The Courage and Character of Theodore Roosevelt: A Hero Among Leaders

by George Grant

Theodore Hero "Every great nation owes to the men whose lives have formed part of its greatness not merely the material effect of what they did, not merely the laws they placed upon the statute books or the victories they won over armed foes, but also the immense but indefinable moral influence produced by their deeds and words themselves upon the national character." —Theodore Roosevelt, American Ideals Before his fiftieth birthday, Teddy Roosevelt had served as a state legislator in New York, undersecretary of the navy, police commissioner of New York City, governor of New York, and two terms as Vice President and then president of the United States. He also had run a cattle ranch in the Dakota Territories, had worked as a journalist and editor, conducted scientific expeditions o four continents, raised five children, and enjoyed a fulfilling marriage with his wife. No wonder he continues to capture our imaginations as he did the loyalty and respect of his own time. In The Courage and Character of Theodore Roosevelt, George Grant explores the life and character of one of the most remarkable men of the twentieth century. In doing so, he defines the qualities that made Roosevelt such an extraordinary leader, the exploits that made him so famous, and the spiritual values and faith that he affirmed with such vigor as he walked the world stage with an impact generated by few men in his time.

Genres: Biography, History, School, Biography Memoir, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. George Grant is an evangelical educator recognized by a Tennessee newspaper “Review Appeal” as the one who “lives and breathes” education.

Grant is known as a reformed scholar and evangelical activist who hopes to promote sound Christian doctrine, seeking honest answers to honest questions, developing true spirituality and experiencing the beauty of human relationships.

He founded Franklin Classical School, located in Franklin, Tennessee and the King’s Meadow Study Center, which seeks to help the modern church to develop a practical cultural expression of a Christian worldview in art, music, literature, politics, social research, community development and education.

Grant has also produced numerous writings of more than 60 works on the topics relating to theology, school curriculum, arts, fiction and politics.

Reviews

[Jordan Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

AO Y5 pre-reading.

I absolutely adore Theodore Roosevelt!!! This was a great lightweight intro to his life and work and even bits of his writings. The second half got kind of bogged down as it broke down various aspects of his character and where he stood on different issues. Short, very readable chapters. I can’t wait for my students to encounter this hero in 5th grade! And now I’m going to dive down a rabbit hole - I have rounded up a whole stack of TR biographies.

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed with TR after reading this book! It’s geared toward an elementary/middle school reading level but still includes plenty of challenging vocabulary. I love how the chapters are short yet packed with great content. This is an inspiring biography that I can’t wait to share with my students.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 5 out of 5]

AO Year 5 pre-read. The first half is biographical and the second half covers virtues learned from his life, including a lot of his own words and what others have written about him as well. Roosevelt’s was a life worth studying and imitating, and George Grant’s writing is wonderful!

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome biography to read aloud with middle-grade/teens!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me as I love how this book hits all the high points of the characters of President Roosevelt that I admire and find fascinating. He was a unique and extremely smart individual yet he had no problems admitting his faults and short comings.

[Keoki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed at the character and history behind Teddy Roosevelt. When you look at his rise to the POTUS and his accomplishments along and during his presidency l had to raise him several notches. He definately belongs on Mt Rushmore

[Alessandra Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great man. A great scholar. A great adventurer. A great American.
This book has 3 sections: his life, his character, & how his legacy has relevance for future generations.
It is an incredible salute to this legendary American President. Highly recommend.

[Matt/Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me realize that we deserve more from our leaders, we're so jaundiced these days about our politicians and this book showed me that it doesn't have to be that way.

[Zack Wibbels]

My Review of The Courage and Character of Theodore Roosevelt by George Grant. 498 Words

This book was life-changing for me because it showed how Theodore Roosevelt dealt with hardships like sickness and betrayal. He always stayed optimistic, courageous, humble, strong both physically and mentally, and loving towards his family. His life is a perfect resemblance of a leader with outstanding character and integrity, and is somebody I want to model after. I recommend this Biography to everyone. This book is suitable for anyone who aspires to become a leader but lacks guidance or wants to refine their leadership skills. Born on October 27th, 1880, our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, dealt with chronic illness from a young age; it was estimated he wouldn't even see his 4th birthday. He later became stronger physically and mentally and grew up to be a very noble man, a part of a whole host of different public services. His mindset of good is not good enough kept him always growing; he would regularly consume up to five books a week on top of his already vigorous jobs and commitments. His courage to face dangerous political issues like Labor disputes, Racial discrimination, corporate monopolies, and controversies related to the Panama Canal, is an honorable, brave thing to do, that could only be faced by a true heroic leader. I think the author placed Roosevelt in a good light, letting his leadership and courage shine through, showing the achievements he accomplished, and the struggles he faced. There was one major question that was raised in this biography. Where are the strong men in this world? A quote from Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of Evil is for good men to do nothing.” This biography of Theodore Roosevelt shows exactly how to be a strong, courageous, humble, unshaken, fearless leader. As powerful as his presence is, his voice was just as powerful, writing many great pieces of literature and many moving speeches. On April 23rd, 1910, Roosevelt gave the man in the arena speech, “Arts there after’s favorite speech”, greatly emphasizing the courage of the man who stumbles but keeps getting up.
Theodore Roosevelt-
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

[Caroline Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this alongside my son for AO Year 5 and we both loved it! The first half is a brief, but well done, overview of TR’s life, and the rest consists of short chapters highlighting different aspects of his character. It is filled with Roosevelt’s own quotes, and even though it is not a conventional biography, I still felt like I knew him well by the end of it, and it stirred my curiosity to know more!

Teddy Roosevelt is a fascinating man. He loved God, his family, his country, God’s creation, and people. He was passionate about justice, mercy, and righteousness. If magnanimity is one of the aims of our education and the education of our children, Teddy Roosevelt is a figure well worth studying and imitating!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading this to my kids, ages 11-18. It actually is conducive as a daily reader with 2-4 page topical chapters surveying the life and character of Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Roosevelt was a giant of a man in intellect and personality. The author is less critical of T.R. than he might have been because the book is not intended to be comprehensive nor a critique. The book is simply a wonderful little survey by an admiring author and I have no problem commending it as a worthwhile investment of time and thought, especially if you do not have time for the more comprehensive “Mornings on Horseback.”

[Lauren Fee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a new American hero through this book. Theodore Roosevelt was truly a magnanimous man, a word I am not using lightly, and someone I would have so thoroughly enjoyed meeting. This is a very well written biography with concise chapters chocked full of living ideas. I found myself with something to commonplace from almost every chapter. I liked how George Grant divided the book into two parts: a brief sketch of Roosevelt's life followed by a deep dive into his character. I also thoroughly enjoyed Theodore Roosevelt's short pithy sayings scattered throughout the book and added several to my book of mottoes. This book has also captured my son’s attention and we enjoy discussing our favorite parts together. I most heartily recommend and look forward to reading more about my new friend.

[Christopher Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very skewed perspective on Roosevelt. It misrepresents parts of his life to fit the agenda of the author. If you want a good perspective on Roosevelt you should read Edmund Morris’ biographical trilogy which is much more thoroughly researched and much less motivated by ideology.

[Paul Pompa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an inspired, and inspiring, life. He was a man of very high character. He loved the Lord, loved his family, loved his country. He understood peace through strength. He understand ideas have consequences. He understood failure was key to success.

[Julie Mabus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Y5 AO book. TR is a fascinating man well worthy of being a hero for today’s children. I appreciated the inclusion of actual quotes.

[Dr NSCA-CPT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting biography about Theodore Roosevelt. I learned so much about his life, and I left the book with a greater respect for him.

[Jack W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to an American hero

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great biography easily paced for middle school

[Gay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyle’s 5th grade history

[Crystal Laws · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Roosevelt's character is certainly inspiring! Makes me want to read more in-depth biographies of TR. The only downside was the book got pretty repetitive during the last third or so of the book. 4.5 stars

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs to read this. My favorite AO year 5 book. Theodore is amazing and George Grant is an excellent communicator and author.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this biography Pericles's funeral oration came to mind:
"Another who is not so well informed, when he hears of anything which surpasses his own powers, will be envious and will suspect exaggeration. Mankind are tolerant of the praises of others so long as each hearer thinks that he can do as well or nearly as well himself, but, when the speaker rises above him jealousy is aroused and he begins to be incredulous."
If Roosevelt was just half the man portrayed in this book, he would still be a giant.

[Ryan Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked my interests in Theodore Roosevelt and other great people with its fascinating stories and its ability to hold my attention throughout. It is the greatest biography I have read up to this point, and I would recommend it to anyone who does or does not enjoy reading. Also, the quotes at the beginning of each chapter (every few pages) are interesting and inspiring.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book delved into the driving forces and personality traits that made Theodore Roosevelt such a polarizing figure in American and world history. I wanted a more historical and factual look into his life. This book was more abstract, but it still offered interesting insight.

[Tabitha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely gave me a certain perspective of TR--but I felt that the author was fairly biased in his assessment (all good news! all the time!). Overall a worthwhile read; I'm sure TR did the best he could, anyway.