Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy

by Doreen Rappaport, Matt Tavares (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president. But he didn't always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Childrens, Nonfiction, Historical, Presidents

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2010

About the author

Doreen Rappaport has written many books of fiction and nonfiction for young readers, specializing in thoroughly researched multicultural history, historical fiction, retellings of folktales and myths, and stories of those she calls the "not-yet-celebrated." Among her recent books is Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received a Caldecott Honor Award and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration. Doreen Rappaport divides her time between New York City and a rural village in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Peyton Shuckhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy. The Story of his life told in a way children can understand. It uses short passages and paragraphs to help explain the past events that is comprehendible for children. I really think this writing style is a great way for kids to learn about people in the past, without it being too long and boring. With the great illustrations, it makes the read easy and the photos help explain what’s going on so you don’t have to fully comprehend what is exactly going on.

The illustrations are fantastic. They have a full circle ending with the photos which helps create a connection to the book. Starting with a beach as a little boy, and ending his life on a beach. The photos are taking up the majority of the pages and then the opposing side has the words. The cover of the book has no title or author, its strictly the photo of Jacks face. It is big and portrays him very well.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know a little about JFK, but this was interesting. In a workshop I went to where Doreen Was a Keynote and talked about these series, she was determined to only do books on famous people in history only if she could tell it a different way. Well this was told in a different way. I had heard the JFK had back problems, and it was rumored he was to Europe to receive treatments. That when he gave the "Ich Bein Beliner" speech he was in agony and had to have serious treatments for pain on the trip.

Another great one from Doreen and Matt (yes I feel cool enough to call them by their first names because I have meant them and have shaken their hands)

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this shame me. I had no idea that John F. Kennedy had a bad back from a football injury that bothered him his whole life. I also didn't know that he gave up football and became a competitive swimmer. His swimming ultimately led him to save several men while in war in the South Pacific. And shame on me again, but I didn't know that he wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning biography either--Profiles in Courage. Someone just smack me over the head with this book please...

[Hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen Rappaort never ceases to amaze me. Nor does her choice in illustrators! This book, like all her others is absolutely beautiful! Matt Taveres's illustrations are simply breathtaking.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Doreen Rappaport's biographical picture books and this is no exception. Definitely worth adding to the collection.

[Marissa]

The book "Jack's Path of Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy" is a great children's biography book. It really went into the life of John F. Kennedy (birth to death) and touched on all of his accomplishments, along with his downfalls. This book was a great biography book because it didn't over glorify the president, and the story flowed easily from page to page. The reader could look at this book and admire the President for all that he had battled and overcome. It was interesting to read because it put you into the world of John F. Kennedy, exposing you to details you had never known.
The illustrations in this book were very interesting. The illustrations always went from page to page and there was never any white space. This made the book more appealing to the reader, and it made me feel like I was apart of the situation and what was happening on that page. Another interesting thing about the illustrations were that the texts played an equal part with them. The text would spread from page to page and wouldn't be limited to a corner of the page. In addition to that, the dialogue of the text was always bolder and bigger than the rest of the text, usually in red or blue. This put emphasis on what was being said, letting the reader know that that part was important.
After reading this biography, I realized how much I don't know about John F. Kennedy. This biography did an amazing job of putting facts into a story and making it enjoyable for everyone. I learned that his nickname was Jack, that he created the Peace Corps and that he had constant back pain--which shows how strong of a person he his for dealing with that and the stress of being the President. But I especially liked how the book began and ended with the beach, making the story come full circle.

[Christine Turner]

John F. Kennedy was a popular, charismatic president, beloved by many. But he didn't always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and also overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe. After Joe Jr.'s death John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. Doreen Rappaport once again combines real-life quotes with her own lyrical prose to create a moving portrait of a beloved figure. Matt Tavares' stunning artwork vividly depicts this unique time in history.

Notes
Doreen Rappaport has written numerous award-winning books for children, including: Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Honor Book; and John's Secret Dreams: The Life of John Lennon , also illustrated by Bryan Collier. She lives and writes in upstate New York.

Matt Tavares is the illustrator several books, including Lady Liberty: A Biography , written by Doreen Rappaport. Matt lives in Ogunquit, Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture biography of John F Kennedy. This story informs readers about President Kennedy's Life growing up to that of his life as President. Readers will learn as I did that growing up, family and friends called JFK Jack. The book covers JFK's rivalry with his brother Joe and how to John, he was living in a shadow, we also learn JFK's role in war, his success in school, and the Government positions he held. Readers will learn the Major events of JFK's life during his time in Political Office. I really enjoyed this book and would used it for a Social Studies unit the covers President's. Would I buy this book for a classroom. Yes! This is by far my favorite, President/Biography picture book I have read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written simply enough for elementary school students, Doreen Rappaport's biography of JFK captures his essence, conflict, and legacy. The use of quotes is excellent -- short, sweet, to the point, and appropriate for elementary students. There is some information about his childhood family, brother, and children, but the information is fairly limited; the book concludes with his assassination but does not address conspiracy ideas or the mourning nation. Recommended for students in grades 2 - 4, though I suspect many teachers and librarians will learn something new from this text as well.

Nonfiction text features include notes from the author and illustrator, list of important events, selected research sources, and suggested reading.

[Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hits the highlights in the life of John F. Kennedy. It begins with the family he was born into, covers his health challenges, his struggles through college, accident in WWII, and his rise to political stardom. Several family members and other important players and briefly mentioned, but the book sticks with the main stories of JFK.

I thought that the book was really good. The illustrations were well done, and the content was easy to read.

I think that students would be able to read this book and get a good grasp upon this president. I can see where this book might influence some to dig a little deeper into the life of JFK. This would be a good book for a class that was doing presidential displays.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th-6th

A biography of John F. Kennedy. In a story format the life of President Kennedy from childhood through his presentational term is outlined. Kennedy was a driven man when president, fought for the space program, civil rights and much more. This story shoes Kennedy in a very positive light. Students of all ages could enjoy learning about history.
A teacher could use this book in many different ways. A mini lesson on what a biography is. This could help students see a different way to convey a persons life beyond making a list of dates.
This book would be a great to out-line Kennedy's life for a history lesson. All subject should have children book incorporated.

[Ashlynn Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about John F.Kennedy and his life. His father always wanted his older brother to go into politics, but unfortunately Joe was in a plane crash and died at a young age. After his death John's, whose family called Jack, father told him he had to go into politics. He finally wins president, and decides to go visit Texas where he is sadly shot and killed.

This was a very good read on how John F. Kennedy became president and about his life before. It is nice to show students that even public figures had a childhood too.

This book would be great to read during a unit on presidents, and the lives they lived before become presidents.

[Jessica L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I learned so much from this book. It is simply written so that everyone can understand the his story. The illustrations are beautiful as well. When I first picked up the book, I was curious about how they would handle his assassination. It was handled in a tasteful and simple way. It also gives readers places to go to find out more information.

Themes: Presidents, US History

This could be read in an English class studying biographies. It could also be used in a history class as well.

[Jenny Schuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This non-fiction picture book about the life of JFK was very engaging. The illustrations were beautiful and seemed to carry the feeling of happiness that I feel JFK brought to the white house. It is factual and presents the information in a very easy to read style. In the back of the book there is a timeline of events that would be very helpful and useful for projects on JFK with this book chosen as a source. I enjoyed this book a lot and think it would be a great addition to a class library. It is a great peek into history.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doreen Rappaport writes another reverential history book about a famous American. This time it is Jack Kennedy, our former President. In reverential prose and beautiful pictures, the story of President Kennedy's greatness is laid out for a young person. I use the book in middle school with my ESOL students because it points out the most important parts of his life with clear pictures to support the text. A nice book and very helpful for teachers.

[Bdalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated biography hits the highlights of Jack Kennedy's life and presidency. A noted author, war hero, and politician, Jack Kennedy inspired many with his bold decisions and his eloquence. Many young American's may not know that many were prejudiced against Catholics and African Americans, and that John. F. Kennedy did much to remove barriers and to further the cause of freedom. My only complaint is that this book ends too abruptly.

[Fan Wang · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book is very easy to read with lots of big pictures explaining the words. It used very concise words to narrate the whole life of John Kennedy. The pictures are very descriptive and well-drawn, making the reading more interesting. What this book does greatest, I think, is it bolds and highlights most valuable phrase coming from John Kennedy on each page, drawing readers' attention on his most meaningful thought. Overall, this book let me know a person and what makes him memorable.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rappaport offers a good introudction to young readers of Kennedy's public and private life, emphasizing his virtue of courage--his heroism in World War II, coping with his chronic pain, his peaceful resolution of the Cuban missile crisis. Tavares's illustrations are larger-than-life but realistic, resisting the trap of rendering Kennedy too idealized or romanticized.

[Megan T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rappaport- Extra Cred
This was another great bio picture book my Rappaport. The thing I loved the most, aside from the great quotes, was how the illustrations are of actual Kennedy family photos. They really help make the book more interesting. Also I loved how BIG the book was, for some reason it made it more fun to read.

[Joshita · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different style of picture book. It was interesting to see historical facts being turned into a story with pictures. The author's use of quotes, combined with her own prose and bright illustrations, brought JFK's story to life. It would be a good choice for history teachers to pair with a textbook (that would not be so interesting).

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture book biography with beautiful paintings and quotes from Kennedy (and others) to support the text. Third grade thought it was a little bit long for a read aloud, perhaps a picture walk would be best for group readings as the students did enjoy the artwork. Pair this with Jonah Winters JFK for a presidential picture walk.

[Hannah O'Hearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book take you through John F. Kennedy's (Jack's) life. It starts out when jack is a young boy trying to live up to his fathers expectation to him running for president and putting a man on the moon. I thought this book was well written, and I really enjoyed the illustrations. I would encourage this book for non-fiction reading and could use to teach about presidents.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another outstanding picture book biography from Doreen Rappaport (Martin's Big Words; Eleanor, Quiet No More; and Abe's Honest Words-- this time highlighting the life and najor accomplishments of JFK. Quotes from Kennedy's speeches and books on every page support the narrative.

[Robert Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beautifully rendered illustrations of artist Matt Tavares vividly enhance this biographic picture book. Doreen Rappaport successfully touches on the defining moments on JFK's life, and intersperses her text with quotes from the man himself.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very understandable summary of President Kennedy's adult life which features his medical woes, WW II heroism, publications, and ultimately, his political career. Some of his more famous quotes are used. Author's and illustrator's notes, timeline, and resources.

[Sandybear76 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this author's books and their illustrations. The books give young readers enough info about the subject without overwhelming them and still give the readers enough info to learn more about the subject.

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring profile of a man who made a difference despite difficult situations, personal struggles, and high expectations from others. I can see how he was able to convince others to realize a future he envisioned.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

timeline, bibliography author/illustrator notes with the personal connection they felt to kennedy (author's first election)

large pull out quotes on each page

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated with Jack Kennedy and this book really shares important moments in his life. Beautifully done by Doreen Rappaport! I love this series as it brings biography to life!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the quotes on each page.