(4) K-3 Big Buddy Books: United States Presidents series. These large-print biographies include very general information related to each president, beginning with a brief biographical timeline and continuing with succinct descriptions of events leading up to and during their presidency. Relevant paintings and photographs and occasional sidebars accompany the unoriginal texts. Back matter highlights the three branches of government, the line of succession, and an inspiring quote from that president. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Big Buddy Books: United States Presidents titles: Chester Arthur, George H.W. Bush, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, James Buchanan, and George W. Bush.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Robert Byrd. Edinger creates a fictional first-person voice for Margru, one of four Mende children aboard the Amistad, and through her eyes relates her enslavement in Africa, the shipboard revolt, and the captives' two-year stay in Connecticut while their mutiny case was being tried. Edinger avoids sensationalism without underselling the more disturbing parts of the story. Byrd's pen-and-watercolor illustrations embellish and extend the story. Bib.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2013

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Greg Harlin. A taut fictionalized text and stately illustrations describe the 1778 Atlantic voyage of John Adams and his ten-year-old son, Johnny. As they travel to France to seek support in the Revolutionary War, their ship is chased by British frigates, hit by lightning, and fired on by a merchant ship. A brief author's note describes the subsequent achievements of John and John Quincy Adams.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Presidential Leaders series. Six presidents--from Warren Harding, whom historians rate one of the worst, to Theodore Roosevelt, whose popularity resulted in a stuffed animal being named for him--are profiled in these laudatory biographies. Report writers will find the basic facts here but will need to look elsewhere for more comprehensive coverage. Black-and-white period photos and reproductions break up the dull texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Presidential Leaders titles: William H. Taft, Andrew Johnson, Warren G. Harding, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Dear Mr. President series. Twelve-year-old William Pratt writes to President Adams about, among other issues, the plight of the Creek Indians; Emma Bartoletti corresponds with President Roosevelt about her family's Depression-era experiences. Despite their unlikely scenarios, the books in this series present intriguing historical portraits. The busy design includes photographs, reproductions, and editorial cartoons. Ind. [Review covers these Dear Mr. President titles: John Quincy Adams and Franklin D. Roosevelt.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 United States Presidents series. Current events may generate a renewed interest in the other president who followed his father to the White House. This formulaic biography recaps Adams's life, showing that his political triumphs occurred while serving as a diplomat, Secretary of State, and U.S. representative, rather than during his undistinguished presidency. Reproductions and "source documents" illustrate the text. A time line is included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 United States Presidents series. Each of these ten books includes brief biographical information, a list of stats about the individual (place of birth, parents' names, religion, etc.), a time line of the president's life and achievements, and two pages explaining the role of the president and the other two branches of government. Report writers will find the basic facts but will need to look elsewhere for substantive information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow