What do you think?
Rate this book
The Great Little Madison
Newbery Honor-winning Jean Fritz highlights one of America's most important founding father.In the days before microphones and TV interviews, getting people to listen to you was not an easy task. But James Madison used his quiet eloquence, intelligence, and passion for unified colonies to help shape the Constitution, steer America through the turmoil of two wars, and ensure that our government, and nation, remained intact. "An excellent, fascinating, indispensable resource." —Kirkus Reviews, pointer review "The book is rich in the sort of detail that illuminates the man, but is not limited to personal information; a great deal of government history is woven into the biography." —Horn Book, starred review "Fritz has given a vivid picture of the man and an equally vivid picture of the problems that faced the leaders of the new nation in the formative years." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children?s Books, starred review "Young readers will feel like they know the 'Great Little Madison' very well." —School Library Journal
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
46 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Jean Fritz
93 books156 followersJean Guttery Fritz was an American children's writer best known for American biography and history. She won the Children's Legacy Literature Award for her career contribution to American children's literature in 1986. She turned 100 in November 2015 and died in May 2017 at the age of 101.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
April 13, 2017
I love Madison. He's one of my favorite historical figures. So it was nice to read this for school with my brothers. :)
December 21, 2013
From my blog: http://kidlitaboutpolitics.wordpress....
This biography is written as if middle grade kids are thinking people. It's written for someone who wants to know about James Madison and the first 40 years of the United States. The book could be used to write a report, but unlike some biographies for middle grade readers, it could also be used by a student of history who loves to read about the people involved in the founding of the United States.
James Madison was a short man with a small voice who was involved in many of the key decisions facing the country in its first 40 years. He was part of the convention in Virginia that voted to ratify the Declaration of Independence. He took meticulous notes at the Constitutional Convention and played an important part in the proceedings. While the states were deciding whether or not to ratify the new constitution, Madison, along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, wrote the Federalist papers. The papers explain the new constitution and why it was important. Madison represented Virginia in the House of Representatives. He was Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, and he served two terms as president of the United States. Madison lived long enough (85 years) to see Andrew Jackson be elected president.
Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech were among the rights about which Madison felt strongly. Furthermore, Madison believed preserving the Union was absolutely critical if the experiment in democracy that is the United States was to survive.
In the early years of the country there were sometimes fierce arguments between the Republicans (similar to today's Democrats), who believed in “spreading the power democratically among the people” (p. 65) and the Federalists who believed “people of ‘quality’” (p. 65) should have the power. Madison and his lifelong friend Jefferson were Republicans.
Fritz’s style is very straightforward. She packs her paragraphs with information and does so in an effortless way. The book is not compelling, however. In 1989 perhaps middle grade nonfiction books were not compelling. Steve Sheinkin writes nonfiction page turners. Neal Bascomb’s “The Nazi Hunters” is hard to put down. When Fritz writes about the war of 1812, which happened when Madison was president, the story becomes a little more compelling, but nothing that comes close to Sheinkin or Bascomb.
I am fascinated by Madison’s influence on the early days of the United States. Many people today speak as if they know the Constitution. Those people would be shocked to read Madison's actual ideas.
This biography is written as if middle grade kids are thinking people. It's written for someone who wants to know about James Madison and the first 40 years of the United States. The book could be used to write a report, but unlike some biographies for middle grade readers, it could also be used by a student of history who loves to read about the people involved in the founding of the United States.
James Madison was a short man with a small voice who was involved in many of the key decisions facing the country in its first 40 years. He was part of the convention in Virginia that voted to ratify the Declaration of Independence. He took meticulous notes at the Constitutional Convention and played an important part in the proceedings. While the states were deciding whether or not to ratify the new constitution, Madison, along with Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, wrote the Federalist papers. The papers explain the new constitution and why it was important. Madison represented Virginia in the House of Representatives. He was Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State, and he served two terms as president of the United States. Madison lived long enough (85 years) to see Andrew Jackson be elected president.
Freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech were among the rights about which Madison felt strongly. Furthermore, Madison believed preserving the Union was absolutely critical if the experiment in democracy that is the United States was to survive.
In the early years of the country there were sometimes fierce arguments between the Republicans (similar to today's Democrats), who believed in “spreading the power democratically among the people” (p. 65) and the Federalists who believed “people of ‘quality’” (p. 65) should have the power. Madison and his lifelong friend Jefferson were Republicans.
Fritz’s style is very straightforward. She packs her paragraphs with information and does so in an effortless way. The book is not compelling, however. In 1989 perhaps middle grade nonfiction books were not compelling. Steve Sheinkin writes nonfiction page turners. Neal Bascomb’s “The Nazi Hunters” is hard to put down. When Fritz writes about the war of 1812, which happened when Madison was president, the story becomes a little more compelling, but nothing that comes close to Sheinkin or Bascomb.
I am fascinated by Madison’s influence on the early days of the United States. Many people today speak as if they know the Constitution. Those people would be shocked to read Madison's actual ideas.
October 30, 2016
Great little book about a great little man. I didn't know anything about Madison before, but now I know him well. In this children's biography, I realized that your youth is the time to prepare and learn, and when you are older you serve and make your place in the world.
I really liked the end because it became sad and nostalgic when Lafayette came back. Almost all the Founding Fathers were dead, but a few were still alive and could be together again. Thank you God for the Founding Fathers and thank you Jean Fritz for writing these books!
I really liked the end because it became sad and nostalgic when Lafayette came back. Almost all the Founding Fathers were dead, but a few were still alive and could be together again. Thank you God for the Founding Fathers and thank you Jean Fritz for writing these books!
Read
December 6, 20111. Junior Book, Biography
2. The Great Little Madison tells the story of James Madison from his childhood to writing the Constitution and his presidency. It shows that a little person, with a little voice, can still do so much.
3. This is a wonderfully written book that gives the reader a great picture of what James Madison was really like, from his small stature to his small voice. The best aspect of this book is its voice. It is a history book that deals with a great deal of subject matter. Madison lived during a very interesting and very busy time in American history, so there is a lot to go over. The voice used to write this book is light, easy, and conversational. There is no heavy, over-important prose or big words. It is simple. Like when discussing why James Madison went to Princeton: "Most young men in Virginia attended the nearby William and Mary, but that wouldn't do for James. Too much drinking and partying at that school" (pg. 10). this is clear and easy to read. Even when discussing important matters like writing the Constitution, the voice is still light and easy.
4. This is a great book for learning about James Madison. I would use it as a project on great Americans or as a way to introduce the Revolution and the Constitution in a different way. This book would be most beneficial for someone doing a project on Madison as this book is informative and entertaining.
2. The Great Little Madison tells the story of James Madison from his childhood to writing the Constitution and his presidency. It shows that a little person, with a little voice, can still do so much.
3. This is a wonderfully written book that gives the reader a great picture of what James Madison was really like, from his small stature to his small voice. The best aspect of this book is its voice. It is a history book that deals with a great deal of subject matter. Madison lived during a very interesting and very busy time in American history, so there is a lot to go over. The voice used to write this book is light, easy, and conversational. There is no heavy, over-important prose or big words. It is simple. Like when discussing why James Madison went to Princeton: "Most young men in Virginia attended the nearby William and Mary, but that wouldn't do for James. Too much drinking and partying at that school" (pg. 10). this is clear and easy to read. Even when discussing important matters like writing the Constitution, the voice is still light and easy.
4. This is a great book for learning about James Madison. I would use it as a project on great Americans or as a way to introduce the Revolution and the Constitution in a different way. This book would be most beneficial for someone doing a project on Madison as this book is informative and entertaining.
April 26, 2015
This book was recommended to me by my Granddaughter who read it in her book club. It was a juvenile book honored in 1990. More history than biography, it gives substantial text to the history surrounding the life of the President who lived through the making and maturing of the US as a country. It was a grand review for me of what I should have retained from my school years. I relearned about the Continental Congress and the Constitution. The narrative included Patrick Henry and his challenges to Madison, Hamilton whose birth house I have seen in the Islands, Madison's friendship with Jefferson, and entertainment lover wife of Madison, Dolly Madison.
What surprised me was how often the author reminded me that Madison had a weak voice but got to the highest office of the land anyway. Reading this book is a good reintroduction to Charlottesville, VA where both Jefferson and Madison had their houses with their slaves. As with perhaps many planters, they didn't feel slavery was right but did not take the losses they would have experienced if they had granted them their freedom for the economy of plantations depended on slavery.
What surprised me was how often the author reminded me that Madison had a weak voice but got to the highest office of the land anyway. Reading this book is a good reintroduction to Charlottesville, VA where both Jefferson and Madison had their houses with their slaves. As with perhaps many planters, they didn't feel slavery was right but did not take the losses they would have experienced if they had granted them their freedom for the economy of plantations depended on slavery.
June 9, 2015
A good little book for learning more about one of the great founding fathers of this nation. I enjoyed learning more about him, though the writing style wasn't as interesting as I would have liked.
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
- James Madison
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives.”
- James Madison
January 31, 2017
The Great Little Madison by Jean Fritz was a great book.This book was about the war of 1812.James madison had become president of the the united states.The Britsh was in a war with america again.James Madison had to flea the wight house because of the britsh.This book was very challenging to read but in the end a really great book.I recomened this book to people who like to read a lot about history.
August 13, 2014
Potential Problems: Can be a long, boring read at times
Personal Response: I found it interesting, but also a bit controversial at times.
Personal Response: I found it interesting, but also a bit controversial at times.
June 15, 2017
It was a little "text-booky" but it was an amazing amount of information on James Madison and the Constitution and the war of 1812. Its a miracle America exists.
November 9, 2017
Our family always enjoy Jean Fritz books.
March 26, 2021
Very boring. And a few “facts” were given an incorrect spin according to author biases. I would not recommend this book for children to read if they needed to learn about James Madison and the foundation of America. They will completely zone out and possibly form a resistance to reading and loving history.
September 8, 2020
This book was good for a school book, and interesting especially because i barely knew anything abt Madison or his life.
Recommended ages 13 & up.
Recommended ages 13 & up.
September 29, 2016
This week, I tackled my non-fiction book of the semester, "The Great Little Madison", by Jean Fritz. In the novel, we follow the life of James Madison, who became the fourth President of the United States, a leader in both of the wars that he lived through, and a hero. With his friends, his wife, and his political stances, he really became someone that history had its eyes on. In the beginning of his life, no one had expected him to live very long, or amount to much, as he had a falling sickness and a small little voice. But he wanted more for himself. So he went to Princeton, graduated early, and went on to work in Virginia in government. There, he met Thomas Jefferson, who helped him get into the world of politics during the Revolutionary War. However, it was only until after we won, and after the Articles of Confederation failed, that he really stepped out. With his quiet voice, he worked hard to make a new constitution, defend it well, and then he did the same for it when Britain comes back to haunt them all. As the President in a time when they never knew if there would be a President after that, James Madison did what it took to lead, even with his voice, turning him into the Great Little Madison.
Honestly, I thought the book was well written, but it wasn't a book that I would read if I didn't have to choose a non-fiction book. While I thought that the facts were very interesting, and while I loved James Madison's wife, Dolley, I felt that some of it was repetitive. They say that he defended his constitution, that he had a quiet voice, and that his wife supported him no matter what, but then it goes on to say those things once again. I felt like they should have picked a few things that were incredibly important, like his relationship with his wife, or with Jefferson, and dive into that. This way, we wouldn't have to jump back and ask ourselves, "Where are we in time? Did he say these things twice?" . Despite these comments though, I liked learning about someone who doesn't get enough credit for all of the credit he gave us. And about something that we are getting into in class. Truly, at the end of it all, I felt like the Great Little Madison was still pretty great.
There are probably only two or three types of people that I would recommend this to. For one, teachers that get into the Revolutionary War, because the book had lots of information about that time, and also historians. In addition, if you are just someone who really likes history, or wants to know more, this book can do just that. I'm glad that I chose this book, and while it wasn't for me, it could really please someone else.
Honestly, I thought the book was well written, but it wasn't a book that I would read if I didn't have to choose a non-fiction book. While I thought that the facts were very interesting, and while I loved James Madison's wife, Dolley, I felt that some of it was repetitive. They say that he defended his constitution, that he had a quiet voice, and that his wife supported him no matter what, but then it goes on to say those things once again. I felt like they should have picked a few things that were incredibly important, like his relationship with his wife, or with Jefferson, and dive into that. This way, we wouldn't have to jump back and ask ourselves, "Where are we in time? Did he say these things twice?" . Despite these comments though, I liked learning about someone who doesn't get enough credit for all of the credit he gave us. And about something that we are getting into in class. Truly, at the end of it all, I felt like the Great Little Madison was still pretty great.
There are probably only two or three types of people that I would recommend this to. For one, teachers that get into the Revolutionary War, because the book had lots of information about that time, and also historians. In addition, if you are just someone who really likes history, or wants to know more, this book can do just that. I'm glad that I chose this book, and while it wasn't for me, it could really please someone else.
August 22, 2025
One of the best biographies I have ever read. Fritz made me feel like I almost knew James and Dolley Madison with her writing.
January 13, 2016
The Great Little Madison is a great little book. James Madison has always been my favorite president, but I knew next to nothing about him before reading this book. The story focus's on his entire life but zooms in on his work on the constitution and his fight against Hamilton and the other Federalists on how the new found country should be run . As the book progresses, Madison grows in his political career and his love for the country. He later marries a young, beautiful woman named Dolley Payne Todd. She had been married before but yellow fever took her first husband and newborn child. Madison adopted her son and they had a happy marriage. Following this, Madison went back into politics with his best friend Thomas Jefferson.
Stopping the plot of the book, about halfway through, The story zooms out and looks at what was going on with Britain and how they were reacting to the new nation. They had been stopping all ships that America was sending to France and taking men, goods, and sometimes the ships themselves.
Back to Madison. Upon hearing this, Madison began to write letters to Jefferson (the current president at the time) and to Britain, asking them to stop immediately and to recognize America as a sovereign country. The British continued to attack as thy please but no one seemed to do anything about it, until Jefferson implemented the Embargo act of 1807. This was a huge failure and was appealed only a few months late to no effect.
Madison became president and started to work on relations with Britain, hoping desperately to stop what seemed to be an inescapable war. Finally Britain went to war with America and Madison mobilized 25,000 solders and gave Britain one more chance to make peace. They did but the message didn't reach America until too late. After the prime minister was killed my an insane man, the government resigned and repealed all of the senseless acts against America.
Madison's term was not going very well at all. He appointed a very incompetent and lazy John Armstrong. Because of this mistake, the white hous (not called that yet) was burned to the ground by the British and America suffered a humiliating attack in their capital. The war was over and the Americans won after a horrific defeat in New Orleans for the British. The leader and hero of the war was named Andrew Jackson. He become a prominent figure in politics and became president later.
After serving his second term, Madison retired to his home plantation of Montpelier. There he spent his final days with his loving wife and died on June 28, 1836
Stopping the plot of the book, about halfway through, The story zooms out and looks at what was going on with Britain and how they were reacting to the new nation. They had been stopping all ships that America was sending to France and taking men, goods, and sometimes the ships themselves.
Back to Madison. Upon hearing this, Madison began to write letters to Jefferson (the current president at the time) and to Britain, asking them to stop immediately and to recognize America as a sovereign country. The British continued to attack as thy please but no one seemed to do anything about it, until Jefferson implemented the Embargo act of 1807. This was a huge failure and was appealed only a few months late to no effect.
Madison became president and started to work on relations with Britain, hoping desperately to stop what seemed to be an inescapable war. Finally Britain went to war with America and Madison mobilized 25,000 solders and gave Britain one more chance to make peace. They did but the message didn't reach America until too late. After the prime minister was killed my an insane man, the government resigned and repealed all of the senseless acts against America.
Madison's term was not going very well at all. He appointed a very incompetent and lazy John Armstrong. Because of this mistake, the white hous (not called that yet) was burned to the ground by the British and America suffered a humiliating attack in their capital. The war was over and the Americans won after a horrific defeat in New Orleans for the British. The leader and hero of the war was named Andrew Jackson. He become a prominent figure in politics and became president later.
After serving his second term, Madison retired to his home plantation of Montpelier. There he spent his final days with his loving wife and died on June 28, 1836
December 9, 2016
Review 4
What first caught my attention in The Great Little Madison was his love of learning - because I share that character trait. Especially our love of science. The book was written by Jean Fritz as a biography of America’s fourth president, James Madison. It is roughly 150 pages. The book summarizes the founding of America and its early history through Madison's point of view. It is a fun book about the commitment by the founding fathers to build America to be a country for the people. As congress began to meet, he wrote to his father: “We are in a wilderness without a single footstep to guide us … Those who follow will have an easier task.”
James Madison made strengthening America his life. He devoted almost all of his life to the welfare of the country. He was married at the age forty-three, and still spent the majority of his time in government. He stood for his beliefs and moral convictions, and tried to do whatever he thought was best for the country. When there was a crisis because of farmers uprising, he was instrumental in resolving the matter. He stated, “Resolved, That the Articles of Confederation ought to be corrected and enlarged as to accomplish common defense, security of liberty, and general welfare.”
He was extremely logical yet very soft spoken. His weak voice caused some problems because there were no microphones, so he couldn’t be heard from a distance. As people listened to his logical arguments, that weakness was overcome, because people would come close to hear his reasoning. He had a very strong will and passion for what he believed in. A message that can be taken from this book is the fact that one person can really make a difference. Madison definitely had help achieving the things he did, but there's no denying the fact that without the great things he did our country would not be as great as it is.
I really liked it and recommend it for anyone who likes in American history, or wants to know about it or its beginnings. It is more interesting than academic history books. Not only that, you can gain a better understanding of important historical facts that are set in the framework of an inspiring story of someone's life who lived it.
What first caught my attention in The Great Little Madison was his love of learning - because I share that character trait. Especially our love of science. The book was written by Jean Fritz as a biography of America’s fourth president, James Madison. It is roughly 150 pages. The book summarizes the founding of America and its early history through Madison's point of view. It is a fun book about the commitment by the founding fathers to build America to be a country for the people. As congress began to meet, he wrote to his father: “We are in a wilderness without a single footstep to guide us … Those who follow will have an easier task.”
James Madison made strengthening America his life. He devoted almost all of his life to the welfare of the country. He was married at the age forty-three, and still spent the majority of his time in government. He stood for his beliefs and moral convictions, and tried to do whatever he thought was best for the country. When there was a crisis because of farmers uprising, he was instrumental in resolving the matter. He stated, “Resolved, That the Articles of Confederation ought to be corrected and enlarged as to accomplish common defense, security of liberty, and general welfare.”
He was extremely logical yet very soft spoken. His weak voice caused some problems because there were no microphones, so he couldn’t be heard from a distance. As people listened to his logical arguments, that weakness was overcome, because people would come close to hear his reasoning. He had a very strong will and passion for what he believed in. A message that can be taken from this book is the fact that one person can really make a difference. Madison definitely had help achieving the things he did, but there's no denying the fact that without the great things he did our country would not be as great as it is.
I really liked it and recommend it for anyone who likes in American history, or wants to know about it or its beginnings. It is more interesting than academic history books. Not only that, you can gain a better understanding of important historical facts that are set in the framework of an inspiring story of someone's life who lived it.
December 11, 2012
The Great Little Madison
1-Genre: Biography
2-James Madison may have been a soft-spoken man but that did not stop his voice from being heard. This book explains how Madison stuck to his passions and allowed others to stick to theirs as well, but Madison was still a man that could get things done. He was able to keep our young country intact, while insuring the rights of all.
3-(a) The author’s use of humor.
(b) It is very tricky writing a nonfiction children’s book and still being able to keep the young reader’s attention. The way that Jean Fritz is able to present this material to children by her casual, humorous style allows the reader to connect and stay entertained throughout the book.
(b) She uses humor on page 25 to describe the seven delegates that did not take warning about an upcoming attack. “Seven delegates either didn’t take the warning seriously or were natural slowpokes; in any case, they were captured.” Another example of her use of humor is on page 44, when she is discussing how boring Luther Martin was when he opened up about his views on government. “On and on he went about his idea that the only reason to have a central government was to preserve the state governments. On and on until everyone wondered if the man would ever shut up.”
4-This is an excellent book to enrich a student’s knowledge about James Madison. This book also does an excellent job exposing the reader to the beginning of our country’s government. Students can read this book and discuss early governmental elements such as the Virginia Plan, Articles of Confederation, and Shay’s Rebellion.
1-Genre: Biography
2-James Madison may have been a soft-spoken man but that did not stop his voice from being heard. This book explains how Madison stuck to his passions and allowed others to stick to theirs as well, but Madison was still a man that could get things done. He was able to keep our young country intact, while insuring the rights of all.
3-(a) The author’s use of humor.
(b) It is very tricky writing a nonfiction children’s book and still being able to keep the young reader’s attention. The way that Jean Fritz is able to present this material to children by her casual, humorous style allows the reader to connect and stay entertained throughout the book.
(b) She uses humor on page 25 to describe the seven delegates that did not take warning about an upcoming attack. “Seven delegates either didn’t take the warning seriously or were natural slowpokes; in any case, they were captured.” Another example of her use of humor is on page 44, when she is discussing how boring Luther Martin was when he opened up about his views on government. “On and on he went about his idea that the only reason to have a central government was to preserve the state governments. On and on until everyone wondered if the man would ever shut up.”
4-This is an excellent book to enrich a student’s knowledge about James Madison. This book also does an excellent job exposing the reader to the beginning of our country’s government. Students can read this book and discuss early governmental elements such as the Virginia Plan, Articles of Confederation, and Shay’s Rebellion.
October 24, 2011
The Great Little Madison is a wonderful summary of an exciting period in American history. Beginning shortly before the Revolution and ending after the War of 1812, the reader learns that the country has been divided down party lines literally since it's inception. Though the founding fathers did not intend for it to be this way, there has always been political fighting, badmouthing, and lack of unity in the United States. Madison is one of the people who stood up for unity and freedom - even his rivals' freedom to insult him. There are plenty of little interesting facts given in this book to hold the interest of the age group it is written for, but it is still an worthwhile quick read for the history buff, as well. I did not like the way the author presented Jay's Treaty under Washington with a very negative tone. I have read other books which have praised Washington for making this unpopular treaty because the US was not prepared for another war with England at this point. Of course, we are reading about Madison's point of view, but I felt the author could have presented historical facts in a more unbiased fashion. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about this time period or the "father of the Constitution."
February 8, 2017
Madison was a key figure in a crucial time of history who crafted the document that has preserved freedom for 200+ years. His ideas saved us from a monarchy, protected freedom from very articulate people who opposed it and protected the new nation.
Alexander Hamilton proposed that the new nation have a President and Senate with a life-term in office (like a king.) His ideas helped the delegates resolve to abandon the Articles of Confederation and see the Virginia plan, crafted by Madison, as a reasonable option.
Patrick Henry attacked the new Constitution before it was ratified by the state of Virginia. What did James Madison defended the Constitution by explaining the checks and balances built into the document to protect the people from tyranny.
What would have happened to the new nation if DeWitt Clinton had won the election against Madison in the middle of the War of 1812? A: Since the war was going badly, Clinton, an anti-war candidate, may have made a treaty with England giving away American’s newly won freedoms.
Alexander Hamilton proposed that the new nation have a President and Senate with a life-term in office (like a king.) His ideas helped the delegates resolve to abandon the Articles of Confederation and see the Virginia plan, crafted by Madison, as a reasonable option.
Patrick Henry attacked the new Constitution before it was ratified by the state of Virginia. What did James Madison defended the Constitution by explaining the checks and balances built into the document to protect the people from tyranny.
What would have happened to the new nation if DeWitt Clinton had won the election against Madison in the middle of the War of 1812? A: Since the war was going badly, Clinton, an anti-war candidate, may have made a treaty with England giving away American’s newly won freedoms.
January 9, 2020
I read this along with learning about the American Revolution, and how the country got it's Independence.
This book is about our fourth president of the United States, James Madison, and really looks into what kind of person he was. It also tells us about a lot of American history in a fun and (in my opinion) easy way to memorize.
It's really fun to read alongside my history books, since the way the author wrote it makes me fall into some kind of reading trance I can't seem to get out of.
I like how it shows the relationships between James Madison and his Family/Friends, the people who knew and interacted with, especially Thomas Jefferson; it was interesting to read about how the two interacted with one another as the story went on.
Overall this was a super fun book to read. Sometimes I forgot I was even studying. Check this book out!
This book is about our fourth president of the United States, James Madison, and really looks into what kind of person he was. It also tells us about a lot of American history in a fun and (in my opinion) easy way to memorize.
It's really fun to read alongside my history books, since the way the author wrote it makes me fall into some kind of reading trance I can't seem to get out of.
I like how it shows the relationships between James Madison and his Family/Friends, the people who knew and interacted with, especially Thomas Jefferson; it was interesting to read about how the two interacted with one another as the story went on.
Overall this was a super fun book to read. Sometimes I forgot I was even studying. Check this book out!
December 6, 2015
This is a book about the life of the fourth President of the United States, James Madison. It ranges from his youth, to his contribution to the United States Constitution as well as highlighting many of the things he accomplished during his Presidency. In his earlier years he was rather sick, although it did not affect him from his studies. He was a very intelligent young man growing up, and by the age of 11 had read all of the books in his father’s library. Soon afterwards, he eventually attended college in New Jersey. James Madison had a close friendship with, our third United States President, Thomas Jefferson. The book goes over the many things in American history that occurred during James Madison’s tenure. The author keeps it very accurate and factual as well as interesting to people of all ages. I think that since it emphasizes some of his younger years, it would be an entertaining book for younger students.
November 5, 2015
Before this book I didn't know much about James Madison. He took good care of his mom, who lived to 98. He had a weak voice, but still managed to give speeches. He was great friends with Thomas Jefferson. He was part of the Constitution Convention and was diligent in his work. He had a reputation of being a bachelor until he proposed to a very young lady. The age difference today would be frowned upon. Thankfully she was immature and turned down his proposal after stringing him along. Later he would propose to the widow Dolley Madison.
James Madison's greatest error was mollycoddling his step-son "Precious Payne" in the backside who lived life irresponsibly and in great debt.
After Madison's death Dolley had to sell their home Montpelier due to Payne's mismanagement.
James Madison's greatest error was mollycoddling his step-son "Precious Payne" in the backside who lived life irresponsibly and in great debt.
After Madison's death Dolley had to sell their home Montpelier due to Payne's mismanagement.
June 23, 2018
Jean Fritz
Paperstar 1998
James Madison was the fourth president of the United States. This book tells the story of Madison's life, from when he was little, and all through his adult life. It shows his life-long friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and also how he met his wife, Dolley. It is told in easy language that is easy for younger children to read and learn from.
There are no potential problems with this book.
This book was great. I love learning about the founding fathers, and it was fun to learn more about The Great Little Madison. I learned so much about his life and about his character that I had never learned before. It was also interesting to learn about how he interacted with the other prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr.
Paperstar 1998
James Madison was the fourth president of the United States. This book tells the story of Madison's life, from when he was little, and all through his adult life. It shows his life-long friendship with Thomas Jefferson, and also how he met his wife, Dolley. It is told in easy language that is easy for younger children to read and learn from.
There are no potential problems with this book.
This book was great. I love learning about the founding fathers, and it was fun to learn more about The Great Little Madison. I learned so much about his life and about his character that I had never learned before. It was also interesting to learn about how he interacted with the other prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr.
February 28, 2018
James Madison believed in America and what it could become. He had a vision of what the new country should be. He worked hard to make his vision a reality. He was a small man with a small voice, determined to be heard. He helped shape the Constitution, involved in two wars, and was the 4th president of the United States.
This book gives a great history and perspective on the first 40 years of our country through the life of James Madison. The infancy days of the United States had many challenges to overcome. It is all presented in an easy-to-read story. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy this book.
This book gives a great history and perspective on the first 40 years of our country through the life of James Madison. The infancy days of the United States had many challenges to overcome. It is all presented in an easy-to-read story. If you enjoy history, you will enjoy this book.
March 3, 2020
I have read this one a few times now and this time I was just a bit frustrated by the obvious apologist bent of the author. I had to read it again as a class assignment and I just really struggled to even get through it this time. I understand that many biographies have an apologist viewpoint but she takes it too far for my comfort in the way she chooses to denigrate some of the other founders. As always, I was frustrated with Dolley and her love of worldly things and her unwillingness to see the fault in her son. I may have come to the point when this one can be removed from my shelves.
June 23, 2018
James Madison was a sickly child, who grew up to become a very intelligent and passionate contributor to the formation of the Constitution. He had a small raspy voice but when he spoke, everyone listened. He gave most of his life helping build the United States of America. He became the fourth USA president and brought the country to victory through two wars. He is referred to as the Father of the Constitution. This is a great book that provides insight into the trials and real struggles of bringing unity to our nation.
May 12, 2012
This is a great easy reader for forth, fifth, and sixth graders. I think this book is a good choice if a teacher is teaching about the presidents. It is also a good example of a biography. As an assignment I think I would have the students complete a beginning, middle, and end chart of James Madison's life. They would use the book to write sentences about Madison when he was young, when he was a young adult, and his later years before he passed away.
February 23, 2015
This book truly made learning about history fun! If you teach 4th or 5th grade history it is a must! Travel back in time to learn more about the history of our country when America was just starting out on its own. Walk in the footsteps of famous Americans like Jefferson, Washington, Adams and of course Madison. I never knew how dedicated to our nation this president was. Pick this book up! You will be glad you did!
August 13, 2018
James Madison was the fourth president of the United States and one of the founding fathers. The Great Little Madison is the story of his life from his frail beginning through The Federalist Papers and the presidency and retirement. The book is well written with lots of information while also keeping the reader captivated. As it is aimed at kids, I am sure there is much that is skipped or glossed over, but for an introduction to Madison, it is excellent and I highly recommend it.
March 26, 2009
Jean fritz did a great job at writing The Great Little Madison. It was an enjoying book and I wasn't board by it at all. It really goes into detail about Madison life and I love that the book does that. I learned a lot about Madison and realize he had a lot of hard times while he was president. Little Madison made a great impact on our country!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews