Overview
John Adams, the first vice president and the second president of the United States, found that the best way to explore his ideas was to put pen to paper. Adams served as a Massachusetts delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. His ideas on American liberty led the way to independence. In this rich and revealing collection, illustrated with photographs, prints, paintings, and artifacts, Carolyn Yoder has selected writings that chart the life and ideas of John Adams, from his years as a schoolteacher and lawyer to diplomat and president and to the period of his long retirement, a highlight of which was his correspondence with Thomas Jefferson. We see Adams the diplomat, maneuvering his way through Europe. We also find Adams the man, devoted husband of Abigail and father of John Quincy Adams, the sixth U.S. president. Entries from diaries and journals, along with excerpts from letters and speeches, form an intimate portrait of a man driven by ambition and plagued by self-doubt.
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Yoder's informative biography of John Adams sheds light on the man, the husband, and the politician for teenage readers not quite ready for the adult biographies written about him. However, that is not to say the writing is not up to that level, nor that the content is dummied down. To the contrary, using primary resources mentioned in the title, Yoder paints a much more complex picture of the man from Massachusetts who became the second president of the United States than standard series biographies for teens, and certainly than those for lower grades. While many of these sources are familiar and found in books about both John and Abigail Adams, both individual and single biographies, the special relationship and respect for each other is shown, as is John Adams' impatience with things in Washington that he deemed unimportant. Highly readable, for upper level readers. This book provides an in-depth look at the second president of the United States and his times. Supporting matter in the book will be useful for further research and information. Reviewer: Leslie Greaves RadloffSchool Library Journal
Gr 8 Up- Similar to Yoder's George Washington, the Writer (Boyds Mills, 2003), this book offers a selection of Adams's writings from his days as a 19-year-old grammar-school teacher to shortly before his death at age 90. A brief biography precedes the writings, which are arranged chronologically. Adams's courtship of Abigail Smith, service as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, overseas diplomacy, presidency, and retirement are all illustrated in the well-chosen writings. Yoder's succinct introductions provide ample context for each selection, and the diverse writings give a sense of the man's intelligence, resolve, and dedication to the ideals that created America, along with his growing sense of stewardship over the fledgling nation. Numerous black-and-white illustrations and a list of historic sites round out the title. Serious history buffs may want a more exhaustive collection of writings or a more complete biography, but those who seek an easily digestible overview of the second president's life and times will find this book both informative and appealing.-Leah J. Sparks, formerly at Bowie Public Library, MD