Don't Know Much About Thomas Jefferson
Summary: Questions about the personal and political life of Thomas Jefferson are answered and explored in this book.
Strengths: I read another book about Thomas Jefferson to compare it with the other nonfiction book with more of a picture book feel about Thomas Jefferson by Cheryl Harness. The books are both excellent resources in different ways. This book has a lot of interesting information that may not be found in normal informational books about Thomas Jefferson. The question and answer format provides an interesting way for students to learn information. The book provides definitions to words that may not be understood by students, a timeline, and an index allows a way for students to look up specific information. Information about the general life of people during Jefferson’s time is also written, so readers can learn how Jefferson was a product of his time. The pictures, diagrams, and maps are simple because the focus is on the information.
Concerns: Some of the information may be inappropriate for younger ages, such as the fact that two of Jefferson’s siblings died young. Students learn Jefferson’s hypocrisy of having slaves and writing that “All men are created equal.” The topic of religion is also discussed, which may be against some parents’ beliefs.
Classroom Use: For younger ages, teachers can find specific questions that would interest students and discuss them in class. This book would be excellent to research the accomplishments and life of Thomas Jefferson when learning about great American citizens. Many interesting facts are found in this book. Children aged 9 and up would enjoy this book.
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