misspentdays's review against another edition
Barbara Kerley, award winning author of The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins and What To Do About Alice introduces readers to founding fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two very different men united in purpose. The book also provides background on the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
This child friendly history book does a good job of providing the basics of who Adams and Jefferson were in history, as well as who they were to each other. Edwin Fotheringham's illustrations use a limited palate to create a retro feel, while the illustrations themselves feel contemporary. The drawings are lively and should hold young readers attention well. The illustrations also do a good job of really pointing out some of the differences mentioned in the text. For example, we see Adams mud-covered with a wheelbarrow, while Jefferson is examining architectural plans while slaves work in the background.
The book can obviously be used for it's explicit purpose of meeting these two men, but it also does a good job as an example of compare and contrast. The first few pages tell us all the ways the two men are different, but then shows us ways in which they are the same. This would be a good addition to an English teacher's cross curricular plan.
While the book is entertaining and informative, this is information that is available through other sources. Therefore, I recommend this book for elementary schools and public libraries as supplemental material. If your library does not have other books on this topic, it is a good choice.
This child friendly history book does a good job of providing the basics of who Adams and Jefferson were in history, as well as who they were to each other. Edwin Fotheringham's illustrations use a limited palate to create a retro feel, while the illustrations themselves feel contemporary. The drawings are lively and should hold young readers attention well. The illustrations also do a good job of really pointing out some of the differences mentioned in the text. For example, we see Adams mud-covered with a wheelbarrow, while Jefferson is examining architectural plans while slaves work in the background.
The book can obviously be used for it's explicit purpose of meeting these two men, but it also does a good job as an example of compare and contrast. The first few pages tell us all the ways the two men are different, but then shows us ways in which they are the same. This would be a good addition to an English teacher's cross curricular plan.
While the book is entertaining and informative, this is information that is available through other sources. Therefore, I recommend this book for elementary schools and public libraries as supplemental material. If your library does not have other books on this topic, it is a good choice.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
Despite the fact that Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were very different from one another, they grew to admire one another and become fast friends, working on the Declaration of Independence together.
I enjoyed the color scheme and varied font sizes. The story was well-paced and suitable for middle grade students.
I enjoyed the color scheme and varied font sizes. The story was well-paced and suitable for middle grade students.
maureenmccombs's review against another edition
4.0
Twin text: We the Kids, David Catrow, 2002
Twin Text: I chose [b:We the Kids|955192|We the Kids|David Catrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309213386s/955192.jpg|1522809] as the twin text for [b:Those Rebels, John and Tom|12381987|Those Rebels, John and Tom|Barbara Kerley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328837914s/12381987.jpg|17362675] because the basis is about "those smart guys" who wrote the United States Constitution and Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft. Although Adams was not present when the Constitution was debated and passed (he was in Great Britain during that particular Constitutional Congress), he was an integral part in the founding of our country. [b:We the Kids|955192|We the Kids|David Catrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309213386s/955192.jpg|1522809] is a fun story with lovely illustrations and is a great way to introduce the subject of United States history in something other than a dry lecture.
Content-area crossover: Social Studies because both titles deal with the history and founding of the United States. [b:Those Rebels, John and Tom|12381987|Those Rebels, John and Tom|Barbara Kerley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328837914s/12381987.jpg|17362675] talks about the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and how though they were very different, they pulled together to form a new nation. Both books discuss aspects of United States history in a fun, engaging manner. The 'fiction' title introduces the preamble to the Constitution but told through an adventure story, while the non-fiction title explains the events leading up to the United States breaking away from England through the relationship of the two primary characters rather than simply spouting facts at the reader.
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD - Honor book 2013
Titlewave indicates an interest level of between third and sixth grade with a reading level of 4.6. My library has this book cataloged as an easy reader (primary) non-fiction book.
Twin Text: I chose [b:We the Kids|955192|We the Kids|David Catrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309213386s/955192.jpg|1522809] as the twin text for [b:Those Rebels, John and Tom|12381987|Those Rebels, John and Tom|Barbara Kerley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328837914s/12381987.jpg|17362675] because the basis is about "those smart guys" who wrote the United States Constitution and Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft. Although Adams was not present when the Constitution was debated and passed (he was in Great Britain during that particular Constitutional Congress), he was an integral part in the founding of our country. [b:We the Kids|955192|We the Kids|David Catrow|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309213386s/955192.jpg|1522809] is a fun story with lovely illustrations and is a great way to introduce the subject of United States history in something other than a dry lecture.
Content-area crossover: Social Studies because both titles deal with the history and founding of the United States. [b:Those Rebels, John and Tom|12381987|Those Rebels, John and Tom|Barbara Kerley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328837914s/12381987.jpg|17362675] talks about the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson and how though they were very different, they pulled together to form a new nation. Both books discuss aspects of United States history in a fun, engaging manner. The 'fiction' title introduces the preamble to the Constitution but told through an adventure story, while the non-fiction title explains the events leading up to the United States breaking away from England through the relationship of the two primary characters rather than simply spouting facts at the reader.
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD - Honor book 2013
Titlewave indicates an interest level of between third and sixth grade with a reading level of 4.6. My library has this book cataloged as an easy reader (primary) non-fiction book.
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
4.0
Unique take on two very well known men. Some fun plays on words, illustrations are interesting.
elllie's review against another edition
4.0
Delightful, illustrates the beauty of friendships where two people complement each other. Awesome to see this in some of our Founding Fathers. Great explanation of the Revolutionary War and the surrounding situations that led to it. Perfect for elementary school kids who are just getting introduced to the start of our country.
mmattmiller's review against another edition
4.0
Great pictures and stylized typography will help kids enjoy this historical story. I thought it started pretty light and fun, and with writing that a younger child might enjoy. As it progresses, the pages get a little longer and it get deeper into the history. This would be a great book for read aloud when talking about the colonies or the revolutionary war. It also is a great look of how two very different (almost opposite) people can come together and really work together well. There are a lot of great things about this book! I'd definitely recommend it.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
3.0
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2012/06/picture-book-saturday-19.html
beecheralyson's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting look at Thomas Jefferson and John Adams and the forming of the Declaration of Independence. Would be good to use with 2nd to 4th grade.
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