Kids Books: John F. Kennedy

Jack’s Path to Courage: The Life of John F. Kennedy

By Doreen Rappaport, Illustrated by Matt Tavares

John F. Kennedy was a popular and charismatic president beloved by many. But he didn’t always believe he had the strength or courage for that office. As a child he was sickly and overshadowed by his strong, capable, athletic older brother Joe, Jr. After Joe’s death, John had to work hard to live up to his own expectations and to those of his father. He overcame physical pain and self-doubt to see the country through one of the most difficult crises in its history. 6-9 years

Who Was John F. Kennedy

By Yona Zeldis McDonough, Illustrated by Jill Weber

John F. Kennedy fought and won his first battle at the age of two-and-a-half when sick with scarlet fever. He went on to save the lives of his PT-109 crewmen during WWII and become the 35th President of the United States. Although his presidency was cut short, our nation’s youngest elected leader left an indelible mark on the American consciousness. 8-12 years

JFK

By Jonah Winter, Illustrated by A. G. Ford

JFK tells how a little boy grew up to be president in a story about hope and courage and the power of words. It details John F. Kennedy’s childhood as well as his presidency and includes the Cuban missile crisis, the civil rights movement, the Camelot years, and a firsthand account of his assassination. 4-8 years

Pocket Bios: John F. Kennedy

By Al Berenger

John F. Kennedy was an incredibly popular American politician who served as 35th President of the United States from 1961 to 1963, during the Cold War. As president, he most notably supported the African American Civil Rights Movement, authorized the Bay of Pigs invasion on the southern coast of Cuba, and dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. His family was greatly admired around the world, and his tragic assassination in Dallas, Texas, had a lasting effect on the American psyche. 4-7 years

A Time to Act: John F. Kennedy’s Big Speech

By Shana Corey, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

From prominent leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jackie Robinson to children and teenagers, it was the people speaking out and working for civil rights through sits-ins, freedom rides, and marches who led John F. Kennedy to take a stand. And with his June 11, 1963, civil rights address, he did.

This is the story of JFK—from his childhood to the events that led to his game-changing speech and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Corey and Christie offer a deeply human look at our country’s thirty-fifth president, underscoring how each one of us, no matter who we are, have the power to make a difference. 8 years+

Action Presidents: John F. Kennedy

By Fred Van Lente, Illustrated by Ryan Dunlavey

U.S. history comes to life like never before in this full-color graphic novel! We all know that John F. Kennedy was a World War II hero and a pro at giving speeches. But did you also know he survived shark-infested waters, suffered a case of mistaken identity, and once used a coconut to send a secret message? 8-12 years

John F. Kennedy: A Photographic Sbtory of a Life

By Howard S. Kaplan

This DK biography tells the story of an incredible leader and legend, John F. Kennedy. It includes photographs, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects. 10 and up

Tragedy in Dallas: The Story of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy

By Steven Otfinoski

In an immersive, exciting narrative nonfiction format, this powerful book follows a selection of people who experienced the events surrounding the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. 9-12 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

White House Website https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/john-f-kennedy/

Lincoln and Kennedy A Pair to Compare: https://barbaralowell.com/lincoln-and-kennedy

Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln

Books For Kids: George Washington https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-george-washington

Books For Kids: Thomas Jefferson https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-thomas-jefferson

Books For Kids: Franklin Roosevelt https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-franklin-roosevelt