Jimmy Carter

Children's Literature - Tim Whitney

Jimmy Carter scored many victories in foreign relations during his term as thirty-ninth president of the United States, and he has continued to do so in his work during his so-called retirement. With frequent quotes from Carter's autobiographies, this biography chronicles Carter's life from his childhood, when he learned to understand and resolve conflicts, to his present work at the Carter Center, where he understands and resolves conflicts on a daily basis. The book also explains Carter's re-electionloss, and includes a selected bibliography and index.

School Library Journal

Gr 7-9These biographies rely on both documentary materials and their subjects' own words to tell their stories. Both books are attractive and include black-and-white photos. Hughes devotes a good deal of space to Powell's youth and education, but also relates his subject's military career and family life in considerable detail. She draws on both published accounts for adults and on her own interview with Powell, an approach that allows readers to appreciate both his philosophy of hard work and education and his many achievements, and also understand how his values have contributed to his enormous popularity. Lazo describes Carter's early life, political career, and impressive post-presidential humanitarian efforts. She makes considerable use of Carter's own written words to tell his story, and clearly admires the man. While much of his record is deserving of this praise, the author fails to explain how his weaknesses undermined his presidency and eventually cost him the office. She also implies that Reagan was involved in a conspiracy to prevent the release of the hostages in Iran. Still, this book is more current than Daniel Richman's James E. Carter (Garrett, 1989), which offers a more balanced account of his presidency but does not include his recent activities. Lazo's title is a good complement to Carter's own Talking Peace (Dutton, 1995), which details his ideas on peace and human rights. Good choices for reports.Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO

Carolyn Phelan

The life of Jimmy Carter is spotlighted in this offering from the People in Focus series. Lazo describes Carter's childhood, education, religion, military service, farming career, governorship, presidency, and accomplishments since leaving that office. Quotes from his speeches, interviews, books, and memoirs offer additional insights into the man's thoughts and goals. Throughout the book, black-and-white photographs illustrate the text. A solid biography of a former president who continues to make news.