JFK
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that JFK by Jonah Winter is definitely pro-Kennedy but not overly sentimental. This picture-book biography of the 35th president of the United States does mention that Kennedy was not a perfect man, though he was extraordinary in so many ways. By focusing on the personal characteristics that made Kennedy such a popular, productive politician as well as an admired man, it shows how these characteristics helped him face difficult problems such as the civil rights movement and the Cuban missile crisis and arrive at solutions. Factual anecdotes with just enough detail to explain clearly but not to overdo it for young readers provide a solid understanding of why Kennedy is so well-remembered. Parents may have to answer questions from inquisitive kids about those years in American history and the Dallas assassination, but this book is a terrific jumping-off point for learning about the Kennedy years.
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What's the Story?
Jonah Winter does more than list the facts of John F. Kennedy's life in this biography. He sets Kennedy's story within his own. When he was only 1 year old, he watched the Dallas presidential parade atop his father's shoulder. He did not see the assassination, but that anecdote immediately rivets the attention of any older reader who already knows what happened that day -- and it makes the whole story more personal. Without dwelling too heavily on that tragedy, Winter goes on to explain what kind of boy Jack was and what made him such a popular, successful politician and president. He backs his claims with a few well-thought-out, true examples that show how JFK's love of words and commitment to public service helped him find just the right political and personal balance in some very difficult situations -- for example, during the civil rights struggle and the Cuban missile crisis.
Is It Any Good?
Though there are many JFK books out there, this is among the best for young readers. The writing is personal and friendly, and the stories are clearly told with enough detailed information to make this a serious biography. It follows the chronological path of Kennedy's life but focuses more on the things about him, as a boy and man, that made him an admirable political leader.
All this is enriched by the wonderful artwork of A.G. Ford. From the smiling face of JFK on the cover to the vibrant, engaging, full-page illustrations inside, the art adds to the historical truth of the story. Both kids and parents will take away something hopeful.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jack Kennedy's love of words. How did that help him when he was the president? Which do you think works better, talking or fighting? Why?
How does the art in JFK help tell the story? What do the pictures add? Do the pictures look like they were copied from photographs? Does that help the story seem real?
What did Kennedy mean when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country"?
Book Details
- Author: Jonah Winter
- Illustrator: AG Ford
- Genre: Biography
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Great Boy Role Models, History
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date: October 22, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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