Tony Blair

Children's Literature

Tony Blair is a book in the Lucent's "People in the News" series. The authors have included very good information relating not only Blair's life, but also about England's government. There are excellent sidebars throughout that describe the Labour Party, the Conservative Party, Muslims in Britain, the way England works, and much more. There are five chapters in the book in addition to an introduction to England. Personal information about Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is included, who, at age forty-four, became the youngest prime minister in nearly two hundred years. His early years, education, and family life are explored. At the young age of ten, Blair's life changed when his sister became ill and had to be hospitalized for two years. A year later, his father had a stroke, and Blair and his mother took care of his sister and father. This family situation helped Blair develop character and responsibility at an early age. There are other interesting glimpses into Blair's personality such as his rebellious nature in college and his singing and playing in a rock band. Eventually, Blair settled down, married, became a lawyer and in 1983, became a member of the Labour Party in Parliament. In 1997 he became Prime Minister of England, and in 200l he was re-elected. The authors have done a nice job in offering a picture of a foreign leader who has often been a part of America's headlines. Black-and-white photographs, chapter notes, further reading list and more are included. 2003, Lucent Books, Yannuzzi