Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

  • Advertisements

5 children's books by US politicians

Barack Obama is not alone. Other presidents – and presidential hopefuls – have also written books for children.

- Nora Dunne

5. “Hero Tales from American History,” by Theodore Roosevelt and Henry Cabot Lodge

Though best known for his dense historical writings, the 26th president also produced one children’s book, six years before he took office. With fellow politician Henry Cabot Lodge, a future senate majority leader, Theodore Roosevelt wrote “Hero Tales from American History,” 26 stories of great Americans in 1895. Intended for teen readers, the book describes American legends, heroes, and battles. Chapters by Roosevelt include “George Rogers Clark and the Conquest of the Northwest,” “Remember the Alamo,” and “The Death of Stonewall Jack.”

The authors explain their purpose in the book’s introduction: “to tell in simple fashion the story of some Americans … who proved their truth by their endeavor,” which is, they say, “an especially good thing for young Americans to remember.”


Read Comments

View reader comments | Comment on this story

Photos of the day

02.22.12 »

What are you reading?

Let me know about a good book you've read recently, or about the book that's currently on your bedside table. Why did you pick it up? Are you enjoying it?

 

What happens when ordinary people decide to pay it forward? Extraordinary change. See how individuals are making a difference...

Camila-Batmanghelidjh is a well-known advocate for traumatized children and teens. The daughter of an Iranian immigrant family says she had dreamed of opening an orphanage since age 9. Her first foray into helping street kids instead attracted fearsome teen gang members – who needed her help.

Giving London street kids – even teen gang members – a safe (and colorful) home

Camila Batmanghelidjh founded Kids Company to help children – and now helps troubled teens. who often get little sympathy since the London riots.

Become a fan! Follow us! YouTube Link up with us! See our feeds!