I’ll have to admit, I didn’t know much about the other Founding Fathers. These picture and short chapter books were engaging reads for us.
The subheading reads, “Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud.” Jefferson and Adams were opposite in appearance and in personality, too. The beginning of the book sets up their relationship as friends, especially in their roles in the early days of the American Revolution.
“John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. But their differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends. They each became leaders of opposing political parties, and their rivalry followed them to the White House. Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America’s most well-known presidents and how they learned to put their political differences aside for the sake of friendship.” (from the publisher)
Their notable differences began while the founding fathers were setting up the new government. John was a Federalist, believing in a strong executive power, while Thomas Jefferson wanted more checks and balances.
This argument led to a rift in their friendship that wasn’t mended until they began corresponding again in 1812. They were friends again until their deaths, which happened to be on the same day and the 50th anniversary of American Independence: July 4, 1826.
Those Rebels, John & Tom, link to read it for free online at archive.org
This book highlights the differences in personality and upbringing between extrovert John Adams and introvert Thomas Jefferson. Each uses their different strengths to help rally the country towards independence. The book ends with the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. There is an author’s note, a picture of the Declaration, and source notes for quotations at the end of the book.
“John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different. John Adams was short and stout. Thomas Jefferson was tall and lean. John was argumentative and blunt. Tom was soft-spoken and polite. But these two very different gentlemen did have two things in common: They both cared deeply about the American colonies, and neither cared much for the British tyrant, King George.With their signature wit, impeccable research, and inventive presentation style, award winners Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham masterfully blend biography and history to create a brilliant portrait of two American heroes who bravely set aside their differences to join forces in the fight for our country’s freedom.” (from the publisher)
Most Wanted: The Revolutionary Partnership of John Hancock & Samuel Adams
This was a great introduction to some of the lesser known founding fathers of John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They were both key figures at the beginning of the American Revolution in Boston. The story details how Hancock comes around to the patriot cause and they both become leaders in resisting the British. Eventually, they must flee to the countryside and are later warned by Paul Revere on his famous night ride on the eve of the American Revolution. There are extra notes in the back, a timeline, bibliography, and source notes for quotations used throughout.
My only trouble with the book was that it referred to the men as Hancock and Adams. My mind kept defaulting to John Adams, so, as I read the book aloud, I began to say “Samuel Adams” to keep it clear for my listeners.
“John Hancock and Samuel Adams were an unlikely pair of troublemakers. Hancock was young and dashing. Adams was old and stodgy. But working together, they rallied the people of Boston against the unfair policies of Great Britain and inspired American resistance. And to King George, they became a royal pain.” (from the publisher)
Chapter Books
Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?, link to read it for free online at archive.org
Ahh, John Hancock, the big signature in the middle of the Declaration of Indepencence. I learned so much about the person of John Hancock and his role in Boston at the start of the American Revolution. This is an amusing account of his lavish personality. Black slaves are depicted in the pictures but not mentioned in the text.
“Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated.” (from the publisher)
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?, link to read it for free online at archive.org
Another amusing account, Jean Fritz highlights the life of Paul Revere, his role in the Boston tea party and his famous night ride.
“Everyone knows about Paul Revere’s midnight ride. But not everyone knows the harrowing details and narrow escapes that occurred along the way. This timeless and witty book highlights little-known facts about patriot Paul Revere.” (from the publisher)