Presidents and Scandals

School Library Journal

Gr 8-10-Reminding readers that corruption is nothing new in politics, Roberts gives this subject historical perspective by recalling the ancient Roman emperors. He then presents brief biographies of five presidents whose administrations were "engulfed in scandal," offering glimpses into the lives and legacies of Ulysses S. Grant, Warren G. Harding, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He concedes that, "sex has often been at the core of presidential scandals"; however, he does not limit the discussion to such matters. Though Harding's unfaithfulness is well documented, his greatest downfall seems to have been his corrupt administration. Roberts remains objective, especially when discussing Reagan, whose current ill health has made him a sympathetic figure. The book is well organized, and the numerous black-and-white illustrations-of the presidents, other public figures, and places-complement the text.-Laura Glaser, Euless Junior High School, TX Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.