined different political parties and became rivals. Eventually though, when years had passed and they were old men, they became friends again, dying on the same day: July 4th, 1826...
The relationship between Adams and Jefferson is a fascinating one, and I have read quite a bit about it, in various adult biographies of the two men. This is the first children's book I have picked up about the subject, and I was quite impressed, both by the narrative, which manages to be informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, and by the humorous artwork. I particularly appreciated the message, implicit in this true story, that political differences don't have to separate friends. There couldn't be a more timely idea! Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the Founding Fathers/Revolutionary War generation, or about friendship across political and intellectual lines.
The relationship between Adams and Jefferson is a fascinating one, and I have read quite a bit about it, in various adult biographies of the two men. This is the first children's book I have picked up about the subject, and I was quite impressed, both by the narrative, which manages to be informative, entertaining, and thought-provoking, and by the humorous artwork. I particularly appreciated the message, implicit in this true story, that political differences don't have to separate friends. There couldn't be a more timely idea! Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books about the Founding Fathers/Revolutionary War generation, or about friendship across political and intellectual lines.
November 9, 2017
I love this 5th-grade level story, “ Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story of an American Feud” by the author Suzanne Jurmain! It is rare to hear an informational text or nonfiction genre that discusses on a very personal level the relationship and the characteristics of two prominent figures in our history. In this case prominent enough to be critical to our independence from Great Britain which is important to teach for grade five. In this story, we start off learning about how strong John Adams and Thomas Jefferson’s friendship was prior to their feud. This feud, later on, stemmed from their inability to agree on a government. Originally both men were in agreeance with the state of the colonies and wanted to convince other colonists as well as King George to liberalize them. This is where the story becomes high quality. As a citizen of the United States, we all want the same thing, equality, freedom, and a great country that is safe and offers an opportunity for our children to be successful. Likewise, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson sought to achieve these same things.
In the beginning of the story, the two characters Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are mentioned as extremely different from one another (like ice cream and pickles as the story stated). However, they didn’t let these differences keep them from becoming best friends and creating something great (The Declaration of Independence). Unfortunately, in the beginning, the two are still incredible friends. as the story says, however, we see that later they let their differences separate them. The point that we learn from this story is that even as citizens that are very different, we can all come together with different opinions and become great friends with great opinions. This is something Thomas Jefferson wrote explicitly to John Adams after rekindling their friendship which had been nonexistent for eleven years. This is also an excellent theme that becomes uncovered at the end.
This book is multicultural and speaks to a broad audience of cultures because it is speaking to all American citizens today. Across a plethora of cultures, we will find different opinions, but I can’t say that all cultures appreciate their founding fathers for the work they have put in to improve their country. Across various cultures, freedom and rights aren’t at the level they should be. However, as a United States Citizen because our founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams gave us the freedom of speech it is up to us to stand up for our different opinions and make a change. It is also important to keep in mind like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did at the end, that although we have different opinions that’s okay and we can still be friends and. All students of all cultures can be incredibly different. However, our different opinions can make our country even better and by accepting our differences and working together as one we can become a great country as a whole. This is important for us to acknowledge as these were the primary goals of our founding fathers as different as they were they did agree on that.
To teach these standards listed below I will have the students write a letter to both characters on how they thought Thomas Jefferson and John Adams impacted the future of the United States. We will keep in mind how hard it would be to have to travel from Great Britain to the United States and to talk to King George. I will ask questions like was that brave, intimidating, or life-threatening. I will ask how dedicated they were to travel so far. What were they looking to achieve and why was that so important? Lastly, I will have students create a rap with a group of 3 or 4 where they will include 4 important facts from the read aloud and will rap about how the relationship between the two was important. A cool fact that could be used is that it took them both 11 years before they could become friends again after John Adams was elected president and that they rekindled their friendship before they passed. Most importantly the two passed on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the same day.
Quarter 2 - Unit 2 - Revolutionary Unit
5.H.2 Understand the role of prominent figures in shaping the United States.
RI5.3 - Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Grades 3-5
In the beginning of the story, the two characters Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are mentioned as extremely different from one another (like ice cream and pickles as the story stated). However, they didn’t let these differences keep them from becoming best friends and creating something great (The Declaration of Independence). Unfortunately, in the beginning, the two are still incredible friends. as the story says, however, we see that later they let their differences separate them. The point that we learn from this story is that even as citizens that are very different, we can all come together with different opinions and become great friends with great opinions. This is something Thomas Jefferson wrote explicitly to John Adams after rekindling their friendship which had been nonexistent for eleven years. This is also an excellent theme that becomes uncovered at the end.
This book is multicultural and speaks to a broad audience of cultures because it is speaking to all American citizens today. Across a plethora of cultures, we will find different opinions, but I can’t say that all cultures appreciate their founding fathers for the work they have put in to improve their country. Across various cultures, freedom and rights aren’t at the level they should be. However, as a United States Citizen because our founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams gave us the freedom of speech it is up to us to stand up for our different opinions and make a change. It is also important to keep in mind like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson did at the end, that although we have different opinions that’s okay and we can still be friends and. All students of all cultures can be incredibly different. However, our different opinions can make our country even better and by accepting our differences and working together as one we can become a great country as a whole. This is important for us to acknowledge as these were the primary goals of our founding fathers as different as they were they did agree on that.
To teach these standards listed below I will have the students write a letter to both characters on how they thought Thomas Jefferson and John Adams impacted the future of the United States. We will keep in mind how hard it would be to have to travel from Great Britain to the United States and to talk to King George. I will ask questions like was that brave, intimidating, or life-threatening. I will ask how dedicated they were to travel so far. What were they looking to achieve and why was that so important? Lastly, I will have students create a rap with a group of 3 or 4 where they will include 4 important facts from the read aloud and will rap about how the relationship between the two was important. A cool fact that could be used is that it took them both 11 years before they could become friends again after John Adams was elected president and that they rekindled their friendship before they passed. Most importantly the two passed on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on the same day.
Quarter 2 - Unit 2 - Revolutionary Unit
5.H.2 Understand the role of prominent figures in shaping the United States.
RI5.3 - Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.
Grades 3-5
May 1, 2015
In a humorous kind of way, Suzanne Tripp Jurmain writes about the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, with equally humorous illustrations by Larry Day.
Tom and John were the best of friends in a unique way. Both had drastically different personalities and characteristics, but nevertheless, they remained good friends; but things changed when they were discussing what the best way to run the country would be like. John said the president should "be the country's biggest, strongest boss..." and Tom disagreed saying that "a really strong and powerful president might break the country's laws and take away the people's freedom." This set them apart and they went their own ways, never talking to each other again. Both tried convincing people to be on their side as they were running for president. Tom was elected as president and John wasn't. They lived in different places, in different settings. Both raised children and enjoyed their life, but they never saw each other. Tom finally decided to write to John and their friendship continued through letters. Even in their differences, they respected each other.
A literacy strategy that could be used with this book in a classroom is a compare and contrast between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams - how they were different and how they were the same.
The book is written from the narratives perspective - which would be the author's (Suzanne T. Jurmaine).
Tom and John were the best of friends in a unique way. Both had drastically different personalities and characteristics, but nevertheless, they remained good friends; but things changed when they were discussing what the best way to run the country would be like. John said the president should "be the country's biggest, strongest boss..." and Tom disagreed saying that "a really strong and powerful president might break the country's laws and take away the people's freedom." This set them apart and they went their own ways, never talking to each other again. Both tried convincing people to be on their side as they were running for president. Tom was elected as president and John wasn't. They lived in different places, in different settings. Both raised children and enjoyed their life, but they never saw each other. Tom finally decided to write to John and their friendship continued through letters. Even in their differences, they respected each other.
A literacy strategy that could be used with this book in a classroom is a compare and contrast between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams - how they were different and how they were the same.
The book is written from the narratives perspective - which would be the author's (Suzanne T. Jurmaine).
February 25, 2012
I LOVED this book!! Party politics are not new, they are as old as our country. This is a great book for teaching kids lots of things:
1. You can still be friends with someone even if you have different opinions.
2. Don't waste your life fighting about differing opinions!
3. Presidents of our country are always vilified while in office, so it is important to get the real story and understand how complex people's opinions are.
4. History is SO subjective.
5. Current events are SO subjective.
1. You can still be friends with someone even if you have different opinions.
2. Don't waste your life fighting about differing opinions!
3. Presidents of our country are always vilified while in office, so it is important to get the real story and understand how complex people's opinions are.
4. History is SO subjective.
5. Current events are SO subjective.
January 24, 2012
Any kid who has had a very best friend, quarreled with them, and eventually made up again will get "Tom" and "John". And they will think of these two great Presidents as flesh and blood human beings instead of animatronic characters in the Hall of Presidents at Disneyland.
Jurmain gets it just right and Day's pictures are hilarious. I especially chuckled over John Adams stomping on his wig in a temper tantrum. This is children's non-fiction at its best!
Jurmain gets it just right and Day's pictures are hilarious. I especially chuckled over John Adams stomping on his wig in a temper tantrum. This is children's non-fiction at its best!
December 10, 2011
Grades 2-5. An interesting look back on two of our founding fathers who were great friends and then had a falling out over different ideas about presidential power. This would be a good book to present during a unit about the constitution, presidents or political parties. Also a great tie into character development surrounding themes of respect and tolerance.
July 19, 2016
I would appreciate the liberties taken with the illustrations (kids and pudding all over ships in laundry tub) if the book was written solely for humor, but they don't seem altogether appropriate in a book that seems to be about facts. If read for the theme of friendship, I like the book, but if read for historical reasons, not as much.
July 6, 2016
Genre: Juvenile nonfiction, american history
Format: Print
Plot: Follows the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, from their presidencies through their retirement and death.
Readers advisory:
Review citation: SLJ 2011
Source: Children's Core Collection
Recommended age: 6-8
Format: Print
Plot: Follows the friendship of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, from their presidencies through their retirement and death.
Readers advisory:
Review citation: SLJ 2011
Source: Children's Core Collection
Recommended age: 6-8
December 10, 2011
A colorful, entertaining introduction to the tumultuous friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
July 24, 2013
Typically I'd drool at a kids' book that marries American Revolution with adorable pen & watercolor illustrations but I didn't get the point...
August 18, 2016
Read with Naomi and Julia.
August 7, 2021
Worst of Friends is a children's biography of two of the founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They seem to be opposites of each other, that it seems unlikely that they could be even friends, but somehow it worked. While the topic of friendship is present, it also goes into how they helped create the foundation of America and the rift that was caused when politics got too much for them to handle. Despite this, there is an overarching theme that it is okay to have differing opinions and still maintain a friendship, which I find as an exquisite lesson for children in this story.
January 28, 2024
We read this for our homeschool history, and it was excellent. The text was informative with a good narrative flow, and I learned quite a bit myself. But it also wasn’t so wordy that my 3rd and especially 1st graders lost interest. The cartoonish illustrations definitely helped. The use of quotes throughout was well done, and my boys thought the old fashioned insults were hilarious. The book also sparked some good discussion about reconciling with people who have hurt you, and still being able to be friends with people whom you disagree with.
February 23, 2022
Excitable John could talk for five hours straight without stopping.
Quiet Tom sometimes didn't say three sentences together in public.
Tom told all the people he knew that John was vain, suspicious, irritable, stubborn and wrong.
John told all the people he knew that Tom was weak, confused, uniformed and ignorant.
Quiet Tom sometimes didn't say three sentences together in public.
Tom told all the people he knew that John was vain, suspicious, irritable, stubborn and wrong.
John told all the people he knew that Tom was weak, confused, uniformed and ignorant.
June 19, 2019
Humorous. And still relevant to the political climate in America today. "People could have different ideas and still be friends."
May 6, 2020
I can honestly say this is the best book about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams that I have ever read!
February 20, 2018
Resources and author’s note at the front
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June 19, 2013Audience: Primary
Genre: Suzanne Jurmain’s children’s book Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud is considered a historical nonfiction book. It satisfies the conditions of the nonfiction genre since its purpose is purely informative and it provides readers with true facts. It is considered historical nonfiction since Jurmain describes the events and lives of two U.S. Presidents in the 1800’s.
Award: School Library Journal Best Nonfiction: 2011
Summary:
Often times, when people hear the word “nonfiction,” mental images of dry, text-filled books come to mind. However, not all nonfiction books must render such a response. One example is Suzanne Jurmain’s Worst of Friends. In her story, Jurmain describes two prominent historical figures in the United States: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Jurmain begins by presenting readers with fun, yet historically accurate, facts about the two former presidents. For example, she captures children’s attention by describing their physical appearances (John was fat and small while Tom was tall and thin), their hobbies (John liked telling jokes while Tom liked playing the violin), and their personality traits (john was talkative while Tom was a man of few words). Tom and John were amazing friends, and they did virtually everything together: they negotiated the Declaration of Independence together, they travelled to foreign countries for political matters together, and they were even insulted buy King George together. Despite their friendship, however, Tom and John had their fair share of disputes. Tom and John had radically different views as far as how the country should be run. John advocated giving the president vast amounts of power, whereas Tom vehemently disagreed. As a result of their feud, two political parties emerged and the friends grew ever more distant. After decades of dispute, the two finally reconciled and renewed their friendship.
Jurmain did a spectacular job of presenting the historical accounts in a style similar to a narrative fiction story. She used a sense of humor to lighten up the facts and used various tones in her writing. This style of writing prompts children to continue asking questions about what will happen next and it engages their minds in the story. Additionally, her use of cartoon pictures made the nonfiction story more appealing to young readers.
Twin text:
Not only does Jurmain’s story inform students about the important historical events and figures, but it also brings about further inquiry of other United States presidents. Therefore, educators could utilize a twin text that discusses the presidents in a broader range (as opposed to focusing only on Tom and John). One book that could serve as a twin text is Kenneth C. Davis’s Don’t Know Much About the Presidents. This book serves as a great extension to Worst of Friends because it presents readers with information regarding the lives of forty-three presidents. This twin text uses a question and answer format in order to grab the student’s attention. The book poses amusing questions about the presidents and provides readers with presidential fun facts. Not only does the book provide readers with entertaining facts, but it also provides a timeline of important historical events and a series of presidential quotes. This twin text would allow readers to survey the lives of all of the presidents while also allowing them to focus in on specific presidents of their interest. Finally, Don’t Know Much About the Presidents organizes the presidential “bios” in chronological order and provides a portrait/photograph of each president. This will help the students comprehend the succession of presidents that has shaped the country’s past. Davis’s book is sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant nonfiction reader. Not only will students learn about the friendship and feud between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, but they will also gain insight on the remaining forty-one presidents in the twin text.
Genre: Suzanne Jurmain’s children’s book Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud is considered a historical nonfiction book. It satisfies the conditions of the nonfiction genre since its purpose is purely informative and it provides readers with true facts. It is considered historical nonfiction since Jurmain describes the events and lives of two U.S. Presidents in the 1800’s.
Award: School Library Journal Best Nonfiction: 2011
Summary:
Often times, when people hear the word “nonfiction,” mental images of dry, text-filled books come to mind. However, not all nonfiction books must render such a response. One example is Suzanne Jurmain’s Worst of Friends. In her story, Jurmain describes two prominent historical figures in the United States: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Jurmain begins by presenting readers with fun, yet historically accurate, facts about the two former presidents. For example, she captures children’s attention by describing their physical appearances (John was fat and small while Tom was tall and thin), their hobbies (John liked telling jokes while Tom liked playing the violin), and their personality traits (john was talkative while Tom was a man of few words). Tom and John were amazing friends, and they did virtually everything together: they negotiated the Declaration of Independence together, they travelled to foreign countries for political matters together, and they were even insulted buy King George together. Despite their friendship, however, Tom and John had their fair share of disputes. Tom and John had radically different views as far as how the country should be run. John advocated giving the president vast amounts of power, whereas Tom vehemently disagreed. As a result of their feud, two political parties emerged and the friends grew ever more distant. After decades of dispute, the two finally reconciled and renewed their friendship.
Jurmain did a spectacular job of presenting the historical accounts in a style similar to a narrative fiction story. She used a sense of humor to lighten up the facts and used various tones in her writing. This style of writing prompts children to continue asking questions about what will happen next and it engages their minds in the story. Additionally, her use of cartoon pictures made the nonfiction story more appealing to young readers.
Twin text:
Not only does Jurmain’s story inform students about the important historical events and figures, but it also brings about further inquiry of other United States presidents. Therefore, educators could utilize a twin text that discusses the presidents in a broader range (as opposed to focusing only on Tom and John). One book that could serve as a twin text is Kenneth C. Davis’s Don’t Know Much About the Presidents. This book serves as a great extension to Worst of Friends because it presents readers with information regarding the lives of forty-three presidents. This twin text uses a question and answer format in order to grab the student’s attention. The book poses amusing questions about the presidents and provides readers with presidential fun facts. Not only does the book provide readers with entertaining facts, but it also provides a timeline of important historical events and a series of presidential quotes. This twin text would allow readers to survey the lives of all of the presidents while also allowing them to focus in on specific presidents of their interest. Finally, Don’t Know Much About the Presidents organizes the presidential “bios” in chronological order and provides a portrait/photograph of each president. This will help the students comprehend the succession of presidents that has shaped the country’s past. Davis’s book is sure to capture the attention of even the most reluctant nonfiction reader. Not only will students learn about the friendship and feud between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, but they will also gain insight on the remaining forty-one presidents in the twin text.
February 3, 2018
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams are the best of friends despite all of their differences. John is a short man who can talk all day long; while Thomas is a tall man who would rather just play the violin. These two were a power team working together for America by writing important documents to sailing around Europe asking for help. However, disagreements soon arises causing a drift in the friendship and in American population. Parties arouse and fights began. John was president and then Thomas was president, causing even more tension. Years later, as the two are retired, John and Thomas begin to miss each other. Will the two make-up in old age or go to their grave with a grudge? I really enjoyed this book because it makes history fun! A informational picture story that would be perfect for teaching young children about the Adams and Jefferson Feud and Friendship. This is perfect for a class room read when introducing American History and the Presidents.
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December 8, 2012One of the main aspects I really enjoyed about this picture-book, was the humorous tone it has throughout the book. The book initiates by describing the friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. However, it does so by emphasizing to the audience how different they were by using statements spoken in third person such as, John was fat and Tom was thin, Tom was rich and John was not. This type of tone was implemented throughout the whole book and it is very entertaining. The author then describes their relationship while King George was ruler and how they had great ideas for an independent America. They both spoke to the people about their ideas and helped each other gain support. However, after America gained its independence Tom and John had a difficult time agreeing with the enforcements being planned. Their friendship started deteriorating when they both decided to run for president for the same term. When Thomas Jefferson won, John moved back to Massachusetts and never talked to Thomas until they were both very old and realized they missed each other as well as their friendship. The book ends by stating that they both died the same day and they are greatly remembered as the best friends who helped America improve. The book has a different type of focus than most of the books students will read about the presidents. It has a focus on the relationship these two leaders had rather than being a list of facts about them and what they did for America. Their roles are told in a sneaky way by establishing their relationship to be the main focus of the story. Students are still learning about two founding fathers however, they are captivating these facts differently and I think this is what makes this a great book.
Teachers can use this book to take on a different approach as they are teaching about the constitution, the founding fathers, or even a lesson about being social. This informational social studies book teaches students various things from actual academic facts as well as being friendly. Due to this, the book can be used in all different grades since it implies various topics a teacher can touch on. The language is easy to understand and entertaining making it a very enjoyable read for all.
Teachers can use this book to take on a different approach as they are teaching about the constitution, the founding fathers, or even a lesson about being social. This informational social studies book teaches students various things from actual academic facts as well as being friendly. Due to this, the book can be used in all different grades since it implies various topics a teacher can touch on. The language is easy to understand and entertaining making it a very enjoyable read for all.
August 21, 2012
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were the best of friends while creating the Declaration of Independence and working towards independence from Britain. They were both ambassadors to European countries after the Revolutionary war, and in these roles they were also best of friends. However, when determining what kind of government the United States of America should have, they disagreed. They didn't disagree in a friendly way; they talked about each other behind each other's backs. They chose not to have anything to do with each other. Much later, after Adam's and then Jefferson had been President, they each went home to read and be with their families. During this time, they once again became friends, writing many, many letters back and forth.
In “Worst of Friends” The story of Adams and Jefferson is told as a story almost every child has experienced. Who hasn't been so angry with a friend that he or she has wanted to do the equivalent of jumping on his wig in frustration. It makes two great men seem human. It also teaches a lesson about friendship: that when a best friendship appears to be lost, it may return again.
“Worst of Friends” also gives us an idea of what it’s like to have a political friendship. When the two friends agree on politics, the friendship can be very close. When they disagree, sometimes the friendship has to cool down. But that doesn't mean that ultimately the two political friends don't have a great deal of respect for each other.
The illustrations in this book are lighthearted and funny. They augment the text, and they do so effortlessly.
In the front of the book there’s an excellent selected bibliography for adult readers.
“Worst of Friends” is a wonderful view of a friendship just like any child would have, except that this was a friendship between two of the most important people who started our country. It's also a great example of how you can be friends, and sometimes can't be friends, when politics are involved.
In “Worst of Friends” The story of Adams and Jefferson is told as a story almost every child has experienced. Who hasn't been so angry with a friend that he or she has wanted to do the equivalent of jumping on his wig in frustration. It makes two great men seem human. It also teaches a lesson about friendship: that when a best friendship appears to be lost, it may return again.
“Worst of Friends” also gives us an idea of what it’s like to have a political friendship. When the two friends agree on politics, the friendship can be very close. When they disagree, sometimes the friendship has to cool down. But that doesn't mean that ultimately the two political friends don't have a great deal of respect for each other.
The illustrations in this book are lighthearted and funny. They augment the text, and they do so effortlessly.
In the front of the book there’s an excellent selected bibliography for adult readers.
“Worst of Friends” is a wonderful view of a friendship just like any child would have, except that this was a friendship between two of the most important people who started our country. It's also a great example of how you can be friends, and sometimes can't be friends, when politics are involved.
February 26, 2016
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were two very different people. Short, chubby John loved to tell jokes and be the center of attention. Tall, thin Jefferson liked to play the violin but almost never spoke in public. In many ways they were opposites but they were still best friends. They loved to spend time together just talking or helping each other out.
They worked together to help move America toward independence. John talked. Tom wrote the Declaration of Independence. Together they went to Europe to raise money to help the new government pay its bills and fight off its enemies.
But they didn’t agree on everything and it almost cost them their friendship. They didn’t agree on how strong the new president should be. eventually they ended up running again each other for President. They didn’t speak to each other for years.
Jurmain has done a fantastic job of showing how two people can agree on many things, truly like each other, and still be different in very big ways. It is an excellent example of how politics and other beliefs can come between people, even friends. It also shows that the name calling we see today isn’t new in any way.
Day’s illustrations help bring the story to life. I love the image where Tom is trying to get John to shush while he contemplates a chess move. They are detailed without being scientific and just cartoony enough to lighten the mood even when things are grim.
This book will generate a lot of discussion on whether or not they should have quit being friends and what they could have done to mend the break much sooner. An excellent book about history, politics, friendship and opinion.
Originally reviewed at Bookshelf (https://suebe2.wordpress.com/2016/02/...)
They worked together to help move America toward independence. John talked. Tom wrote the Declaration of Independence. Together they went to Europe to raise money to help the new government pay its bills and fight off its enemies.
But they didn’t agree on everything and it almost cost them their friendship. They didn’t agree on how strong the new president should be. eventually they ended up running again each other for President. They didn’t speak to each other for years.
Jurmain has done a fantastic job of showing how two people can agree on many things, truly like each other, and still be different in very big ways. It is an excellent example of how politics and other beliefs can come between people, even friends. It also shows that the name calling we see today isn’t new in any way.
Day’s illustrations help bring the story to life. I love the image where Tom is trying to get John to shush while he contemplates a chess move. They are detailed without being scientific and just cartoony enough to lighten the mood even when things are grim.
This book will generate a lot of discussion on whether or not they should have quit being friends and what they could have done to mend the break much sooner. An excellent book about history, politics, friendship and opinion.
Originally reviewed at Bookshelf (https://suebe2.wordpress.com/2016/02/...)
April 7, 2014
While I love to write reviews of what I've been reading, I seldom do of all the children's books that pass through my hands. Worst of Friends by Jurmain demanded I do so, for several reasons.
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams--contemporaries, presidents, leaders of the conversations and debates that shaped our country--were "as different as pickles and ice cream" though that didn't stop them from being close friends. Until it did.
The book was one of the Picture Books for Older Readers in the California Young Reader Medal nominees for this school year, one of the categories specifically aimed at fourth grade and up. This year, three classes applauded upon hearing the story. Reason #1.
Too, there are few books that show students about real disagreements between adult friends which are deep, lasting, bitter, and yet still get resolved. When reading the portion about specific unkindnesses on both sides, the classes, all of them, got very quiet. And when the book was done, the applause--I hunch--might have been for the possibility of hope in similar circumstances in their own lives. Reason #2.
And lastly, because I was moved each time I read it. I have a theory that if my eyes fill at plays, movies, books, poetry or acts of forethought on behalf of others, it must be from something simple yet universal. It may be that I have experienced a truth. Or that I've noticed the presence of something I don't yet fully understand; or that something I value also lives in someone else. And this present instance invites me to learn it. So, yep. That's my #3.
November 24, 2017
Awards:
Grade Level: 3-5fth
Summary: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different people, from different parties, and from different homelands. Throughout their time Jefferson and Adams worked together throughout their differences and compromised to get things done. Throughout their rivalry both men listened to each other and had the interest of the people.
Review: Jurmain uses a variety of pictures and language that displays the true respect and friendship the two had. This is an important lesson especially as American Parties become more and more distinct in belief. The story has a positive message for this ever more divided society.
2 Activities
Students can write about one of their own friends and their own relationship.
Students can write journal entry with dates when each famous event happens in the story.
Grade Level: 3-5fth
Summary: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different people, from different parties, and from different homelands. Throughout their time Jefferson and Adams worked together throughout their differences and compromised to get things done. Throughout their rivalry both men listened to each other and had the interest of the people.
Review: Jurmain uses a variety of pictures and language that displays the true respect and friendship the two had. This is an important lesson especially as American Parties become more and more distinct in belief. The story has a positive message for this ever more divided society.
2 Activities
Students can write about one of their own friends and their own relationship.
Students can write journal entry with dates when each famous event happens in the story.
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