babayagareads's review against another edition

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4.0

An honest look into Kennedy's presidency from a civil rights perspective. The author's note is poignant and would make for a good classroom tool/lesson.

gargi's review against another edition

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5.0

The JFK fascination never ends! A Time to Act was an engaging and a very well written book. I simply fell in love with the illustrations and throughly enjoyed the book.

A Time to Act was a short visual history of JFK's life, primarily intended for young readers. This book reflects on JFK's role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Act, among others including US-Soviet relations, the Berlin Wall, and the Peace Corps. The last few pages of the book (author's note, etc.) give more information on Kennedy's life and the activists in the Civil Rights Movement.

I'm glad I was able to get a copy of this biography and I'd like to read more of the author's work.

I got a free copy of this book in exchange for a review!

yapha's review against another edition

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5.0

Powerful and eloquent. A must read for grades 4 & up.

panda_incognito's review against another edition

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4.0

I personally didn't care for this book's illustrations, and the rhythm of the text was often choppy, but it's an excellent biography for children old enough to explore the historical nuances of how Kennedy dealt with Civil Rights ideals and demands during his time in office. Given how short this biography is, it's astonishingly thorough, covering the most important details of Kennedy's childhood, adulthood, presidency, interior life, and interactions with contemporaries. The back of the book provides biographical paragraphs on the other historical figures that appeared within the narrative, and the book muses about the nature of history during its introduction and conclusion, reminding readers that history is not just something printed in old books, but is something that people live out within their time. All in all, this is a quality work, and I recommend it to children and adults who are interested in the topic.

joshrskinner's review against another edition

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4.0

Tremendous illustrated biography of JFK. The historical information is presented well and the illustrations are unique and memorable. What is great about the book is how it goes beyond romanticizing a historic figure and, instead, focuses on an area where he initially faltered. Presenting an icon as a human makes the successes of his life and his enduring legacy all the more powerful.
Great book for kids and parents alike.

Review copy provided.

rogenecarter's review against another edition

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5.0

Incredibly inspirational and moving; I felt moved by the words and the pictures alike.

wordnerd153's review against another edition

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4.0

Engaging, accessible, informative, and inspiring.

mlettus's review against another edition

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5.0

This was a fantastic book. The pictures were beautiful and it's a definite purchase my library.
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