Meet Thomas Jefferson

Step-Up Books

by Marvin Barrett, Pat Fogarty (Illustrator)

When Thomas Jefferson was young, Virginia was still a colony of England. Jefferson thought that many English laws and taxes were unfair, so he studied hard to become a lawyer and help make better laws. Soon he and others came to believe that the colonies should become a new country, and Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. As the third president of the United States, he focused on exploring the country and making it grow. His fairness and love of learning made him one of the most beloved presidents of all time.

Genres: Biography, History, American History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Presidents

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the Step-Up Books
Published in the 1960s and 1970s, they serve as a follow up series for students who have surpassed the reading level of the I Can Read books. They are simply narrated and have short sentences. They are broken into chapters that consist of about three pages usually. Pictures are throughout.

For the reading level that this is geared for, they are written well. I enjoyed the stories and the facts I learned from them. A good source for additional reading material for your beginning reader and good books to use to graduate your child from picture books to something more substantial.

Ages: 5+
Reading Level: 2nd - 3rd grades
Pages: approx. 50-90
How many titles: 38
Illustrations: full of illustrations and photographs
Price Range: $2 – $40 depending on the title and its rarity.

Cleanliness: briefly mentions tobacco, alcohol, and gambling.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it!

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[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly detailed account of Jefferson's life and career. Sometimes the language is overly simplified in what seems to be an attempt to keep away from complex sentences. It doesn't have the ring of good writing.

[Mylisha Lanegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Non-fiction, Informational
Grade level: 3rd

This book finds itself on my Favorite's shelf due to the easy to read style it presents itself. Meet Thomas Jefferson is a non-fiction book written about the life of Thomas Jefferson.

I'd use this in my classroom for students that are ready to move on from picture books as there are more words than pictures in it. Not only does it challenge students that are ready to take on chapter books it is written to inform students about the life of Thomas Jefferson.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a way it would be easier to return to the hagiographic view of Thomas Jefferson that I gained from this book, most likely my first introduction to our third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. I grew up thinking he was so smart, not to mention inspired by God to lay the foundation for our wonderful country. Now I have a much more nuanced view. I still think he was a good guy, and can't be held completely responsible for being a man of his time. I do think it's important to give children a more balanced view of history that this book teaches, but I am still glad for this Step-Up book that I received and read around 1980.

[John Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid short overview of Jefferson's life. No controversy. The author used simple words and sentence structures so my 7 and 9 year old boys and I could take turns reading. The book was very good at giving them some general context for our trip to Charlottesville. It definitely got us all interested in learning more about TJ in the future.

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids read this book in a day on their own and didn't even complain. I'd say that's a win. They've also been sharing lots of information they learned, so it's a double win! I found it to be brief, yet interesting and informative.

[Barbara Ab · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for English speaking children who move up from picture books. I think it would be a good reading for pre-intermediate and intermediate English’s learners who want to have a light “brush of American History”.

[Lucy Jul · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book glorifies a man who was a hypocritical slave owner, inventor of smear campaigning, and a pedophile rapist. This book is part of my children's homeschool curriculum but I'm looking for a replacement.

[Mediaman44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was in first or second grade. I loved reading about presidents. I reread it at least another ten times.

[Cristalle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information but the writing is very blocky and detached

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 10 year old said this book was lacking, he preferred the Jim Weiss audio version of Thomas Jefferson's story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob and mom rate the book 5 stars. Ellie rates the book 3 stars.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was informative.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Biography of Thomas Jefferson for young readers.

[Drmkk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, informative read on the life and contributions of Thomas Jefferson. He remains one of my favorite Presidents.

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a brief overview of Thomas Jefferson’s life and achievements.

Jillian liked that he built a college.

Dottie liked that even though they had very opposing views, Jefferson and Adams remained lifelong friends.

[Meredith Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

(with Ben)

[Doris Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME PRESIDENT HE WAS THANKS.

[Jennifer Rucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great quick little read about my first cousin (8x removed. Ha!) History and Family history is my jam ❤️

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

AR 3.5

[Rory Townsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was donated to my Little Free Library for younger readers making it simple and easy and interesting to read. If you want to learn about the history about Jefferson this is a good book.

[Watermarked Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great simple overview of Jefferson’s life and contributions to America.

[Skye Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really great book!📖
It’s about Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.
I rally enjoyed reading this!
Definitely 5 stars!💫🌟💫

[Bryan Spahr]

read for school in 3rd grade

[Maryalice]

PT got this for Christmas, it was one of his father's childhood favorites.

[Yulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for elementary age kids

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice elementary level biography of Thomas Jefferson. My daughter enjoyed learning all about him and was surprised to find that he did more than just serve as our 3rd president.