Those Rebels, John & Tom (Hardback) - Common

by Barbara Kerley

Excellent Book

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Historical, Childrens, American Revolution

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Barbara Kerley was born in Washington, D.C. and has lived in many places, including Nepal and the tropical island of Guam. She has written about almost everything: 19th C iguanodons, Teddy Roosevelt, world peace, Mark Twain's donkey, and the pleasure of following your curiosity.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS
This is a wonderful story about the birth of America framed in the friendship of two of America's founders, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. I've been trying for weeks to find time to write an adequate review but it is not going to happen so suffice it to say this is one if the more satisfactory picture books on this subject that I've read (and I'm a big fan of this point in history) and I was very impressed with how well actual quotes from Tom and John are woven in. She manages to highlight some weaknesses in the characters such as Adams being generally "obnoxious" and Jefferson's complex dilemma of believing slavery to be wrong and wanting to ban it when he wrote the Declaration yet later freeing only a few of his slaves. (though I was glad to see she also mentioned a other founding fathers with regards to the slavery issue--Jefferson was no saint but he also seems to have been disproportionately bearing the brunt if it on this issue in the last decade or so). Yet she also shows their remarkable strengths, brilliance and tenacity. The friendship element makes it all the more touching and relatable And the stellar author's note gives details on their friendship in later years, including the rift and repair. Kudos for mentioning the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates in a kid's book! Though it is too bad it was only in the back matter which younger children may not be as drawn to as it is not in the same style as the story. But, all in all a winner for me, though I wasn't a huge fan of the illustrations

[Jim Erekson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stylized characterization based on historical sources was interesting. In a simplistic way, the writing complicated Jefferson's slave ownership. A caricature of King George reminded me of the short Schoolhouse Rock "No More Kings" video, and when I looked it up on youtube it looks like a lot of the illustrations were quotations of the animation. There's an old caricature that might hint at the origins. My favorite thing was the contrast between Jefferson and Adams in the writing, and Fotheringham's complementary illustration style. Like some others, difficult to tell it was computer illustration.

Marijka Kostiw was the designer on this book, and showed a clear sense of pacing and voice in how the text is sized, placed, and spaced on each page.

Again, get ready for 50% of kids' books to be genres like this under CCSS! Every publishing house in the country is going to try to be first to get all the basic informational text covered.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed just about everything about this picture book biography that focuses on two of the nation's founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. In her usual engaging writing style, the author enumerates the many differences between the two men, ranging from their height to their upbringing to the way they handled those around them. But she also shows clearly how those differences didn't matter all that much once they found common ground in their hatred of King George and their love for the American colonies whose rights were being trampled upon by the ruler of their Mother Country. While Adams used his fiery oratory to persuade the delegates to declare the colonies' independence from England, Jefferson used his pen to poke jabs at the king and to create a draft of the Declaration of Independence. Of course, readers will know that the efforts of these two men succeeded, and a new nation was founded. What some may not realize, though, is how much of Jefferson's original draft was cut and edited. Back matter provides more information about the two men, and their disagreement about issues such as slavery. The digital media illustrations are appealing to the eye and allow the men's personalities to come to life on every page. The author's clever use of multiple meanings for words such as racket heightens the reader interest. This is an engaging story told in a riveting fashion so that history seems as personal as it is political. Clearly, John and Tom were every bit the rebels the book's cover purports them to be. Add this title to a text set of individuals who made a difference in the world around them.

[Lauren Anglin · Rating 5 out of 5]

1) Book summary, in your own words (3 pts)
This book by Barbra Kerley is a informational book about how our nation became. It is based off a true story about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. It tells reader's about how they were growing up. They were pretty different. One thing they did have a common ground on was they both shared the same dislike for George. They also both cared a lot about the American colonies. With their differences they came together and came up with The Declaration of Independence.
2) Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt)
This book is appropriate for 4th grade.
3) Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt)
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are both historic characters that played a huge role in the way we live freely today in America. It would be a great reference to use this book in a history lesson.
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt)
Anyone struggling to grasp the concept of what these two men did. This book would help with visuals to tell the story.
5) Small group use (literaturecircles) (1 pt)
There are other books by the same author. It would be neat to do literature circles in a fourth grade classroom with all the books. They all tell different stories of people who made a difference.
6) Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt)
This book could be read out loud to the class during a history lesson.
7) Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt)
"What Would Alice Do?" "The Extraordinary Mark Twain"
8) Multimedia connections (audio book, movie) available (1 pt)
No multimedia for this book

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Worst of Friends this covers the relationship between John Addams and Thomas Jefferson, but this focuses specifically on how the Declaration of Independence came to be and ends there. I found the backmatter to be much stronger here than in Worst of Friends with a page-long Author's Note, a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, and direct and specific quotation sources. I thought the text was pretty good, but I found the main weakness to be the illustrations by Edwin Fotheringham. The style of drawing was appropriate with the people looking almost like caricatures, but the color palette of dark blue, red, white and gold was overwhelmingly heavy. I would have loved this as a kids though thanks to my obsession with the musical 1776.

[Gretchen Rosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. This story is about the alliance that is formed between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. John and Tom were very different. Tom was shy, John was not. They both cared deeply about the American Colonies and neither of them cared much about George. They thought together they could accomplish much more than working alone. Together they created the declaration of independence.
2. k-3
3. social studies
4. Students who enjoy learning about american history will love this.
5. In groups students can read this book and then write up their own constitution for the classroom.
6. As a whole class the teacher could read this book as a carpet read when talking about this time period in social studies.
7. Barbara has written several great books!
8. You can find this book on audio and online.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! It's pretty accurate, reads well as a story (not like some books that have so many facts you don't know where to read first), and has fun cartoons to bring the narrative to life. Be sure to include this one in your reading!

Ages: 7 - 10

Cleanliness: Mentions tobacco and dancing.

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, illustrates the beauty of friendships where two people complement each other. Awesome to see this in some of our Founding Fathers. Great explanation of the Revolutionary War and the surrounding situations that led to it. Perfect for elementary school kids who are just getting introduced to the start of our country.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great introduction to two of our most influential founders! The one problem I have with this book is the fact that John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and King George are all constantly referred to by their first names. It just seems inappropriate and disrespectful to me. But the history is accurate and engagingly written and I think kids would learn a lot from this book, as well as enjoying the illustrations and flow of the text.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin text: We the Kids, David Catrow, 2002

Twin Text: I chose We the Kids as the twin text for Those Rebels, John and Tom because the basis is about "those smart guys" who wrote the United States Constitution and Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft. Although Adams was not present when the Constitution was debated and passed (he was in Great Britain during that particular Constitutional Congress), he was an integral part in the founding of our country. We the Kids is a fun story with lovely illustrations and is a great way to introduce the subject of United States history in something other than a dry lecture.

Content-area crossover: Social Studies because both titles deal with the history and founding of the United States. Those Rebels, John and Tom talks about the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and how though they were very different, they pulled together to form a new nation. Both books discuss aspects of United States history in a fun, engaging manner. The 'fiction' title introduces the preamble to the Constitution but told through an adventure story, while the non-fiction title explains the events leading up to the United States breaking away from England through the relationship of the two primary characters rather than simply spouting facts at the reader.

NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD - Honor book 2013

Titlewave indicates an interest level of between third and sixth grade with a reading level of 4.6. My library has this book cataloged as an easy reader (primary) non-fiction book.

[Kaycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The true story of how one gentleman - short and stout - and another - tall and lean - formed a surprising alliance, committed treason, and helped launch a new nation." Those Rebels, John and Tom is a book that is an accessible explanation of the difficulties of the Continental Congress in deciding whether to declare independence. It follows the contributions of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, explores their differences, and describes how the ultimately came together in their common goal. The story is written with primary source quotes strewn throughout in both descriptive paragraphs and as quotes from the two influential men. The author lists in the back what the sources were that quotes were drawn from, this serves as a way for her to verify what she had written and also as a resource for children to look further into the lives of the two men. Additional resources included an Author's Note explaining about the relationship between Jefferson and Adams after the Declaration of Independence and a photo of the Declaration of Independence itself. The pictures in the book are colorful with lots of bold primary colors. They depict not only real life actions as dicatated by the story but also colorful and often entertaining depictions of some of the ideas or comparisons made by the story. For example there is a picture of the Continental Congress arguing on top of a giant red snail with a picture of King George III hanging on it's shell: this illustrates a line in the book that has John Adams write his wife and say it is "slow as snails". Overall this story did a very good job of the difficult task in the political side of the war and would be a good introduction on the topic for 2-4 Grade students.

[The Library Lady · Rating 1 out of 5]

I shouldn't have bought this because I wasn't crazy about Kerley's "Alice" book and I HATED the one with Suzy Clemens. And since this has come out right at the same time as the same time as Suzanne Tripp Jurmain's very similar (and far better) book Worst of EnemiesI can compare this and find it wanting.

The Jurmain book is just as engagingly written without becoming cutsey. The layout is clear and attractive. The color palette here jumps from one background to another from page to page making this jarring, and the ENDLESS BITS IN LARGE TYPE don't help either.

Kerley concentrates on Adams/Jefferson just up to the Declaration then just winds everything up with an afterword, which encompasses their future careers, their political differences that led to a decade long break in their friends, their final reconciliation and their deaths. It's one long page in tiny type and no jocularity and doesn't go with the rest of the book.

AND as a final insult, while Kerley quotes Adams dying words of "It is a great day, it is a GOOD day", she manages to omit Jefferson's dying words that same day: "Adams lives". This is something poignant and moving and she misses it!

Skip this one and buy the Jurmain book instead. With my limited book budget this year, wish I had.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent children's non-fiction book by the dynamic duo of Kerley and Fotheringham. I love how they work together so well to bring people and events of the past to life for children! This time, they take two leaders of the American Revolution -- John Adams and Thomas Jefferson -- and tell their story. Written in language that will appeal to kids -- and using a variety of font sizes to emphasize names and phrases -- this would even make a good read aloud for an older group of students. Well documented, includes a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence and an author's note with more info about Tom and John and their lives after the Revolution -- including the fact that they both died on the same day -- July 4 -- of the same year -- a cool fact for kids. The comical and exaggerated illustrations extend the text very well, I especially appreciated the inclusion of Thomas Jefferson's slaves in many of the illustrations. As a bonus, the story shows an excellent real-life example of how two very different people with very different backgrounds and personalities were able to work together and learn to appreciate each other in order to accomplish a common goal. Very well done.

Two starred reviews: PW and Booklist.

See also reviews at 100 Scope Notes and Kirkus.

[Elizabeth]

Barbara Kerley, award winning author of The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins and What To Do About Alice introduces readers to founding fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two very different men united in purpose. The book also provides background on the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

This child friendly history book does a good job of providing the basics of who Adams and Jefferson were in history, as well as who they were to each other. Edwin Fotheringham's illustrations use a limited palate to create a retro feel, while the illustrations themselves feel contemporary. The drawings are lively and should hold young readers attention well. The illustrations also do a good job of really pointing out some of the differences mentioned in the text. For example, we see Adams mud-covered with a wheelbarrow, while Jefferson is examining architectural plans while slaves work in the background.

The book can obviously be used for it's explicit purpose of meeting these two men, but it also does a good job as an example of compare and contrast. The first few pages tell us all the ways the two men are different, but then shows us ways in which they are the same. This would be a good addition to an English teacher's cross curricular plan.

While the book is entertaining and informative, this is information that is available through other sources. Therefore, I recommend this book for elementary schools and public libraries as supplemental material. If your library does not have other books on this topic, it is a good choice.

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book tells the story of how John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were instrumental to United States History. Beginning with their early years, Barbara Kerley highlights some major events that led each man to Philadelphia that fateful day in 1775 when the Declaration of Independence was finally signed.

THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM focuses mostly on how opposite they were from each other. In fact, it was pretty much the pattern of the whole book.

John skipped school to fly kites and shoot marbles. He loved swimming, hunting, wrestling – and the occasional boxing match, just for kicks.

Tom didn’t skip school. He skipped recess – to study Greek grammar. He loved dancing, playing the violin, and reading all the books in his father’s library.

Barbara Kerley didn’t include any information about the terrible feud that nearly ended their friendship for good in the text of the story, but instead choose to include it, along with other information, in the Author’s Note at the back of the book. A copy of the Declaration of Independence and references for the quotations used throughout the book are also included at the end of the story.

For a better look at John and Tom’s volatile relationship check out WORST OF FRIENDS by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain.

[Lu Benke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps it was the color scheme of gold, red, blue and white and cartoonish faces for revered historical figures on the cover that put me off initially, but ultimately I thought this an insightful view of two friends helping to create the U.S. constitution. To begin with, showing the human side of two boys growing up and establishing them as Tom and John let me know there was going to be an emphasis on these two men's personalities and the comparing and contrasting between oral and written styles of arguing. Next, the way labels and signs peppered the illustrations with words felt like there was a layer of meaning in just those words. Thirdly, the unique, almost Wordle-way the font size jumped conveyed yet another emphasis.

The illustrations also announced they would follow no rules. (Postmodernism?) On one page the scene would be straightforward and tell part of the story. On another, figures of John and Tom would stand on the lopsided map of the colonies. On yet another, they would be portrayed doing something unrealistic, e.g., parrying with King George using an enormous quill pen. The Author's Notes, bibliography and facsimile of the constitution at the end took just the right space and perspective to be supplementary rather than their own separate story.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some writing and historical problems... namely, that Thomas Jefferson surely didn't "squirm and suffer" over his condemnation of slavery."

Surely not. Thomas Jefferson owned over 200 slaves, a fact noted in the Author's Notes at the end of the book.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those Rebels, John & Tom is a biography for young children of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The text focuses on how different the two men were in physical appearance, personality, and talent. The two men saw the value and the need for each other's talents to prepare the colonies for independence from England. An issue at the time of the writing of the Declaration of Independence was slavery of the black African people in the colonies.

I chose Phillis Sings Out Freedom by Ann Malaspina,@2010, Chicago, IL, Albert Whitman & Company, as a twin fiction book. Phillis is a black African, who was captured and brought to the United States by slave traders. Phillis was given her freedom by her white owners. As a freed slave, Phillis symphathizes with the colonists who want freedom from English rule. Phillis writes a poem for General Washington to encourage him in the fight against the British army. This story also tells of General Washington's struggle to maintain an army and fight for freedom after the Declaration of Independence was written.

audience: K-4
genre: biography

[Ashleigh Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different in nature, but had one thing in common, which was their love for the American Colonies. Both men were determined to fight for our country's freedom from King George, the leader of Britain. So, John used his power of persuasion and Tom used his skill of writing the Declaration of Independence to help lead our country to Independence on July 4, 1776. I was not a fan of the illustration style, but I felt the images fit well with the text. The illustrations did an excellent job explaining the overall story. Without the pictures I would have lost interest in the text quickly. The information was not dense, it was engaging and quick to the point. What I found most interesting was the Authors note at the end of the story. The Author explained how Tom spoke and wrote about how much he disliked the evil of slavery yet he owned slaves himself. This information made we want to dive into the human psych! Generally speaking, this book would be a perfect introduction to American History and a great book that can be traditionally read each year before the 4th of July!

[Briony · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book, Those Rebels, John and Tom shows the differences between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams personalities and their upbringing. The book also goes into how they shared a mutual disliking for George Washington. It describes how the men saw George Washington as a tyrant who was no good for the thirteen colonies that Tom and John loved so much. Later on in the true story, John eventually took a spot on the Massachusetts delegation while Tom joined the Virginia delegation and brought his power of writing to the table. Tom and John realized that they were quite different from one another but could work well together in order to better America. Tom then wrote out the Declaration of Independence in hopes that the rest of the delegations would vote for the ideas that the two men had. This book breaks down the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and presents it in a way in which it can understand it better. Although it provides for a great opportunity for its readers to learn about our nation’s history, it does not leave much room for readers to make their own opinions about the contents of the book because it has quite a bit of bias.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look into the long friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Author Barbara Kerely begins the book by highlighting the differences between these two founding fathers. Adams came up from humble means opposed to Jefferson's silver spoon. Despite these differences, the two shared a passion for the colonies and a hatred for King George. While the substantive text truly informs the reader, Fotheringham's fun and vibrant illustrations capture the reader's attention.

This book is great for libraries and upper-grade classrooms. It provides an insight into the birth of our nation and the format provides the basis for some rich discussions, including comparing and contrasting the two leaders (great for Venn diagramming ). In addition, I appreciate that Kerley quoted the subjects' actual words throughout the text. Includes a useful author's note and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

[Peter Besbeas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent approach on teaching children about John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The two are considered heroes that put aside all of their many differences (differences clearly defined throughout the duration of the book) to fight for the freedom of the United States of America (American revolution). I really enjoyed this book. This book provided a wide variety of hilarious differences between the two men (John and Tom). This books animation style was another extremely large positive aspect of this book. I really enjoyed how the illustrator of this book portrayed the two men. This book could very easily be used in education. Children could read this book before learning about the men John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Students could pick one of the two men and write a report on the very eventful lives that the men lead. Students could define the differences they find between the two men during their research.

[Kaitlin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Those Rebels, John and Tom is a story about how two historical figures, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson worked together to create the declaration of independence. This story goes into depth how different the two were, from their heights, to their personalities. This story offers back story as to how these two worked through their differences to make the declaration of independence in an easy to understand way for its readers. I enjoyed how this story gave personal information about the two including when they were young. I also enjoyed the images that were involved with the story. The author constantly referred to the pair being opposite of one another and the images represented this by using opposite color schemes for each character. As fun as the images were, I didn’t like how the author seemed to “sugarcoat” what was happening during this time. I understand that this book is intended for a younger audience, but I didn’t like how simplified they made the situation seem.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who knew there would be another children's biography of the friendship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams?

Like Worst of Friends, this one tells the story of how the two friends helped write the Declaration of Independence and steer the U.S. in its early days. The emphasis here is more on how the two were different and yet alike, as well as on the specific steps leading up to the Declaration. It does not spend as much time as the other on their enmity or presidency, though does bring up states rights vs. federalism -- and in a clearer way than the other. It also has better illustrations, and acknowledges the irony of Jefferson writing against slavery while owning slaves.

[Avery Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quirky take on Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. It told the story of the two very different men from an original point of view. Instead of just talking about how these two men influenced the creation of the United States, Kerley used key personality traits that both possessed to show a different side of them, not many know. I really enjoyed learning more about each man's individual personality and how that helped them to become passionate about setting America free from England's rule. I think that it was a creative take on a commonly used story of American history. I think that kids will really enjoy reading this book because it is fun, interesting and original, as well as informative about American history. It would be easy to use this book in a history lesson of some kid or even for a read-aloud in class during a history unit.

[Danielle Brill · Rating 3 out of 5]

“John was short and stout. Tom was tall and lean,” this adorable book gives, younger readers interested in history with rich illustrations and words that bring the past to life. The pages are extra long and full of color, and there is little wasted space anywhere on the pages. Many of the pages contrast John and Tom’s views and personalities, both with the text but also with the pictures. Barbara Kerley has a unique writing style that brings John and Tom to life as relatable characters. John is the outgoing athlete, and Tom the quiet bookworm, both who share the hatred of King George. They come together to take a stand against him and help to write the Declaration of Independence, Tom using his pen and John using his voice in debate. I would recommend this book for any classroom with young readers as an introduction to American history.

[Angelina Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

37those rebels tom and john: this was a short story of two American heroes who were very different. These two men had one thing in common, they both cared about the American Colonies, and they did not care for King George. Both of them played an important part in the revolution. The words were very simple and easy to understand. This book would be great for younger children learning about the American history. I really liked the illustrations that the author used because they were colorful and the text. I also liked how the author presented both characters side by side and then merge both of them when they meet. This technique allows the reader to see how different these two gentlemen were and how there similarities brought them together. The illustrations also give the story some humor in the way the characters are portrayed.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: biography
Copyright: 2012


The story tells how John and Tom made America become an independent country. They are very different people. John, a fat and short man who likes to talk, and good at debating. Tom, a lean and tall man who is shy but good at writing . They both deeply cares about American colonies. When they meets in Virginia delegation, they begins to work together in order to achieve their common goal, independence! They cooperate very well by bringing their professional skills together. Eventually, America becomes an independent country and Americans celebrates the end of British oppression. It is good to teach children about the historical revolution of the United States. Moreover, children could learn that every one is unique and special. Just like John and Tom, they both play important roles in the historical revolution due to their special skills.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book delightful in both pictures and words. I enjoyed how Kerley presents both main characters side by side and then merges them together after they met. This technique allows the reader to see just how different John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were as well as the commonalities that brought them together. Fotheringham does a fantastic job with the illustrations. The cartoonish nature of the illustrations adds humor and emotional expression. I especially liked the maps that showed the connections and distance between Great Britain and the colonies. I appreciated the appropriately placed quotes from both Adams and Jefferson. Overall, I'd say this is a great book for introducing the people and events that lead to the creation of the United States of America.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at history starring two very different and equally influential men who helped found our country. Digital artwork in vibrant reds and blues do a great job of characterizing John Adams and Thomas Jefferson as well as highlight their many differences.

The text does a good job of providing information about the fight for our country’s freedom at an appropriate level. An author’s note provides more information on the relationship of Adams and Jefferson, including a falling out they had regarding American government and their eventual reconciliation. A facsimile of the Declaration of Independence is included as well as sources for the quotations used both in text and in the author’s note.