Booklist
. . . a solid portrayal of this noteworthy American president.
Horn Book
A rousing tale...that captures the sum of the man's personal failures and political ambition.
Children's Literature
- Jody Little
This biography of Theodore Roosevelt is fast paced, filled with interesting details, and well suited for young audiences. The author begins with Theodore's early life, including accounts of his childhood asthma and his love of reading. Theodore was a child of wealthy parents and traveled often with his family. He was mostly educated at home. He attended Harvard University where he met his first wife, Alice. His first job in politics was as a state assemblyman for New York. He was also a writer. He wrote two books early in his adult life, Naval War 1812 and Hunting Trips of a Ranchman. Roosevelt's other political positions included Civil Service Commissioner under President Harrison and Cleveland, Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President McKinley, and Governor of New York. He was Vice President of the United States when President McKinley was assassinated in 1901. He completed McKinley's term and successfully ran for a second term. Roosevelt's accomplishments are praised often, but his personal and family issues, his outspokenness, and his political blunders are also included in this very balanced biography. Students will be impressed with Roosevelt's intelligence, his wit, and ultimately his commitment to his country. Reviewer: Jody Little
School Library Journal
Gr 7–10—This trim and extremely readable biography portrays the 26th president's full and varied life. Cooper draws on many sources to weave a story of the sickly child who grew into a robust, energetic man with seemingly boundless energy. He covers various facets of TR's life: naturalist, cowboy, soldier, author, loving husband, doting father, civil servant, and unexpected (but very successful) president. While striking an admiring tone, the author stops short of painting only a glowing picture of Roosevelt. He discusses his subject's abuses of power and often-foolhardy behavior. Colorful quotations demonstrate TR's humor and character. Black-and-white photos and reproductions illustrate the volume. This title is more concise than Betsy Harvey Kraft's Theodore Roosevelt: Champion of the American Spirit (Clarion, 2003) or Matt Donnelly's Theodore Roosevelt: Larger Than Life (Linnet, 2002). It is a compelling summary of a man who is credited with enlarging our national parks, beginning the construction of the Panama Canal, ending a war between Russia and Japan, "busting" trusts and cracking down on corrupt big business, and being "the most popular man in America" at the end of his administration.—Lisa Crandall, formerly at Capital Area District Library, Holt, MI
Kirkus Reviews
In a superb biography both personal and opinionated, Cooper calls Theodore Roosevelt "the hero America needed." At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States was becoming a nation of big cities and huge corporations, and the major issue Roosevelt faced will sound familiar to readers today-the role of a strong federal government in dealing with the "unrestricted and ill-regulated individualism" of banks and corporations and ensuring a vital economy and social justice at the same time. Written with a vigor and enthusiasm to match the subject, the volume is well-researched and documented, incorporating many direct quotations to make Roosevelt accessible and knowable. Not just a "road to the White House" biography, this is a look at the full life and times of the 26th president, his family, his enthusiasms and losses and the significance of his presidency. Readers will absorb much about history and politics as they learn the story behind the face on Mount Rushmore. Another strong entry in the fine Up Close series. (Biography. 11 & up)
