Theodore Roosevelt    Theodore Roosevelt, a man of great talent and skill served as the 26th president of the US. Previously he was a New York State Assemblyman, Governor of New York, Vice President of the US, Police Commissioner of New York City, all before the age of 42, at which time he became the youngest man ever to hold the office of President.    "He also established himself as a historian (he was President of the American Historical Association) and as a naturalist (he was considered the world's authority on large American mammals and he led two major scientific expeditions for prominent American Museums, one in South America and one in Africa, each lasting many months). Had he not become President, he would be remembered for his contributions in both of these fields. In between these busy enterprises, he found time to ranch in the West, hunt on several continents, raise a family of six rambunctious children, read a remarkable number of books (often one a day), write more than thirty-five himself, and develop an extraordinary network of friends and contacts, which he maintained mostly by mail, writing well over 150,000 letters."    Theodore Roosevelt Presidential achievements are also impressive, but he may be best remembered for his conservation work. During his tenure in the White House from 1901 to 1909, he designated 150 National Forests, the first 51 Federal Bird Reservations, 5 National Parks, the first 18 National Monuments.    To learn more visit www.theodoreroosevelt.org/ where the above information was excerpted and other sites such as www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/tr26.html www.whitehouse.gov/kids/presidents/theodoreroosevelt.html www.theodore-roosevelt.com/ For a Q & A with Frank Keating, author of Theodore, please click here.    A few current books about this amazing man are reviewed below. Contributor: Marilyn Courtot Reviews The Midnight Forests: The Story of Gifford Pinchot, Teddy Roosevelt, and Our National Forests Gary Hines Illustrated by Robert Casilla    As a young man in the 1880s, Gifford Pinchot made a decision that affected his destiny--and ours. Instead of joining his wealthy father's successful business, Gifford decided to study forestry. After graduating from Yale, he attended France's L'Ecole Nationale Forestiere. Europeans were bringing their forests back from the brink of destruction and taught surveying, mapping, silviculture, and the importance of forest habitat for wildlife. When Pinchot returned home, the U.S. was ravaging its forest capital. Pinchot's advice on conservation was unwelcome until he was hired by George Vanderbilt to husband the Biltmore Estate forest. Pinchot's success there garnered him an appointment to head the federal government's forestry department. But his career really took off when he decked New York's governor in a friendly boxing match. They became friends who shared a love and respect for the outdoors. And that friend, Teddy Roosevelt, was instrumental in establishing the Forest Service in 1905. The Roosevelt-Pinchot duo worked together to set aside and protect national forests. Then, Congress passed a bill to stop this conservation. But before that bill took effect, Roosevelt, Pinchot, and others worked feverishly to set aside an additional 16 million acres--the midnight forests. Subtitled A Story of Gifford Pinchot and Our National Forests, this book is laid out in spreads with text on one page and beautiful paintings on the other. Author Hines once worked for the Forest Service and occasionally performs a one-man show as Pinchot. My only disappointment with this book is the lack of a map or listing of the midnight forests. 2005, Boyds Mills Press, $16.95. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Chris Gill (Children's Literature). ISBN: 1-5639-7148-8 Teddy Roosevelt: The People's President Sharon Shavers Gayle Illustrated by Bob Dacey and Debra Bandelin    Three substantial chapters cover the childhood, high points, and ascension to the Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. The first makes much of his weakness as a child and his building himself into someone strong, bold and able to lead, overcoming skinniness and asthma in the process. The other two cover his early professional life and travels, while the third details his presidency and later life. The monotonous format of text in blocks across the top of the page and bland illustrations along the bottom is only occasionally relieved by a full-page picture or one of action rather than people in stiff positions. However, the information is straightforward and easy to understand, and a timeline assists the report writer in keeping important details straight so that this might be used with less able older readers, as well as middle elementary ones. This is part of the "Stories of Famous Americans," series Level 3. 2004, Aladdin, $3.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Susan Hepler, Ph.D. (Children's Literature). Best Books: The Children's Literature Choice List, 2005; Children's Literature; United States ISBN: 0-689-85825-6 ISBN: 0-689-85826-4 Theodore Frank Keating Paintings by Mike Wimmer    Do you remember the faces of the presidents on Mount Rushmore? One of them is Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt and as you read about this man, you can understand why he was given this honor. He was not a strong, healthy or particularly outgoing child, but his family and his own perseverance helped him strengthen his body and overcome the limitations of diseases such as asthma. His education was not formal but his inquiry mind led him to read voraciously and to study and question everything around him. His family had wealth and that helped because as a young boy, he could be taught at home and could travel the world. Most importantly, his family cared about him, and he was raised in a loving and supportive environment. In addition to entering politics and government service, he led an active and exciting life as a cowboy, hunter and soldier. He lost his first wife and remarried and had a total of six children-all of whom he adored and spent much time with even while serving as the president of the US. If all that is not enough, he wrote books, oversaw the construction of the Panama Canal and received the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a president worth studying and emulating. The paintings by Mike Wimmer are wonderful-no static portraits here, there are scenes that show Teddy's imagination, joy de vivre and close relationship with his parents. They are so realistic that they almost look like photographs. My only quibble as with most of the books about famous people is the choice of image on the cover. It is probably on of the least flattering and appealing in the entire book and is not going to make kids run and open the pages-too bad because there is a lot to enjoy and learn. 2006, Simon & Schuster, Ages 6 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 978-0-689-86532-9 ISBN: 0-689-86532-5 Theodore Roosevelt Gwenyth Swain    As a small child Theodore Roosevelt--Teedie, as he was called--was sickly. As he grew older his health improved and by the time he entered Harvard University he was in good health. He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1881. Then when his wife, Alice Lee, died in 1884 he left politics and traveled west to the Dakota Territory. He returned to politics in 1886 to run for Mayor of New York City, but was badly defeated. Before trying politics again, he fought in the Spanish American War. Following the war, he ran for governor of New York and won. He was then persuaded to run for Vice President on the ticket with William McKinley. When McKinley was assassinated, Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest person ever to serve as President of the US. Among his accomplishments were the building of the Panama Canal, the Meat Inspection Act and the Hepburn Act which set rules for railroads. The illustrations are unattractive and depressing-looking. This title is part of the "History Makers Bios" series. 2005, Lerner Publications Company, $25.26. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-1548-2 Theodore Roosevelt Stephanie Sammartino McPherson    Among America's past presidents perhaps no single individual was a more vibrant personality than Theodore Roosevelt. A sickly child, Roosevelt grew into an energetic manhood. Famous for his wilderness experiences, Roosevelt dedicated himself to worthy causes. During his political career Teddy Roosevelt championed the rights of working people, the poor, minorities, and women. In addition, Roosevelt was a staunch conservationist who advocated the preservation of wild places. The author of this highly-readable biography does more than merely cover the chronology of Roosevelt's life. Indeed, readers of this fine book will come away with a clear understanding of both Roosevelt the public figure and "TR" the rambunctious, perpetual youth. Part of the "Presidential Leaders" series, McPherson's biography is a fine work of history and a book that younger readers will learn from. Theodore Roosevelt was a dynamic public figure and his story is well-told in this work. 2005, Lerner, $27.93. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-8225-0999-7 Theodore Roosevelt Judy Emerson    This is one volume in a large series that includes such various famous figures as Pocahontas, Thomas Edison, Booker T. Washington, and Mother Teresa. It fills in an excellent way the need for biographies that very young children can read for themselves and understand. The book is only 24 pages long, with only 208 words. Each page faces a page-size photo of Teddy Roosevelt at the appropriate age. The sentences on the page have an easy--to-comprehend heading in red ink and then simple sentences in large black type covering major life events like the Rough Riders and the Panama Canal. At the bottom of each page is an ingenious time line that shows cumulatively where the reader is chronologically in Roosevelt's life. There is a simple glossary and index at the back of the book. This book, and the whole series, would be enormously valuable in any elementary school library. (First Biographies). Nonfiction (973.91 or biography), Highly Recommended. Grades 1-2. 2004, Pebble Books, 24p., $11.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Evelyn Romig (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 17, No. 3)). ISBN: 0-7368-2369-7 Theodore Roosevelt Geoffrey M. Horn    Theodore Roosevelt is considered by most scholars to be one of the ten finest American presidents. This concise, compact biography is loaded with facts, photographs, and related articles about one of America's true Renaissance men. Born into a wealthy and influential New York City family in 1858, "Teddy," as he was commonly called, could have taken the easy path to success. He did nothing of the sort, perhaps because his father had come under intense criticism for not fighting in the Civil War. In contrast, when United States forces went to war with Spain in Cuba, Roosevelt gave up his cushy Washington desk job in order to lead the "Rough Riders" to victory. In 1901, he became president after the assassination of President McKinley. His greatest accomplishments include providing for the construction of the Panama Canal, winning the Nobel Peace Prize for intervening in a foreign dispute, and establishing the beginnings of the U.S. Park system. Part of World Almanac Library's "Trailblazers of the Modern World" series, a timeline, glossary, list of further resources, and index are included. A talented statesman as well as avid outdoorsman, Teddy Roosevelt survived illness and tragedy (his wife and mother died on the same day, two days after the birth of his first child) to leave a lasting legacy for citizens of varying interests. 2004, World Almanac Library, $21.95. Ages 10 to 14. Reviewer: Christopher Moning (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-83685-092-0 ISBN: 0-83685-252-4 Theodore Roosevelt: Champion of the American Spirit Betsy Harvey Kraft    In school we learned about the early presidents--Washington, Adams, Jefferson and of course, Lincoln, therefore they tend to stick in our minds when we think of past presidents. After those individuals there doesn't seem to be a lot of emphasis on the other men who have served in this office. However, if you have ever seen a picture of Mount Rushmore, there is the face of another great president--Theodore Roosevelt. He was a fascinating, brilliant and incredibly energetic man. Kraft has skillfully described this complex man and the many facets of his life in her book. She traces his story from his early years as a child who suffered from asthma, but one who never let the affliction keep him from leading an active childhood filled with a desire to learn about animals and natural history. Coming from a privileged family, he traveled the world before he was twenty. His first marriage ended with the death of his beloved Alice and contributed to his total immersion into politics that really set the pattern for the rest of his life. He was elected as an assemblyman from the "Silk Stocking District" and fought for legislative reforms relating to elections and the underhanded activities of those in his social circle such as the railroad magnate Jay Gould. Roosevelt rose higher and higher in the Republican Party, always fighting for reforms. When disillusioned or exhausted he would head West to restore his soul and spirit. Roosevelt was not a perfect man. But he is certainly a president who students should study. He was a man of great integrity; one who strongly believed in and participated in family life, but also never lost his love of learning and adventure. Throughout the book, there are black-and-white illustrations that include photographs, reproductions of letters, diary pages, political cartoons and much more. This is an important book, and one that should be a part of any school or public library collection. 2003, Clarion/Houghton, $19.00. Ages 10 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Capitol Choices, 2004; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson The Children's Literature Choice List, 2004; Children's Literature; United States Choices, 2004; Cooperative Children's Book Center; United States Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Ninth Edition, 2005; H.W. Wilson; United States Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2004, 2004; H.W. Wilson; United States Notable Children's Books, 2004; American Library Association-ALSC; United States Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2004; National Council for the Social Studies; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, December 2003; Cahners; United States Top 10 Biographies for Youth, 2004; American Library Association-Booklist; United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Garden State Teen Book Awards, 2006; Nominee; Non-Fiction-Grades 6-12; New Jersey Theodore Roosevelt: A Strenuous Life Kathleen Dalton Read by Suzanne Toren    Theodore Roosevelt's strenuous life is fully explored in this wonderful biography. His early life, especially the example of his father and the love of his sisters, which was so important to the shaping of his personality, is carefully documented. His first wife's early death and his second marriage to Edith reveal his personality as father and husband, which led to his concern for children and women. He was a progressive in his views about labor, civil rights and the need to take care of the poor and the working class. He expanded the new National Parks system to protect wildlife. While his life was full of contradictions and bluster, ambition and an inability to see his own limits, he was one of the most important presidents because of his innovations in many different areas, including federal monitoring of the economy and his "Square Deal," which led to Roosevelt's "New Deal." Criticized at different times by all parts of the political spectrum, Theodore Roosevelt's legacy will not be forgotten. Toren does a great job carrying the reader through the dry parts and warmly reading the personal parts. Her interview with the author manages to tell even more stories about Roosevelt and the biographer's technique. Category: Nonfiction Audiobooks. KLIATT Codes: SA--Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2004 (orig. 2002), Recorded Books., 20 tapes. 27.14 hrs.; Vinyl; content, reader notes., $109.75. Ages 15 to adult. Reviewer: Nola Theiss (KLIATT Review, September 2005 (Vol. 39, No. 5)). ISBN: 1-4025-8705-8 You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt! Judith St. George Illustrated by Matt Faulkner    This book is the first in a series of what will most assuredly be treasured storybooks covering turning points in the younger lives of presidents. Readers may wonder, "why is the book referring to the main character as Teedie instead of Teddy?" The answer is that Teedie and his father shared the same first name, but not much else in the way of physical appearances! When readers are introduced to young Teedie, he is a sickly seven year old boy who has asthma, stomach aches and headaches along with frightening nightmares (that often times include a werewolf sitting at the end of his bed), very unlike his strong, healthy father. Teedie's parents spent the majority of his childhood traveling around trying to find an environment that would be conducive to poor Teedie's health. He and his siblings had fabulous times on these globe trotting journeys; Teedie loved animals and the outdoors and even initiated a natural science museum! What brought things together for Teedie was when his father told him that he had the mind (he was an extremely avid reader) but not the body, and it while it was hard drudgery to make one's body, that's what they had to do. Subsequently, he joined a gym and diligently worked at strengthening his body. Visually relevant muted watercolor illustrations set the time and place. This book teaches a wonderful lesson about strengths and weaknesses (mental and physical), courage and perseverance. It would be just as compelling used in a history lesson as in a counselor's lesson. The author is a Caldecott Medal winner and has written over forty children's books. This book is part of the "Turning Point Book" series. Recommended. 2004, Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004; Bank Street College of Education; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Parent's Choice Award Silver 2004 Non-Fiction United States ISBN: 0-399-23888-3 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.