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(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Betty C. Tang.
Brayden Harrington has techniques that help with his "bumpy speech," but public speaking still causes stress and embarrassment sometimes. When he meets Joe Biden at a presidential campaign event, Brayden is astonished when Biden tells him: "'When I was your age, I had bumpy speech, too.'" The encounter inspires both Brayden and the soon-to-be president, who invites the thirteen-year-old to (virtually) address the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Like Harrington's viral speech, his autobiographical account is sympathetic and moving, with cheery digital illustrations that emphasize feelings of hope. Appended with tips and other information on stuttering.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Amy June Bates.
This portrait of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee focuses on Joe Biden's childhood and young adult years. The narrative ties together anecdotes showcasing Biden's leadership, compassion, faith, and strong commitment to family, with a focus on his humble upbringing and struggles with stuttering and bullying. Written by his wife--with veteran nonfiction author Krull--this picture book biography is laudatory but not overly so. Warm illustrations contribute to the text's comforting mood. Family tragedies are included in a timeline (current to March 2020). A list of homey "Bidenisms" and a bibliography are appended.
104 pp.
| Lucent
| September, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4205-0260-2$33.45
(4)
YA
People in the News series.
These mainly laudatory volumes examine their subjects' early obstacles, career controversies, and successes. Perry endured childhood abuse; he had many professional failures before becoming a powerful writer, producer, and actor. Biden overcame stuttering and coped with the tragic death of his wife and child early in his political career. Combs has reinvented himself many times. Copious photos illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Sean Combs, Joe Biden, and Tyler Perry.
112 pp.
| Morgan
| September, 2009
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59935-131-5$28.95
(4)
YA
Political Profiles series.
These three uneven political biographies cover their subjects' childhoods, important life events, and present-day careers. Though the texts are marred by occasional inaccuracies (e.g, Lewis incorrectly states that Martin Luther King Jr. went to Boston College instead of Boston University), they could appeal to budding politicians. Photographs, some without captions, help illuminate history and personalities. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Political Profiles titles: Sarah Palin, John Lewis, and Joe Biden.