After an introduction, in which Burns suggests that understanding our political past encourages patriotism and compassion, the documentarian brings presidential history to life for middle graders. Each double-page-spread profile includes down-to-earth prose describing events during the president's term; a quick facts chart; sidebars with unique tidbits of information; the official portrait; and a large, loosely rendered illustration. An appealing and useful survey. Glos.

In this attractive book, documentary filmmaker Burns spotlights each of the 43 U.S. presidents. After an author's note aimed at parents, the discussion proceeds from Washington to Obama. Each double-page spread introduces one president with several paragraphs on his upbringing, his personal characteristics, and the challenges of his times as well as his presidential accomplishments and/or shortcomings. A vertical banner includes his official portrait and lists about a dozen fast facts, such as date and place of birth, occupations, party affiliation, years in office, wife, children, and pets, while several short sidebars present additional information, anecdotes, and other commentary. Politically balanced and reasonably precise, these accounts are quite readable. However, no sources are listed. Particularly for the later presidents, Burns sometimes includes first-person comments, such as where he was when he learned of Kennedy's assassination. The illustrations, pencil drawings with digital additions reminiscent of watercolors, show each president in action within a period setting and brighten the pages with warm hues and, occasionally, drama or humor. An accessible introduction to the presidents.