The Big Book of Presidents: From George Washington to Barack Obama

by Nancy J. Hajeski

The president has been the figurehead of the United States since the time when our country was a small band of thirteen fledgling colonies until its current position as a world superpower. The forty-four leaders of our nation have had fascinating, exciting, and sometimes scandalous lives. The Big Book of Presidents illustrates each president’s journey to the White House through facts, anecdotes, illustrations, photographs, inspirational quotes, and more! Find out which president had a faithful dog named Fala, who was the only unmarried president, and which president’s daughter carried around her pet snake in the White House in this fun and fascinating overview of our country’s leaders.

Bestselling author Nancy J. Hajeski not only provides engaging information about each president, but also includes timelines of US and world events that place each president’s term in office in a historical context. She also provides useful facts about the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, presidential assassinations, the first ladies, the vice presidents, and more to help broaden kids’ understanding of our government and the president’s role within in. With updated information on President Barack Obama, this is the perfect introduction to the lives and characters of the US presidents.

Genres: History, Politics

464 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2008

About the author

Nancy J. Hajeski is the real name of author Nancy Butler.

Nancy Butler had been—more or less—living in the 19th century since the publication of her first Signet Regency romance in 1998. Twelve novels and three novellas later, she found herself rudely back in the 21st century when the Regency romance genre faded (yet not, oddly, Austen-mania). Fortunately, in 2009 Marvel offered her a chance to adapt Pride and Prejudice for their illustrated classics line, putting her firmly back in the era she adored. The hardcover compilation became a New York Times bestseller in the graphic novel category, and when it reached No. 2 on the list there was great rejoicing.

Butler also writes nonfiction for middle-schoolers under her real name, Nancy J. Hajeski, and is the author of The Hammond Book of Presidents and of three Hammond Undercover titles: Rocks & Minerals, Princesses, and Sharks.

She has won two RITAs from the Romance Writers of America, two Reviewers’ Choice Awards from Romantic Times magazine, and was retired to their Hall of Fame by the New Jersey Romance Writers. Butler lives in the Catskills with two mellow cats and a temperamental Jackabee.

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these quick snippets of each president. The author skimmed over much of the bad-sides of any given president and did quite well at focusing on the positive accomplishments of the presidents. There were a lot of interesting facts about presidents that I knew little to nothing about especially the 8 presidents preceding and the 8 following Abraham Lincoln. That was a tough century for the USA. I especially enjoyed reading it to my kids. It was a bit beyond them, but I'm confident that they'll remember something of it.

[Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as an ebook through my library and found many of the presidential tidbits interesting. I definitely learned a ton (even though its meant for juveniles) and bookmarked things to get more detail on later. I did notice several errors and organizational issues which makes me lower the stars. But in general, it’s really amazing how we have had presidents that have worked themselves up from being orphans, farmers, haberdashery shop owners, and also battled many obstacles (disability, deaths of children and wives, being shot). It really speaks to resiliency, drive, and the American dream. Anyone can be a president as long as you are male it seems.

[Sandra Burgos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great educational, and informative on the President's!

I enjoyed reading about the Presidency of each man. I learned the history of each one & about their families. I think this book should be read in all schools. Students will learn so much of the history of each President.

[Steve Samson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love history

I like this book as it gives great details about each president. I just hope there wouldn't be much on trump if this book gets updated

[James Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of the big book of presidents

Great overview of our presidents. Did not go into great depth thought. Incorrect dates toward the end. Overall a good summary.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of the Presidents by Nancy J. Hajeski. This is an excellent non-fiction book about all of the Presidents with trivia, family stories, pictures, and highlights of their terms in office. While everyone knows of the recent Texans as far back as LBJ, I had forgotten that Eisenhower was also a Texan.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read. I like that the role of the president, the political system and other aspects of the presidency is explained. A good book for those wanting ground floor knowledge

[Belle Meade School]

973.009

[Karthika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too complex language. Not an easy flow of the story of each president. Three stars for the layout and stunning illustrations and photos.