Brockenbrough offers the first heavily researched biography of Donald Trump for teens, though containing as much detail as it does, this could easily be a crossover biography for adults. In her preface, she informs readers that one of her goals is to see patterns in her subject's life, and this she does very well. Trump was in elementary school when he wrote he loved to hear crowds cheering him. Some other lifelong patterns, as amply demonstrated throughout, include his tendency to exaggeration, lack of empathy, and self-aggrandizement. The book gets in the weeds about several topics, especially the fiscal machinations surrounding building his real-estate empire, offering more than some, especially younger readers, may care about. Brockenbrough ends about the time of the Helsinki visit with Vladimir Putin, but notes that most days in Trump's presidency are about the same, with trafficking "in conspiracy theories, partisan sniping, threats and lies." Though there's no doubt where her sympathies lie, Brockenbrough documents her book in copious notes, and her bibliography shows diverse sources. Surveying Trump and his presidency will be an interesting challenge for writers. This is a strong first shot. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: For better or for worse, Trump is a subject of public fascination, and this measured resource will provide readers d citizens th the tools they need to stay informed despite murky waters.

Brockenbrough's critical biography opens with a sampling of events leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Her cohesive narrative then takes readers through Trump's family history and career, including the first year and a half of his presidency, which provides context for his present-day behavior. It's not a flattering portrait, but it is factually accurate, scrupulously documented, and well-reasoned, with photographs and primary-source documents throughout. Timeline. Bib, ind.

A painstaking account of the personal and business practices that somehow failed to prevent the Trumps from becoming America's first family.This tale of both moral and literal bankruptcy begins with the immigration of the president's grandfather from Bavaria and proceeds in a long tally of cheats, tweets, and deceit to an all-caps bit of saber rattling against Iran in July 2018. With hundreds of endnotes to attest to the depth of her research, Brockenbrough (Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary, 2017, etc.) sets out to build a character portrait of her subject by documenting patterns of behavior, and in that she succeeds convincingly. Printed in blue ink that does neither the text nor the photographs any favors, it's nevertheless an invaluable resource for student research; as a cover-to-cover read, interest may flag under the weight of details of suits and settlements, hirings and firings, boasts vs. outright lies, alleged and indicted malfeasance by a large cast of slimy associates, and like intrigues. Also, though perhaps justifiably focused on the Donald, the author so rarely spares a glance at the women in his family and circle that the overall picture lacks a possibly significant dimension. Extensive backmatter includes capsule bios of the members of Trump's campaign and legal teams, biographical and presidential timelines, and evidence (to mid-2018) of his Russian connections.A thorough, timely guide to a wretched hive of scum and villainy. (family tree, timeline, biographies, endnotes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 12-adult)