The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President

Goodwin (An Unfinished Love Story) chronicles the childhoods of former presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson and the events leading to their presidencies in this expansive children’s debut. Though the included stories aren’t a “full accounting of the historical moment,” they still pack a punch and include a wealth of information, some of which is adapted from the author’s works for adults. Starting with Lincoln’s youth, which the subject describes as “the short and simple annals of the poor,” Goodwin showcases his early leadership qualities, as well as his empathy and love for reading, attributes that put him at odds with his father. This blueprint is repeated throughout as each successive figure is shown overcoming childhood adversity. Alongside positive behaviors, Goodwin addresses fraught historical periods brought about by each leader’s political decision-making, such as Japanese Americans’ imprisonment during FDR’s administration. In a preface, the author addresses how “these leaders set a standard and a bar for all of us, but they were far from perfect,” establishing the tone for this quartet of biographies in which Goodwin hopes “that today’s young people can see how much they have in common.” Abundant back matter concludes. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)