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A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination
Over the course of American history, there have been only four presidents who have been forced to sacrifice their lives for their country at the hands of an assassin. These great men have not been forgotten, and their stories are told here in fascinating detail for history lovers of all ages.
But those four presidents are not the only ones who have been close to death in the line of duty to the American people. This book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination, delves into all of the major assassination attempts throughout the history of the United States, in vivid detail, illustrated by Erin Kubinek.
But those four presidents are not the only ones who have been close to death in the line of duty to the American people. This book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination, delves into all of the major assassination attempts throughout the history of the United States, in vivid detail, illustrated by Erin Kubinek.
193 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2014
5 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Young
119 books157 followersBryan Young (he/they) works across many different media. His work as a writer and producer has been called "filmmaking gold" by The New York Times. He's also published comic books with Slave Labor Graphics and Image Comics. He's been a regular contributor for the Huffington Post, StarWars.com, Star Wars Insider magazine, SYFY, /Film, and was the founder and editor in chief of the geek news and review site Big Shiny Robot! In 2014, he wrote the critically acclaimed history book, A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination. He co-authored Robotech: The Macross Saga RPG and has written five books in the BattleTech Universe: Honor's Gauntlet, A Question of Survival, Fox Tales, Without Question, and the forthcoming VoidBreaker. His latest non-fiction tie-in book, The Big Bang Theory Book of Lists is a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. His work has won two Diamond Quill awards and in 2023 he was named Writer of the Year by the League of Utah Writers. He teaches writing for Writer’s Digest, Script Magazine, and at the University of Utah. Follow him across social media @swankmotron or visit swankmotron.com.
Support Bryan on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/swankmotron
Support Bryan on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/swankmotron
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 30, 2014
Such a good book and a great read. Adults don't shy away from this book, there is so much to learn. Presented in a fun format with great pictures. Scouts illustrations are outstanding! A must read.
May 7, 2014
An illustrated history of assassination seems like an odd topic for a children’s book. It seems even stranger when the topic becomes the assassination of the President of the United States. But, let’s face it: In the quest to explore the world around them, kids don’t come equipped with filters for social niceties. Topics that adults consider taboo, such as the death and murder – especially when it applies to the leader of one of the most power nations in the world – are often on a level playing field with the color wheel, multiplication tables, and the alphabet.
“A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination” is a book geared toward those difficult discussions. Author Bryan Young simplifies the topic in prose that explains and educates without talking down or being condescending to the audience. Focusing on each of the presidents who was either assassinated or had an attempt made against them, his prose introduces each leader and places them in both an understandable political and historical context. Shying away from a simple list of names and dates, he makes each history lesson engaging and entertaining.
Accompanying the text are illustrations by two artists. Erin Kubinek provides detailed imagery with a simple and comic flair that illustrates key points while complimenting and enhancing the unfolding stories. Some of the drawings are a little gruesome, but that only helps the audience to understand how messy the topic truly is. The second artist is Scout Young, the author’s daughter, who adds a presidential portrait from the point of view of the book’s intended audience. Her drawings add a degree of whimsy to an interpretation of how she sees the topic, and as one of the inspirations for the book, it’s quite fitting to include her work as a touchstone for children and parents exploring of the darker sides of American history.
As a bonus, the book ends with a short story that provides a taste of the author’s fiction style. As a fan of Young’s “Lost at the Con,” both the short story and the history book were a wonderful display of his versatility and talent.
Bryan Young’s “A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination” is a book I highly recommend.
“A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination” is a book geared toward those difficult discussions. Author Bryan Young simplifies the topic in prose that explains and educates without talking down or being condescending to the audience. Focusing on each of the presidents who was either assassinated or had an attempt made against them, his prose introduces each leader and places them in both an understandable political and historical context. Shying away from a simple list of names and dates, he makes each history lesson engaging and entertaining.
Accompanying the text are illustrations by two artists. Erin Kubinek provides detailed imagery with a simple and comic flair that illustrates key points while complimenting and enhancing the unfolding stories. Some of the drawings are a little gruesome, but that only helps the audience to understand how messy the topic truly is. The second artist is Scout Young, the author’s daughter, who adds a presidential portrait from the point of view of the book’s intended audience. Her drawings add a degree of whimsy to an interpretation of how she sees the topic, and as one of the inspirations for the book, it’s quite fitting to include her work as a touchstone for children and parents exploring of the darker sides of American history.
As a bonus, the book ends with a short story that provides a taste of the author’s fiction style. As a fan of Young’s “Lost at the Con,” both the short story and the history book were a wonderful display of his versatility and talent.
Bryan Young’s “A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination” is a book I highly recommend.
March 16, 2021
It's always hard to judge how much the complicated aspects of history should be 'dumbed down' for a children's book like this, but with a few exceptions I think the author did a pretty good job of presenting things in an accurate if sometimes a little bit incomplete way. A really interesting book that I think adults can learn a lot from as well and definitely a good jumping off point for many of the events talked about if nothing else.
April 13, 2014
This books features some of the most interesting parts of our history. Usually kids get bored if they just are given names and dates. This book gives us real information and presents it in a fun way without being too oversimplified or condescending.
Plus, great illustrations that help increase understanding, depth, and sometimes, even humor.
Plus, great illustrations that help increase understanding, depth, and sometimes, even humor.
April 23, 2014
I know, a children's book about presidential assassinations? But it's not just about attempts on American presidents' lives, Bryan Young gives a brief history on each of the presidents and puts not only the assassination attempts in context, but paints a picture oh the historical and political stage at the time. I found it supremely fascinating, education, and even at times, fun!
April 17, 2018
My sister gifted this book to me for Christmas, and I immediately laughed when I read the title. A Children's Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination is not nearly as goofy as I expected it to be.
Much of the info provided by the book is regarding attempted assassinations that aren't always covered in American history courses, so there is certainly a chance to be surprised. It's a cute book that truly would be a great discussion starter for parents looking to have a conversation with their children on this macabre topic, but it is also a great overview for all Americans, young and old.
Much of the info provided by the book is regarding attempted assassinations that aren't always covered in American history courses, so there is certainly a chance to be surprised. It's a cute book that truly would be a great discussion starter for parents looking to have a conversation with their children on this macabre topic, but it is also a great overview for all Americans, young and old.
May 7, 2014
From the first time I heard about Bryan Young’s “A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination,” I was hooked. Prompted by a question from his daughter about the murder of Abraham Lincoln, Young was disappointed that there’s not much written at a kid’s level about the many attempts (four successful) to kill the presidents of the United States.
Young, an established author and writer, decided to take on the project, with an eye toward educating his daughter, but also getting her input and even some illustrations along the way. The result is a 176-page paperback that’s very readable (I’ve already passed it on to my 12 year old son to read), with some surprises and even some humor along the way. It tackles a difficult, uncomfortable and sometimes frightening subject, and does so well.
When you consider the four presidents we know were assassinated, most Americans can only name two of them—Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy. Most even know several details about the murders—where they happened, who they were with, and even the names of the assassins. The two other presidents, Garfield and McKinley, are both forgotten in comparison. Both suffered for some time after being shot in the belly and slowly dying from internal bleeding and infection…a horrible way to die. Young gives us details that I hadn’t read before, even about Lincoln and JFK, and does it in a fast-paced way that’s very readable for kids. Each chapter is about a different president, each beginning with a short biographical sketch of their life and accomplishments up to their becoming president, and their acts as president until the time of the events in the book.
For all of the successful assassinations, there are dozens (hundreds?) of others that happen that we’ve either forgotten or never heard about in the first place. Some I had heard about before, like Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt; others, like the attempts on FDR, Truman, and Nixon were all-new to me. Still others happened in my lifetime: Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush. All are explained, to the extent that any violent act can be explained.
While the text is very informative, readable and kid-friendly, the illustrations aren’t as strong as I’d like them to be. Some of the illustrations are by Young’s daughter Scout – and those are charming. She includes a presidential portrait for each of the thirteen presidents profiled, and for many of them also includes drawings of the assassins and assassination attempts. Those illustrations I’d keep.
The main illustrations are by Erin Kubinek, and they just didn’t work for me. Some of her drawings are realistic, the presidential portraits (and portraits of assassins), each with a distinct frame incorporating imagery from their stories. Those are cool. But within each chapter, Kubinek also has more cartoony pictures—interludes that are very hit and miss. The style of illustration shifts within each chapter, some reverting back to the realism of the presidential portraits, others veering into caricature. I wish she would have stuck with either one or the other style. I don’t mind the cartoony look—in fact I rather like it for children’s books. But there are a few times where the combination of cartoony and violence just doesn’t work. It’s hard enough to read about murders chapter after chapter in a book, but including a hand-drawn version of the frame of the Zapruder film where JFK’s head explodes in a burst of blood—that took it too far for me. Not enough to turn me off of the book, but enough that I can see teachers or parents not recommending it for their kids.
All in all, I really liked the book. It’s well-written, historically accurate, and is written at just the right level for middle school students – grades 5-8. It addresses issues that kids always have questions about, and events that will come up again and again in their lives, but adults don’t always know how to answer. Open new doors, and answer difficult questions. That’s what the best books do.
Young, an established author and writer, decided to take on the project, with an eye toward educating his daughter, but also getting her input and even some illustrations along the way. The result is a 176-page paperback that’s very readable (I’ve already passed it on to my 12 year old son to read), with some surprises and even some humor along the way. It tackles a difficult, uncomfortable and sometimes frightening subject, and does so well.
When you consider the four presidents we know were assassinated, most Americans can only name two of them—Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy. Most even know several details about the murders—where they happened, who they were with, and even the names of the assassins. The two other presidents, Garfield and McKinley, are both forgotten in comparison. Both suffered for some time after being shot in the belly and slowly dying from internal bleeding and infection…a horrible way to die. Young gives us details that I hadn’t read before, even about Lincoln and JFK, and does it in a fast-paced way that’s very readable for kids. Each chapter is about a different president, each beginning with a short biographical sketch of their life and accomplishments up to their becoming president, and their acts as president until the time of the events in the book.
For all of the successful assassinations, there are dozens (hundreds?) of others that happen that we’ve either forgotten or never heard about in the first place. Some I had heard about before, like Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt; others, like the attempts on FDR, Truman, and Nixon were all-new to me. Still others happened in my lifetime: Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush. All are explained, to the extent that any violent act can be explained.
While the text is very informative, readable and kid-friendly, the illustrations aren’t as strong as I’d like them to be. Some of the illustrations are by Young’s daughter Scout – and those are charming. She includes a presidential portrait for each of the thirteen presidents profiled, and for many of them also includes drawings of the assassins and assassination attempts. Those illustrations I’d keep.
The main illustrations are by Erin Kubinek, and they just didn’t work for me. Some of her drawings are realistic, the presidential portraits (and portraits of assassins), each with a distinct frame incorporating imagery from their stories. Those are cool. But within each chapter, Kubinek also has more cartoony pictures—interludes that are very hit and miss. The style of illustration shifts within each chapter, some reverting back to the realism of the presidential portraits, others veering into caricature. I wish she would have stuck with either one or the other style. I don’t mind the cartoony look—in fact I rather like it for children’s books. But there are a few times where the combination of cartoony and violence just doesn’t work. It’s hard enough to read about murders chapter after chapter in a book, but including a hand-drawn version of the frame of the Zapruder film where JFK’s head explodes in a burst of blood—that took it too far for me. Not enough to turn me off of the book, but enough that I can see teachers or parents not recommending it for their kids.
All in all, I really liked the book. It’s well-written, historically accurate, and is written at just the right level for middle school students – grades 5-8. It addresses issues that kids always have questions about, and events that will come up again and again in their lives, but adults don’t always know how to answer. Open new doors, and answer difficult questions. That’s what the best books do.
Read
March 3, 2015
A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassination
is a presidential trivia lover’s heaven. Through the combined effort of writer Bryan Young, his daughter Scout, illustrator Erin Kubinek, and a highly-funded Kickstarter campaign, the book pays homage to thirteen of the nation’s leaders, all of whom have been the target of an attempted assassination, four of whom actually died.
While the title includes the words “children’s” and “illustrated,” this is not a warm and fuzzy picture book to be read to the kids before bedtime. It’s designed for kids who are starting to learn the history of America in school. That’s not to say that the book wouldn’t interest adults, either. Young narrates what each president did during their lifetime as well as providing the historical context surrounding what would cause a person to want to kill a president, whether it was because of too many paint fumes or anger at the government. The illustrations act as graphic vignettes, complimenting and enhancing the unfolding stories.
Keep in mind that the book isn’t just 160 pages of fun trivia facts; it acts as a supplement to grade school history classes where major assassinations are discussed (JFK, Lincoln, etc). This is not by any means a light subject, and it is treated with the respect it deserves in the book while not falling into dry history lecture. Some of the illustrations could be considered too explicit, such as JFK’s assassination, but is there really any easy way to describe his death? In general, this book is recommended for late-middle school students and older because it gives the facts in an engaging and entertaining way that this age group will enjoy. A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassinations is an intriguing read for both kids and adults and helps tell parts of American history in a new and memorable way.
—Erin O’Neall, Library Assistant
While the title includes the words “children’s” and “illustrated,” this is not a warm and fuzzy picture book to be read to the kids before bedtime. It’s designed for kids who are starting to learn the history of America in school. That’s not to say that the book wouldn’t interest adults, either. Young narrates what each president did during their lifetime as well as providing the historical context surrounding what would cause a person to want to kill a president, whether it was because of too many paint fumes or anger at the government. The illustrations act as graphic vignettes, complimenting and enhancing the unfolding stories.
Keep in mind that the book isn’t just 160 pages of fun trivia facts; it acts as a supplement to grade school history classes where major assassinations are discussed (JFK, Lincoln, etc). This is not by any means a light subject, and it is treated with the respect it deserves in the book while not falling into dry history lecture. Some of the illustrations could be considered too explicit, such as JFK’s assassination, but is there really any easy way to describe his death? In general, this book is recommended for late-middle school students and older because it gives the facts in an engaging and entertaining way that this age group will enjoy. A Children’s Illustrated History of Presidential Assassinations is an intriguing read for both kids and adults and helps tell parts of American history in a new and memorable way.
—Erin O’Neall, Library Assistant
July 23, 2016
I borrowed this from the library as a curiosity after I heard about it, and was really impressed. I learned a lot about American history (and some of our presidents) that I had never heard before, even after taking American History and US Government in high school. Not all of the things I learned about our presidents and our history was great to read, but then, neither history nor politics are always pleasant.
It was interesting and easy to read, with enough background information on everything that there was no need to look anything up for context as I read. (It also was neither too . . . gory, or anything, say, I'd've been happy to read it to my niece, nor too condescending or dumbed down on the excuse of it being 'for children'.)
The bulk of the book, divided up by presidents, was followed by a brief history of the Secret Service (I'd certainly never heard the story of how they came about and evolved to take on their current duties) and a short fictional piece about a schoolboy that was quite amusing and fit in nicely with the book's topic.
It was interesting and easy to read, with enough background information on everything that there was no need to look anything up for context as I read. (It also was neither too . . . gory, or anything, say, I'd've been happy to read it to my niece, nor too condescending or dumbed down on the excuse of it being 'for children'.)
The bulk of the book, divided up by presidents, was followed by a brief history of the Secret Service (I'd certainly never heard the story of how they came about and evolved to take on their current duties) and a short fictional piece about a schoolboy that was quite amusing and fit in nicely with the book's topic.
January 23, 2016
I would have devoured this book as a kid. It's a tad morbid but fun and informational.
A kid-friendly book that reminded me of Sarah Vowell's "Assassination Vacation", this book walks you through the whys of not only the 4 successful presidential assassinations but many attempts and plots on the presidents throughout the years. It actually debunks some widely thought to be true facts, for example: Teddy Roosevelt wasn't shot during his speech in Milwaukee and then kept giving it; he was shot BEFORE he even left for the speech but because he wasn't coughing up blood he made his team take him to the speech so he could give it. I learned a lot I didn't already know and had a blast reading this.
A kid-friendly book that reminded me of Sarah Vowell's "Assassination Vacation", this book walks you through the whys of not only the 4 successful presidential assassinations but many attempts and plots on the presidents throughout the years. It actually debunks some widely thought to be true facts, for example: Teddy Roosevelt wasn't shot during his speech in Milwaukee and then kept giving it; he was shot BEFORE he even left for the speech but because he wasn't coughing up blood he made his team take him to the speech so he could give it. I learned a lot I didn't already know and had a blast reading this.
November 23, 2014
Bizarre concept, yet I couldn't not want this. Something about unnatural marriages of things GET me. A Blues Brothers cross stitch sampler, a book about the assassinations of United States Presidents aimed at children.....YES.
And honestly this book was quite informative. Each chapter is about a President who either died or someone tried to assassinate. And it's concise and clear and I liked it. It's interesting without being gruesome or anything. Illustrations help you see what people looked like, and diagrams of how events happened.
Just the right amount of history plus weirdness. I liked it.
And honestly this book was quite informative. Each chapter is about a President who either died or someone tried to assassinate. And it's concise and clear and I liked it. It's interesting without being gruesome or anything. Illustrations help you see what people looked like, and diagrams of how events happened.
Just the right amount of history plus weirdness. I liked it.
March 23, 2016
I wish this book was around when I was a child! I've always been intrigued by history, presidents and little known facts. Bryan Young wrote a book for children specially since his daughter was surprised that a president had been assassinated. Well actually quite a few attempts were made on quite a few presidents! There were facts that I didn't know, like the brand new x-ray machine invented by Edison they thought of using on President McKinley but were afraid of the side affects. This is an enjoyable read about a lot of potential assassinations and some truly terrible deaths.
July 22, 2016
Great book for getting kids interested in history and politics. Well written with touches of humor provide for a quick read. My nephew kept reading over my shoulder and I found myself stopping to discuss it with him and spark conversations with grandparents.
November 29, 2015
Many things I never learned in history class are contained here in this fun book about presidential assassinations and assassination attempts in US history.
March 21, 2016
This is a surprisingly good book. Although the title may give people pause, I would recommend it not only for children but for adults as well.
December 12, 2016
Fantastic illustrations that show, in very delicate detail, the assassinations on 4 of our former presidents. Very informative whilst being fun and enjoyable at the same time.
January 12, 2017
History for children
This book is a great look at Presidential history. It was interesting for this adult. U learn things that I didn't know.
This book is a great look at Presidential history. It was interesting for this adult. U learn things that I didn't know.
September 27, 2020
I bought this after hearing about it on a podcast a year ago and just now got around to it. This is a great read for children, it doesn't speak down to them but instead treats them as intelligent young people who are interested in parts of American history. Some might call it morbid, but it's natural for a child's curiosity to be piqued by some of the darker parts of history. This book gives each President who was the target of an assassin a small biography on their life, the motives behind each assassin, and the aftermath of their assault. The illustrations are sometimes hilarious, but always gorgeous. The author's child included their own illustration of each President, and a few of the assassination attempts. I'm an adult and learned a few things I didn't know about prior to reading this. If you have kids who show an interest in history, I would encourage you to purchase this for them. If you're an adult and have an interest in history I would also recommend it for you too. Very interesting, entertaining and informative.
November 14, 2018
I'm probably way above the recommended reading level for this book, but you know what? So what. It's a great overview of all the presidents who have been assassinated, as well as several notable attempts, covering all the way through W. It also includes an overview of the history of the Secret Service.
This is a great book for the more macabre minded kids, as well as those who might be inclined to be history nerdy. I would have loved it when I was the age this is meant for, and heck, I enjoyed it now. The mixture of professional and amateur illustrations are great.
This is a great book for the more macabre minded kids, as well as those who might be inclined to be history nerdy. I would have loved it when I was the age this is meant for, and heck, I enjoyed it now. The mixture of professional and amateur illustrations are great.
February 22, 2022
So I got this book a few years ago for my history class and I’ve read excerpts from it in class, mostly just the JFK and Lincoln sections. I recently decided it was time to read the whole thing and I loved it! It’s short, sweet and to the point. Loved that it’s geared for children but it doesn’t talk down to them at all. It’s just real and direct. Big fan of Scout’s illustrations (the authors then 9 year old daughter). Can’t tell if it’s fitting or ominous that I finished reading it on President’s Day. Oh well.
August 15, 2017
This being a children's book it doesn't delve too deeply into each president but gives you all the pertinent details about the assassination/assassination attempt. I learned a lot of new information and I loved to the drawings.
August 27, 2018
Great book. It is a children’s book so you have to be cognizant of that fact while you’re reading. It is extremely readable and I look forward to one day sharing it with my children. One day, as they are 3 and 2 months old it wouldn’t be appropriate.
August 31, 2022
I learned a lot from this little book. I was shocked at how many assassination attempts there have been over the years. The attempts have increased. There is also a chapter about the creation of the Secret Service. This is an easy read and very informative. It is a children's book
August 27, 2017
And engaging, educational read for people of all ages.
December 18, 2017
Read this with my 10-year old history-loving son and he was riveted. It was so fascinating and we both loved it.
June 22, 2018
A fun little read. Your five-year-will be able to follow along with your help. Your eight-year-old can tackle it alone. To an adult, it’s simplified but not dumbed down.
December 28, 2015
This book is amazing. Yes I realize the title is strange, but Young breaks down the four assassinations and all of the attempts in a fun, informative way, easy for older kids to understand, but still chock-full of information. The illustrations are awesome, especially the ones done by the authors young daughter. Many of these attempts I had not heard of before, so it was very cool.
June 1, 2016
A great summary that will hold the interest of kids without getting gory or over analyzing the issues. Unlike some reviewers, I found the illustrations by the author's daughter, Scout, detracted from the book. Including one or two would have sufficed to grave an idea of this young lady's enthusiasm for the subject.
October 12, 2015
I found myself having to reread this for an interview I was doing about the book and holy smokes, it's even better than I remembered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews