John Adams: Second President 1797-1801

Getting to Know the U.S. Presidents

by Mike Venezia

A delightful mix of full-color historical reproductions, photos, and hilarious cartoon-style illustrations brings to life the Presidents of the United States of America, combining poignant anecdotes with important factual imformation.

Genres: History, Picture Books, Biography

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Bookbag_Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Go on and improve in everything worthy.”

“Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”

“The longer I live, the more I read, the more patiently I think, and the more anxiously I inquire, the less I seem to know. . . . Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly. This is enough.”

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

John Adams was the second president of the United States.
He was born in Braintree, Massachusetts in 1735.
He wasn't a popular president because he was cranky.
Nothing could stop John Adams from fighting for freedom and American independence.
He grew up on his parents farm in Braintree.
He learned to read at a young age.
He didn't like his teacher Mr. Cleverly.
John liked the hard farming work.
He went to Harvard.
He became a lawyer.
He was especially upset with The Stamp Act.
He married Abigail.
On March 5,1770, the Boston Massacre happened and John defended the British soldiers and won.
He angered his friends Paul Revere & Samuel Adams by doing this.
John Adams was on the committee to help put the declaration together.
He nominated George Washington to head America's new army.
He spent 10 years in Europe finding ways to aid his new American Country.
He helped work out the peace agreement that ended the Revolutionary War.
John Adams was elected Vice President.
He had to take on France when he became President.
He passed the Sedition Act. Bad idea.
Because of his stubbornness John Adams wasn't popular enough to be voted in for a second term.
He was best known for his great ideas that helped make the 13 colonies into the United States Of America.
John Adams died at 91 on July 4, 1826 - same day as Thomas Jefferson.

// The Sedition Act //

TRAVELED TO // Massachusetts - Washington, DC
MET ALONG THE WAY // John Adams

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a mid-elementary introduction to the life of John Adams, the second president. Venezia uses colorful pictures, cute cartoons, and simple text for young readers. The book discusses both President Adams good points (intelligence, courage, sticking to his principles) and his bad (stubbornness, arrogance). I didn't know he ran away from school when he didn't like the teacher, hiding it from his parents by hunting and playing outside until they caught on. I did know about the sedition act, which made the new Americans worried that the President might start acting like a tyrant. My students were interested in the text, and glad that Adams kept us out of war with France, but disappointed that he seemed like a difficult person to get along with.

We have enjoyed every Venezia biography we have used (artist, musician, President). I recommend the series as a read-aloud or read alone for 3-5th grade.

[Mecca Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has great, large letters that are easy to read for the younger audience. It also includes great pictures to go along with the words that help the audience understand exactly what they are talking about. It also includes some funny graphics throughout. It almost makes fun/ provides comic relief in the book. There are cartoon characters on some pages and then on the next page their may be interesting actual hand draw pictures or photographs. The age group I would place on this book would be second grade to fourth grade. Fifth graders may also enjoy reading this book; however, it should be an easy read for them.

[Brianna J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for my biography genre. This book goes over John Adams life, from his young life wanting to be a farmer, going to Harvard, and becoming president. This book has no content concerns. It is a good book for second grade and up. I would use it when discussing presidents. I could also use this book when discussing the birth of America. I learned quite a bit about the president that I did not know. I would use this in my classroom.

[Duane · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have a younger reader, then this series is a gem. Done in a easy-to-understand format, the author does a excellent job of providing the right amount of information about each president. Done with both houmours illustrations and paintings, this book is thin enough it shouldn't put off reluctant readers. A great addition to anyone's library.