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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Abigail Adams?
Abigail Adams was a strong woman far ahead of her time. She urged her husband, President John Adams, to "remember the ladies" and despite having no formal education herself, she later advocated for equal education in public schools for both boys and girls. She was also the first First Lady to live in the White House! This biography tells the story of Abigail Adams and her role in America's Revolutionary War period.
112 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 23, 2017
Who Was Abigail Adams? by True Kelley is a book that taught me a lot because I knew nothing about this strong woman. She was ahead of her times! She was alone and lost so much, I really felt for this woman. Great book.
April 16, 2025
Who Was...? biography series for middle grade captivates with the story of Abigail Adams – who was both, wife and mother of a president. Above all, she was a smart and independent woman who believed in the power of education, and spoke out for the right of women and African American.
Abigail Smith (1744-1818) was a curious child, always with her nose in all the books the family owned. She was also stubborn and strong-willed which worried her mother but the grandmother was of different opinion.
Visitors often gathered at family’s library and talked about politics. Abigail’s father encouraged her to have her own opinions.
One of the visitors was John Adams. With time, they discovered that they both had lively minds, thought alike and loved politics. This led to their marriage.
John was a lawyer but he loved farming, and Abigail loved tending to farm duties.
As different battles began between colonists and British, people sought shelter which Abigail provided and food. With money becoming tight, she was becoming creative with continuously providing what was needed. She made soap, spun cloth, made ink from ashes and berries. She even melted down pewter spoons to make bullets for the soldiers.
John was spending a lot of time in Philadelphia doing important work in the Congress. Abigail felt lonely but she also understood how important was her husband’s work.
While her husband was working on Declaration of Independence, she wrote him about equal right for everyone. She believed that there should be no slavery in a free country. And women should have the same right as men.
When her husband became the second president of the United States, she became busy with writing letters, organizing, planning the days and holding dinners for important people.
This biography exemplifies a woman who was a wife and a mother and yet very independent with her mind. She was ahead of her time, believing in equal rights for all. She was also very resourceful. In hard times, coming up with ideas for survival, which also led further to good profits.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
Abigail Smith (1744-1818) was a curious child, always with her nose in all the books the family owned. She was also stubborn and strong-willed which worried her mother but the grandmother was of different opinion.
Visitors often gathered at family’s library and talked about politics. Abigail’s father encouraged her to have her own opinions.
One of the visitors was John Adams. With time, they discovered that they both had lively minds, thought alike and loved politics. This led to their marriage.
John was a lawyer but he loved farming, and Abigail loved tending to farm duties.
As different battles began between colonists and British, people sought shelter which Abigail provided and food. With money becoming tight, she was becoming creative with continuously providing what was needed. She made soap, spun cloth, made ink from ashes and berries. She even melted down pewter spoons to make bullets for the soldiers.
John was spending a lot of time in Philadelphia doing important work in the Congress. Abigail felt lonely but she also understood how important was her husband’s work.
While her husband was working on Declaration of Independence, she wrote him about equal right for everyone. She believed that there should be no slavery in a free country. And women should have the same right as men.
When her husband became the second president of the United States, she became busy with writing letters, organizing, planning the days and holding dinners for important people.
This biography exemplifies a woman who was a wife and a mother and yet very independent with her mind. She was ahead of her time, believing in equal rights for all. She was also very resourceful. In hard times, coming up with ideas for survival, which also led further to good profits.
This illustrated biography for young readers, ages 8-12, is presented in a relatable way, with simple sentences, and insightful inserts.
March 2, 2016
I love these books. I know they are for kids but I learn so much from them.
March 8, 2016
Behind every founding father are some pretty awesome founding mothers. Abigail, it took awhile but the ladies were remembered, many are still fighting the battle today.
November 9, 2020
Very educational.
August 7, 2020
I liked it! Did you know she was the wife and husband of a president? ❓
February 13, 2014
I really loved this book, Abigail is really interesting. But I feel really bad because you can't imagine how many people died- family and friends. I felt so bad and thankful.
November 8, 2019
Wild Colts Make The Best Horses
Remember The Ladies
...But not more than half the time have we had the happiness of living together.
I Am So Much Of A Coward Upon The Water.
I Always Thought A Laughing Philosophy Much Wiser Than A Sniveling One.
Who Was Abigail Adams?
The Right To An Education
Young Abigail
A New Family
The Boston Massacre
Trouble Brewing
A New Country Is Born
The Declaration Of Independence
Still Apart
New Laws New Government
Reunion
Politics
What To Call The President
Mr. President
The President's House
Peacefield
The War Of 1812
TRAVELED TO // Massachusetts, France & London
MET ALONG THE WAY // Abigail Adams, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Mercy Warren, Thomas Jefferson, Nabby, Martha Washington,
June 12, 2020
I love the Adams.
It started in high school when I read "John Adams" by David McCullough and absolutely fell in love. As I've mentioned in other reviews, I've never really been able to jump on board the worship train for other Founding Fathers because of their slaveholder status. It's just too hypocritical, so while I admire them for what they did for our country, I don't consider them my top heroes.
But then, I got to know John and Abigail. And boy, I fell hard.
Here were the people I was looking for! Hardworking, conscientious, brilliant, always trying to do the right thing. And they loved and respected each other. In a time when women were considered very much less than men, Abigail radiated strength and John cherished her. They were partners.
Abigail was tough. She raised their children and ran the farm while John was off doing his politicking. She wrote letters and spoke her mind. She let Jefferson know exactly what she thought when he deviated from what she thought was appropriate.
Abigail was an early champion of women's rights. One of my favorite tidbits was that she specifically wrote her will to make sure her female relatives got a fair share. And we can't forget her famous line she told John, "remember the ladies."
Another great addition to this series!
It started in high school when I read "John Adams" by David McCullough and absolutely fell in love. As I've mentioned in other reviews, I've never really been able to jump on board the worship train for other Founding Fathers because of their slaveholder status. It's just too hypocritical, so while I admire them for what they did for our country, I don't consider them my top heroes.
But then, I got to know John and Abigail. And boy, I fell hard.
Here were the people I was looking for! Hardworking, conscientious, brilliant, always trying to do the right thing. And they loved and respected each other. In a time when women were considered very much less than men, Abigail radiated strength and John cherished her. They were partners.
Abigail was tough. She raised their children and ran the farm while John was off doing his politicking. She wrote letters and spoke her mind. She let Jefferson know exactly what she thought when he deviated from what she thought was appropriate.
Abigail was an early champion of women's rights. One of my favorite tidbits was that she specifically wrote her will to make sure her female relatives got a fair share. And we can't forget her famous line she told John, "remember the ladies."
Another great addition to this series!
January 6, 2021
Abigail Adams was a well educated and busy lady. She wrote over 3,000 letters during her lifetime. Her Grandmother Quincy when referring to her voracious reading as a girl as "Wild colts make the best horses." She was encouraging Abigail's mother to let her keep reading. Abigail was bold in her writing to her husband John Adams when most women were subservient to their husbands. She wrote in one letter "Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors." She was referring to the Declaration of Independence asking him to remember women's rights. This didn't happen with that document and took until 1920 for the matter to be acted upon. Although she was a strong lady, when it came to voyages on ships she was quoted as saying: "I am more and more of the mind that a Lady ought Not go to sea!" She did this several times however. She helped her husband become president and her son John Quincy to also become president before her death. She was one busy lady packing up household after household and moving from place to place during her marriage to John Adams.
January 24, 2025
I think who was Abigal Adams by True Kelley is 3 stars. I think it should be 3 stars because it was very informative but didn't have me turning page after page or just wasn't very interesting.
In the beginning of the book, you learn about her life before marriage & how she fell in love with her husband who is a politician and gets elected vice president.
In the middle of the book, John (her husband) becomes president and shows how they did not live together for very long, and it got worst after John was elected president.
At the end of the book, most of her family dies after moving together. John loses an old friend when they r8un against each other for president and his friend wins. But when his daughter dies, they become friends again.
Who Was Abigal Adams by True Kelley relates to the theme biography/autobiography because it is all about Abigal's life and troubles.
I would recommend this book to people who like life changing books, politics, life changing woman, and background on how the government was formed.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Abigals husband and one of her sons was elected president?
In the beginning of the book, you learn about her life before marriage & how she fell in love with her husband who is a politician and gets elected vice president.
In the middle of the book, John (her husband) becomes president and shows how they did not live together for very long, and it got worst after John was elected president.
At the end of the book, most of her family dies after moving together. John loses an old friend when they r8un against each other for president and his friend wins. But when his daughter dies, they become friends again.
Who Was Abigal Adams by True Kelley relates to the theme biography/autobiography because it is all about Abigal's life and troubles.
I would recommend this book to people who like life changing books, politics, life changing woman, and background on how the government was formed.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Abigals husband and one of her sons was elected president?
February 23, 2021
We checked out this book and listened to it on audio. The narrator's voice was clear and easy to understand.
Review from the children (boy and girl) ages 10 and 8...
"The only reason I didn't give it a 5 out of 5 stars was because there was too much dying. It was a good book but if there wasn't so much dying I would give it a 5 out of 5. There is a lot of action. It is very action-packed. It is educational and interesting. It would be so hard to do the stuff they are doing during war time. I wouldn't want to move as much as they did. They had to move a lot because of political business."
Things the kids remember from this book:
She was married to John Adams.
Many of her children died.
She and John Adams were involved in politics.
She was brave, daring, and courageous.
The Adams family a lot.
Abigail was against slavery and was for women's equality and right.
She had a son named John Quincy Adams who also became president.
Their daughter's name was also Abigail but nicknamed Nabby.
Review from the children (boy and girl) ages 10 and 8...
"The only reason I didn't give it a 5 out of 5 stars was because there was too much dying. It was a good book but if there wasn't so much dying I would give it a 5 out of 5. There is a lot of action. It is very action-packed. It is educational and interesting. It would be so hard to do the stuff they are doing during war time. I wouldn't want to move as much as they did. They had to move a lot because of political business."
Things the kids remember from this book:
She was married to John Adams.
Many of her children died.
She and John Adams were involved in politics.
She was brave, daring, and courageous.
The Adams family a lot.
Abigail was against slavery and was for women's equality and right.
She had a son named John Quincy Adams who also became president.
Their daughter's name was also Abigail but nicknamed Nabby.
October 27, 2019
Who Was Abigail Adams by True Kelley provides an overview of the life of the second First Lady of the United States. She was a strong and independent lady who was sharp mentally despite a lack of much formal education. She supported education for boys and girls and was opposed to slavery, positions also held by her husband John Adams, the second President of the United States. While he was away helping to form a new government, Abigail took on the responsibility of running the family farm. She was also the mother of John Quincy Adams who later became President in his own right. For a quick read you are introduced to one amazing lady and can't help but recognize her contributions to the early formation of our government.
November 11, 2020
Another very informative book about a remarkable woman! I love hearing about how strongly she believed that women should have the same rights as men and that there should be no slavery. That was so early on--at a time when it was kind of unheard of to think those things--let alone make those beliefs known to those around you.
I learned from reading this book that Abigail Adams lived many years apart from her husband (while he worked away) and she overcame some pretty amazing things. What a courageous, wise, brave and good woman. I'm glad I read about her and I found out as I started the book today--that it's her birthday! November 11, 1744. A very appropriate read for the day!
I learned from reading this book that Abigail Adams lived many years apart from her husband (while he worked away) and she overcame some pretty amazing things. What a courageous, wise, brave and good woman. I'm glad I read about her and I found out as I started the book today--that it's her birthday! November 11, 1744. A very appropriate read for the day!
August 15, 2018
The Who Was…? biography series are perfect for elementary or intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an exciting read. The afterward portion in this edition has a timeline on one side showing key events in Abigail Adams life and the opposite page shows worldwide key events during the same time period. Making for an interesting comparison and will help readers get a better feel for what else was happening at those times; a cool extra feature I haven't seen in many books.
January 20, 2020
These books are so popular at the elementary school library where I work, that I decided I'd try to read all of them this year. I picked this one first, because it came first in the alphabet, and it was really enjoyable! The book is written for children, so it's easy to understand and there are lots of pictures. I didn't even know who Abigail Adams was when I grabbed the book.
She was a strong woman who supported her husband, John Adams, and her son, John Quincy Adams. She was ahead of her time. A worthwhile read.
She was a strong woman who supported her husband, John Adams, and her son, John Quincy Adams. She was ahead of her time. A worthwhile read.
May 7, 2017
Love this series of books to help kids get a clearer picture of some amazing people from American history. It is great to see how influential a woman was during 1700s in Colonial America. Abigail Adams was an amazing wife, mother, and politician who helped her husband through his many trials and complications as both a founding father and as a president. Informative book about the life and times of Mrs. Adams.
November 15, 2020
A middle grade book about Abigail Adams and life, war, and politics during the Revolution. America depended so much on women but did not consider them as valuable as men, more like property of men. Abigail was a very good mother, a true and loyal wife. She endured great sadness in her life. I liked this book I was interested in reading an abbreviated version. These are good for readers just wanting general information.
Read
January 6, 2021What a fascinating book this was. And what an amazing woman Abigail Adams was, though it is very short book it is very powerful.
From the book;
"She always thought first of her husband and family."
"But she was strongly for the rights of women, for education, and against slavery. She had many ideas about what freedom meant." "She made sure her very important husband heard her."
A very good read.
From the book;
"She always thought first of her husband and family."
"But she was strongly for the rights of women, for education, and against slavery. She had many ideas about what freedom meant." "She made sure her very important husband heard her."
A very good read.
April 19, 2022
Abigail was the wife of John Adams, the second president of the United States. She was a woman ahead of her times. A go getter, letter writer, and believer of the rights of women and slaves. She was known as "Mrs. President" and advised her husband in politics. She and her husband were apart many years, she saw many of her peers and family die before her, she went through a lot of experiences in her lifetime. What an amazing woman.
January 26, 2018
I read this children's book as background for reading books about the letters between Abigail and John Adams. I was inspired by listening to David McCulloch's audiobook of his speeches where he continually references John Adams (and other historical figures). Wish I had had McCullock as a history teacher.
June 24, 2018
105 pages. Great biography of our second first lady. This was well-written and includes a lot of historical information as well as personal life history. I did not know that she spent so much time alone on her family farm while John was gone for so many years. I learned a lot about this famous lady. I would highly recommend it to upper elementary students.
November 9, 2020
Very educational for my daughter and I. Since my daughter is doing long distance learning at home due to the pandemic, I decided to supplement this book into her current history lessons. It contains just the right amount of information to keep us entertained and wanting to learn more without being drawn out. I would highly recommend this for teachers and students alike.
January 4, 2018
I thought it was really good. I am surprised how much people know about historical figures like Abigail Adams. My favorite part is when the author wrote that Abigail did not want to be a gradma because she would look old. Amazed with the front cover artwork and the artwork in general.
January 23, 2019
I chose this book because I wanted to learn about someone's life in the past that influenced the present and the future. The title does fit the book perfically, but I was quite surprised how Abigail Adams lived!
April 4, 2019
I feel that in terms of the "Who Was" series, this book was a disappointment. This isn't as much about Abigail as it is about *John* and Abigail. As a reader, I was really hoping to learn more in depth about Abigail than what was covered.
April 20, 2020
I liked this book because in social studies we learn a lot about John Adams but in this book, you really get a back story of Abigail Adams and what she thinking. One thing I learned in this book was that she was called Nabby as a kid.
November 16, 2020
I haven't read many of these "Who Was..." books, and I was impressed. I did think some of the stories were out of order, told by topic instead of chronologically, which made things a little confusing. But otherwise it was good. 3.5 stars.
January 18, 2018
It was good book Lear all it good book for kids read
June 27, 2018
Great short bio.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews