Theodore Roosevelt

by Michael L. Cooper

Two-term president. Nobel Peace Prize winner. Commander of the Rough Riders. Avid conservationist. Adventurer. All of these and more, Theodore Roosevelt lived his long life to the fullest and left a legacy still remembered more than ninety years after his death. He started his long, successful political career at just twenty-three in New York State, and continued working in the public arena until well after his second term as president. Up Close biographer Michael C. Cooper takes readers beyond T.R.'s bold-faced achievements and explores the driving forces behind one of this country's greatest leaders.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Childrens

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Please see: Michael L. Cooper


Michael L. Cooper is a writer living in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information about him and his books visit michaellcooper.com. Thanks. MLC

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was just an average book. Neither nor bad. Perhaps a different biography of TR would have been a better choice to read.

[Carol Blakeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed to be a good biography. It was certainly written in the 21st century looking back, judging the last century by the standards of this one. But then I came across a glaring error, stating that McKinley's second inauguration was "March 4, 1901, exactly 100 years after George Washington had been sworn in as the first president of the new republic." George Washington was President from April 30, 1789-March 4, 1797, and he died in December 1799. Thomas Jefferson was sworn in as third president on March 4, 1801. It wasn't a minor slip, and someone should have caught it in the publishing process. So then I wonder how many other facts had been bungled. I usually rate books high on Goodreads, so this is a low rating for me.

[Lisa Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael L. Cooper’s Theodore Roosevelt (Up Close) is a masterful biography for young readers that does exactly what the series promises: it moves beyond the bullet-point list of accomplishments to deliver an intimate, compelling, and nuanced portrait of the man behind the legend. Cooper brilliantly captures the boundless energy, complex convictions, and indomitable spirit that made TR one of America’s most unforgettable figures.

The book excels in its narrative approach. Rather than a dry chronological recitation, Cooper structures the biography to explore the “driving forces” behind Roosevelt’s persona. Readers come to understand how a sickly, asthmatic child transformed himself through sheer will into a embodiment of “the strenuous life.” The narrative seamlessly connects his personal passions, for natural history, writing, and adventure, to his public triumphs as a reformer, conservationist, trust-buster, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The Rough Riders charge up San Juan Hill is thrilling, but Cooper ensures we also grasp the strategic mind and leadership that made it possible.

Cooper’s prose is engaging, clear, and perfectly pitched for its audience, making historical context accessible without ever talking down. He doesn’t shy away from Roosevelt’s complexities or contradictions, presenting a balanced view that acknowledges both his progressive crusades and his imperialistic ambitions. This honesty provides a richer, more educational, and ultimately more inspiring story, one of a flawed but relentlessly striving human being.

Packed with period details and a deep understanding of the era, this biography brings TR vibrantly to life. It shows how his career, from the New York Assembly at age twenty-three to his post presidency explorations, was a continuous arc of passionate engagement with the world.

Theodore Roosevelt (Up Close) is an outstanding entry in a stellar series. It is not just the story of a great president, but a timeless lesson in character, resilience, and the impact one determined individual can have on a nation. Highly recommended for any student or casual reader seeking to understand the force of nature that was Theodore Roosevelt.

[Leah Darby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! It wasn't super detailed, but it was a nice overview of Theodore Roosevelt. This was a great introductory book on Roosevelt's life. It was a fairly fast read. I loved learning more about Theodore's upbringing, time in office, and retirement. Cooper did a great job with this biography.

[hexagonalhotdogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glossed over biography of Mr. Teddy Roosevelt. Not exactly in depth, but enough to make you wonder and also learn a bit about him!

[Jim Swike · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew about Teddy Roosevelt, but I didn't learn much more from this book. Very short bio; maybe you will find a short bio. Enjoy!

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great overview of the life of an amazing man. The first American to receive the Noble Peace Prize. Commander of the Rough Riders in the Spanish American War. He oversaw the making of the Panama Canal. The father of the modern US Navy and our National Parks, Roosevelt was a believer in a strong federal government and regulations over big corporations. He fought for ideas that promoted the public good. He is one of our most popular presidents and is remembered always by being carved into Mt. Rushmore.

[Grastjon Gaustad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodore's was interesting as he set up environmental safe zones, led a Calvary, made the presidential position more powerful, set up the Panama Canal, and made the US more of a global power which are some amazing feats to have in your life. He also promotes diplomacy instead of war which I think didn't really kick off until after World War 2. Theodore promoted the US preparing for World War 1 as he didn't like Wilson's Neutrality and Theodore's sons went to war which to please their dad which I think is fine. Theodore died on 1918.

[Jonathan M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book that helped me with my bio project. I presented it this Monday. I was on a nervous wreak. So when I finished it was horrid. I wish I could continue learning more about Theodore Roosevelt but our bio part is over. So at the end Theodore died of a diease. He slept and asked his son to turn off the lights and he died.

[Randi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little Jr. Biography on one of my favorite presidents. Looking forward to reading "Mornings on Horseback" by McCullough for a more in-depth read.

[Lucy Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was acually my oral book report just to let you knmow

[Luke]

This book shows hoe Roosevelt was more than just a president and how he was so outgoing and kind to everyone else. Some pro's are that it gives good stories to his past and gives a lot of insight as how to he did such amazing things. A con is the book does get slow sometimes and some of the other smaller stories are kind of irrelevant. I feel this book is directed towards other adults, seeing as this was a politician everything seems set for an adult tone.