Who Was Thomas Jefferson? Read Free Books and Download eBooks
Did you know that John Adams had to coax Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence? It's true. The shy Virginia statesman refused at first, but then went on to author one of our nation's most important and inspiring documents. The third U.S. president, Jefferson was also an architect, inventor, musician, farmer, and-what is certainly the most troubling aspect of his life-a slave owner. Finally, here's a biography for kids that unveils the many facets of this founding father's remarkable and complicated life.
Lexile Measure: 680L (What's this?)
Series: Who Was...?
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (July 28, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0448431459
ISBN-13: 978-0448431451
Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.2 x 7.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #14,254 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #8 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Political #11 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > U. S. Presidents & First Ladies #46 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Historical
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
[...]This author spends five pages reporting on the Jefferson-Hemings controversy and gets it wrong in most instances.* There is NO proof that Thomas Jefferson's wife and Sally Henings were half sisters as Mr. Fradin claims (see McMurry book, "Anatomy of a Scandal."* There is NO information anywhere that Jefferson began a relationship with Sally except an unproven claim by Madison Hemings who has been found to be inaccurate on several claims such as his naming.......FALSE. here is also NO proof that Thomas and Sally became fond of each other as Mr. Fradin claims. He also claims a forty year relationship which is unprovable.* He states that in 1789, Sally Hemings became pregnant and Thomas Jefferson was the father. If Mr. Fradin had cared to research the facts he would have found that the original Callender Campaign Lie of September 1802 was DISPROVEN by the DNA Study. There was NO match of the DNA between Jefferson and Tom Woodson, the subject of the James Callender lie.* Mr. Fradin says that over the next nineteen years they had six more children. There is absolutely NO proof of this. Not only that, it was over five years after they had returned to Monticello before ANY registered child for Sally was made. Only one Hemings descendant was DNA tested, HOW could Mr. Fradin make his outrageous claims. How can we be sure that his several other children books are accurate? Mr. Fradin your are remiss in distributing false and inaccurate information for our youthful readers.I recommend that the books listed on the above mentioned web pages be read regarding the Jefferson-Hemings Controversy.Herbert BargerJefferson Family Historian
As a teacher and trained historian, I am always pleased when I see young students interested in history and learning more about people from the past. So, when I noticed so many of my students reading the "Who was" series, I assumed they were a great series that educated young readers with factual biographies. HOWEVER, after purchasing this book for my own children so that they could learn more about one of our founding fathers and certainly one of our most studied and eloquent presidents, I couldn't have been more disappointed in reading this book. Much of this particular book focuses on superfluous things in Jefferson's personal life that don't belong in a children's book, not the least of which is Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemings. That relationship and the children of Sally Hemings take the spotlight in this biography, and sadly, much of what Fradin writes in this book is merely conjecture, since none of the information can be proven, and at this point, should be beyond the scope of our interest. This book represents the most dangerous kind of revision---one in which conjecture is presented as fact for children's consumption. This book is aimed squarely at young readers who do not cross-reference and fact check authors' sources, but accept that biographies such as these are factual. Because of the lack of integrity in this particular book, I will never purchase another book in this series, nor will I direct any young students to them. Instead, I would call all parents and educators alike to read closely what publishers deem factual and be active in teaching your young readers to think critically for themselves, especially when presented with sensationalism dressed up as fact.
We have almost the entire Who Is/Was series. This one was a fail. Barely any information about Jefferson's presidency and more than a chapter devoted to his illegitimate relationship with a slave. Absolutely unnecessary or could have been mentioned in one sentence. Too liberal and makes a twisted effort to besmirch a legend.
The "Who Was" books are a fantastic read for anyone (not just children), but my son finds this series especially FUN. The books reads easily and at the same time allows the child to learn without realizing it!
I like many others who had read this book, quickly learn that the author has not only taken literary license to embellish many of the things about Thomas Jefferson, but some of the information purported to be fact is simply false. This obviously brings the entire content into question for any reader. If you want to learn about Jefferson, get a book by a reputable author that has been historically verified. This book went right into our garbage can for the next generation. I just hope libraries across the country have a file 13 for this book as well. Shame on you Dennis Brindell Fradin!
My elementary school age son picked Thomas Jefferson for his biography project this year and his teacher recommended this book. I did some research on my own after seeing the 1 star reviews and found this book to be fairly accurate along the lines of current historical consensus. I would definitely recommend this book to other elementary school age kids who have a project or want to learn more about the author of the Declaration of Independence, but be prepared to talk with your children about the historical context of the events of Jefferson's life to make sure they really understand everything.
5 stars.I think the book is so interesting that it makes it cool.So much information it could blow my mind up.It is so important and inspiring.The more information the smarter I get.My head has so much information I`m getting so smart.I am so smart now
I bought this for my 7 year-old daughter prior to a trip to Washington D.C. The books are for a more advanced reader then a 1st grader, but contains engaging stories, historical facts and pictures. My daughter enjoys having these books read to her! It's a win-win situation having her learn about the history of the U.S. and having fun at the same time.
Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West: Meriwether Lewis Thomas Jefferson and the Opening The Jefferson Lies: Exposing the Myths You've Always Believed About Thomas Jefferson The Adams-Jefferson Letters: The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams Jefferson Nickels 1970-2015: Collector's Jefferson Nickels Folder The Gospel of Thomas, with The Acts of Thomas, and The Book of Thomas the Contender Monticello: The Official Guide to Thomas Jefferson's World The Pirate Coast: Thomas Jefferson, The First Marines, and the Secret Mission of 1805 Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power Who Was Thomas Jefferson? Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson's Feast (Step into Reading) (Step #4) Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library Meet Thomas Jefferson (Landmark Books) Thomas Jefferson: President and Philosopher A Picture Book of Thomas Jefferson (Picture Book Biographies) (Picture Book Biography) First Peas to the Table: How Thomas Jefferson Inspired a School Garden Thomas Jefferson: Great American (Graphic Biographies) Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence (Graphic Heroes of the American Revolution) Thomas Jefferson Grows a Nation
