The Value of Foresight: The Story of Thomas Jefferson

ValueTales Series

by Ann Donegan Johnson, Steve Pileggi

A biography of Thomas Jefferson emphasizing his lasting contributions to his country.

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

63 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1980

Reviews

[Henry Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are easy to read and are one step away from chapter books. I love dem.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ann Donegan Johnson uses her children's book series to meet two goals – to use the biography of a famous person as a device to demonstrate the results of applying / adhering to a positive human value.

As an adult attempting to view this work from the perspective of the target audience, I found that “The Value of Foresight – The Story of Thomas Jefferson” was effective. Most of the book deals with a young Jefferson, showing how he learned the importance of foresight – leading eventually to telling how it influenced his professional career as drafter of the Declaration of Independence and to the presidency with the Lousiana Purchase.

As a device, I do not believe that Chimes the Talking Pocketwatch was needed to personify the foresight trait that the book aimed to demonstrate. True, the book states that the watch didn't really talk; rather it personified the positive trait inside of the future statesman. Still, I think that children would get the message and be entertained without the introduction of the anthropomorphic timepiece.

I think the book was very good, but just missed the goal of “excellent”.

RATING: 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4 stars where 1/2 stars are not permitted.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

All these valuetales were great, good pictures, easy to read. One of my favorites isn't listed on goodreads though.. "The Value of Trust"... http://cgi.ebay.com/A-ValueTale-Book-...
I guess when you see that its an Indian it's about you learn another lesson of trust, don't trust whitey.

[Vittoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je n'ai pas beaucoup aimé le livre perce que ce n'était pas vraiment interressant. Thomas Jefferson est un garçon qui devient président...

[C.G. Fewston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid and remember it fondly, and will have to revisit it with my children.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is about Jefferson, it gives information on a lot of historical events with which he was heavily involved, so it’s a bit of a two-fer. I liked the presentation of this value of foresight, and those historical events were excellent examples of how his foresight created good things for well into the future and not just today. Probably one of the better executed books in the series.

[Jesse Baggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much wordier than I remembered.

[Jecel Cortes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book. Would read this to my brother

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning more about Thomas Jefferson. His abilities are impressive!