Thomas Jefferson

by Cheryl Harness

In her sixth presidential biography for National Geographic, Cheryl Harness illuminates the many sides of Thomas scientist, lawyer, farmer, architect, diplomat, inventor, musician, philosopher, author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia, and third president of the United States. Readers meet this extraordinary man of a genius who proclaimed that "All men are created equal" and championed the rights of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," while at the same time living a life that depended on the enforced labor of slaves.

Readers experience an eventful life lived largely in public service, yet also enjoy the personal warmth of this fascinating historical figure. The narrative examines the crucial role that the "sage of Monticello" played in shaping the ideals of freedom and self-government, which became the cornerstones of American democracy. The author's conversational storytelling, her richly detailed illustrations, and use of period maps bring to life the exciting times of Thomas Jefferson on every page. This appealing and insightful biography is an honest, well-balanced portrait of a complex and controversial American legend.

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Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Picture Books, American History, American Revolution, Presidents

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Author and illustrator. Worked variously as a student teacher, waitress, short-order cook, portrait artist, and needlework designer. Greeting-card artist for Hallmark Cards and Current. Presenter at schools.

Reviews

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an introduction to Jefferson, this book is adequate. The illustrations are beautiful. Significant relationships, Jefferson's divergent interests and many accomplishments are referenced, however, I felt it dwelt quite a bit on the "negatives" of Jefferson - particularly in regard to slavery and Sally Hemings - which form the opening page.

The account of all the people Jefferson lost (sister, mother, sister, best friend, wife, daughter, etc) serve as a stark reminder of the mortality rates of the time. I would have liked more context on whether or not his losses were typical in a large family of the colonial time (I think they were).

His political development and Presidency in particular need supplementation.

Finally, the Sally Hemings relationship is presented as fact, whereas all that we know is that her children were related to the Jefferson line. Whether or not her lover Thomas Jefferson himself or another relative (many of whom were regularly at Monticello) is not clear. It bothers me to account as fact an accusation that was started as campaign slander 200 years ago. The Monticello website had a much more balanced treatment of the topic. You can read it here:
http://www.monticello.org/site/planta...

Adequate, but not outstanding, treatment of a brilliant and complication Virginia gentleman that played several crucial roles in the early national history of the USA.

[Kimbolimbo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Of the three quick kid's books on Thomas Jefferson I just read, this one was my least favorite. It was the most biased of the three. The author pointed out all the controversial things about Thomas Jefferson and chose the side that would make him the most shady regardless of the lack of proof. At no point while reading that book did I feel inspired to be a better person. The other two books inspired me to be better and learn more. Plus, the flow of the book was hard to follow and the author left out important historical events that would help explain what was going on. For a beginner's book you'd have to read something else prior to understand it. The only thing I can say in it's defense is that you got to know the names of a few slaves that assisted Thomas Jefferson at a few times in his life. So it put a personal face on slavery, which the other books did not do. This book is a National Geographic book, makes me shake my head that they would allow this book to carry their name.

[Bookbag_Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold In Pursuit Of Knowledge

TRAVELED TO // Virginia, Washington Dc
MET ALONG THE WAY // Thomas Jefferson

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great biography for upper elementary or as a read aloud in primary grades. The illustrations are study worthy. I learned a few things myself.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good picture book biography of Thomas Jefferson for the classroom. It is intended for grades 4-7 I believe but there is information for adults to be had here too. Thomas Jefferson's life from birth to death is covered and yes, there is mention of Sally Hemmings and his possible 6 children with her. Some mentions in the book don't gel quite right because with modern sensibilities, the idea that Jefferson could state that "all men are created equal" and still have slaves doesn't seem logical but Jefferson didn't live in our times, but in his. Slavery allowed him to live a luxurious lifestyle and do many of the things an educated gentleman might do at the time. Without slaves, his quality of life would have suffered and he knew it. Still this book does provide terrific details of his life and gives us a portrait of how he lived.

[Lisa Overberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book discusses the many aspects of Thomas Jefferson, including being a political figure, a scientist, lawyer, farmer, architect, inventor, musician, and philosopher. The author tells Thomas Jefferson’s story, starting with his birth and ending with his death. She includes facts that may be unbeknownst to children, such as the fact that Thomas played the fiddle, studied and practiced law, and that he had slaves. She talks of his role in politics, stating that he was the author of the Declaration of Independence, the Secretary of State, and the third president of the United States. This is a great book for children and the illustrations are helpful in telling about Thomas Jefferson’s life.

Reading Level: 5.2
Grade Level: 3- 5
Lexile:1030L

[Shelly♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fairly watered down verison of TJ's life. But the illustrations were fantastic and very informative. His early life is covered well, but his presidency - kind of murky. The layout of Monticello and the grounds is excellent - we were just there, and it is a great rendition. "A painful accusation and then a dreadful loss came to the President himself." That's the last line of the book, and I am not sure what they are talking about. Is Sally Hemmings the accusation? What's the loss? It's sounds like they are the same. That is the only thing that I really didn't like. Fortunately my kids did not notice.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read about Thomas Jefferson. I love starting with kids' books, then moving up to more meaty ones. This one prefaced his life story with the difficult paradox of the author of the Declaration of Independence being a slave owner, then having a family with one of his slaves later in life, as a widower.

This book was a fairly simple overview of Jefferson's life, where he went to school, the sorrows he endured, his part in the Revolution. Hard to cover it all in a kids' book, for sure.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I met Cheryl Harness when she was first getting into writing history books. She certainly found her niche! Though this is not one of her best, I do love her illustrations.

[Rachel Flan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Illustrations. I learned a lot about Thomas Jefferson. Would use at the beginning of a history lesson.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Titus wanted to read about Jefferson. We learned a lot about him and I thought this was book was well written especially for since a 6 yr. old was able to understand and pay attention.

[Shelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This informative picture book on Thomas Jefferson was beautifully illustrated but unimpressive otherwise. The narrative lacked a proper flow. :/

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Likes others mention, it doesn't have a very good flow. Disappointing. The information is pretty sound. The illustrations are great. I was hoping for better all around. Still a decent introduction.

[Rebecca Snodgrass · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures are the best part of the book. The story is a bit boring, but it's informational enough. This is a good library book for your unit, but not to read aloud.

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biography, Library, Paradox, Authorship, Familiy, Revolution,

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summing up others opinions, beautiful illustrations that made the book. The narrative was lousy. Poor flow and too wordy.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Cheryl Harness books, love the illustrations. Loved this one in particular. Thomas Jefferson... what a great man, with serious flaws. Grateful for him.