Theodore Roosevelt for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities (33)

by Kerrie Logan Hollihan

Named a Smithsonian Notable Book for Children for 2010   Theodore Roosevelt’s heart was as big as the great outdoors he loved. A sickly, undersized boy, he grew into a physically fit, energetic man whose courage knew no bounds. Roosevelt hailed from the top of American society, but wealth could not shield him from human tragedy. As leader of a young, vigorous nation, he steered a middle course between the power brokers of big business and the needs of ordinary working people. A keen student of nature, Roosevelt would protect millions of acres for posterity. He was a writer, ranchman, politician, soldier, explorer, family man, and America’s 26th president, the youngest person to ever hold the office.             Theodore Roosevelt for Kids brings to life this fascinating man, an American giant whose flaws were there for all the world to see. Twenty-one hands-on activities offer a useful glimpse at Roosevelt’s work and times. Readers will create a Native American toy, explore the effects of erosion, go on a modern big game hunt with a camera, and make felted teddy bears. The text includes a time line, online resources, and reading list for further study. And through it all, readers will appreciate how one man lived a “Bully!” life and made the word his very own.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Karen Ball]

America's 26th president started out as a sickly, asthmatic child who wasn't well enough to go to school. His father encouraged him to exercise and build his body, and his curiosity about nature led him to learn about animals and habitats. Theodore Roosevelt graduated from Harvard, and became many things in his life: published writer, cowboy rancher, soldier, famous cavalry officer, explorer, governor of New York, Vice President, and President of the United States. He had a large family whom he loved, and they all trooped into the Executive Mansion with him. Roosevelt changed the name of the home to "The White House" and he and his wife Edith restored and updated the building, adding the West Wing and the Oval Office. Roosevelt was a wealthy man with business connections, but he was known for "trust-busting" - or breaking up business monopolies. He was also known for his conservation efforts, including setting aside more than 16 million acres of public lands as parks and monuments for all people to enjoy. His international policies and actions were also well known: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Roosevelt believed in having a powerful navy to prevent other nations from attacking, and he believed in having a canal in Panama, across Central America, to allow ships to travel more efficiently. The ways that Roosevelt got things done weren't always on the up-and-up, and though not everything he did went well, he seemed to have the best intentions overall (at least in the frame of his time). This biography is well-written, though some of the historical political situations are more complicated. Plenty of photos and the 21 activities are related to the events of the time, with plenty of directions and cautions. 6th grade and up.

[Kaycee]

Monopoly breaker, Nobel Peace Prize winner, conservationist, progressive policy maker, creator of the Square Deal, and inspiration for the teddy bear. Theodore Roosevelt led a very accomplished presidency, but his life before and after his time in often had just as many accomplishments and adventures. The book gives details about Teddy Roosevelt's life from his asthma attacks in childhood to his death at Sagamore Hill. The book is very detailed and full of quotes from Roosevelt and his peers. Through this book it is easy for the reader to see just how influential Teddy Roosevelt was in the turn of the century and how his policies and actions helped to shape the United States. The book contains 21 activities and crafts that are engaging and apply directly to the content of the book. In addition to the activities there are also side bars and boxes that give additional Details about people and important events. There is also a timeline, a table of contents, a list of resources, and an index. This book has a lot of information and while it is fairly easy to read, and gives definitions for some of the more difficult words in the text, I would recommend for readers in grades 6-8.

[Diana Jenkins]

This book is for young readers, but it's a fascinating read for adults as well. Kerrie Logan Hollihan brings Theodore Roosevelt and his times to life with her well-researched and well-written book. While full of information, THEODORE ROOSEVELT FOR KIDS is accessible and fun to read. Interesting details, well-placed quotes by and about Roosevelt, excellent photos and illustrations, and intriguing sidebars enrich this wonderful presidential biography. The activities are genuinely useful and educational but still appealing to kids.