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

John F. Kennedy and the Stormy Sea

By Howard Goldsmith, Illustrated by Renne Benoit

When young Jack Kennedy’s little sister gets tired of playing, Jack suggests a a sail. Within moments Jack is steering the small chip toward Osterville to say hello to Captain Manley. Under darkening clouds the two children head back home — but they do not make it before a storm hits, threatening their lives. Is young Jack a good enough sailor to bring his sister home to safety? 6-7 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 the Brave

By Shelia Keenan, Illustrated by Chin Ko

When he was a young boy, John Fitzgerald Kennedy wondered about what happened in the world. He wanted to change the world when he grew up, and he did just that!

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in John F. Kennedy’s life in this Level Two I Can Read biography, which combines a traditional, illustrated narrative with historical photographs at the back of book. Complete with a timeline, photographs, and little-known facts about the United States’ thirty-fifth president, the brave John F. Kennedy. 4-8 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. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author

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

 

 

Kids Books Jackie Kennedy

Jackie and the Books She Loved

By Ronni Diamondstein, Illustrated by Bats Langley

Discover a delightful new story about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, one of the most famous women in the world. History remembers Jackie as the consummate First Lady, especially for her White House restoration and the cultural events she instituted during her husband’s administration. Jackie was on the world stage in 1963 when President Kennedy was assassinated. She led the nation in grieving the fallen leader with grace and dignity.

In this inspirational celebration of reading, Ronni Diamondstein, with her engaging writing style in this picture book biography, introduces readers to an independent and confident Jackie and the idea of how books guided her life. The insightful story paints the portrait of a child captivated by reading and a love of literature and writing—from five-year-old Jackie reading Chekhov stories and shushing her friends to be quiet so that she can read at Miss Porter’s School, to her desk as an editor in the last two decades of her life. 4-8 years

Just Being Jackie

By Margaret Cardillo, Illustrated by Julia Denos

Jackie Kennedy was an American icon of style and grace. But there was steel under that style. Her poise under fire, intelligence, and tireless work as first lady earned her the respect of leaders and made her beloved by generations around the world. Her legacy also extended beyond her time in public life. She was a talented journalist, a preservationist who secured the legacy of national landmarks, and an editor of award-winning books. 4-8 years

Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy

By Bonnie Bader, Illustrated by Joseph J. M. Qiu

Private and bookish, Jacqueline Kennedy found herself thrust into the world spotlight as the young and glamorous wife of President John F. Kennedy. As first lady she restored the once neglected rooms of the White House to their former glory. Through her charm and elegance she became an icon of style whose influence is still felt today. Kids will be fascinated to read about a first family whose youth, intelligence, and good looks captivated America in the early 1960’s. 8-12 years

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Fight to Save an American Icon

By Natasha Wing, Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger

Before she was a First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. She loved everything about her city, from the natural beauty of the parks to the architectural history of the buildings. So, when the owners of Grand Central wanted to build a skyscraper on top of the famous train station, Jackie knew they had to be stopped. She helped inspire thousands of people to come together and fight to protect the historic landmark. 6-9 years

When Mrs. Kennedy Went Abroad

By Vibhuti Patel, Illustrated by Jacqueline Duheme

When President and Mrs. Kennedy traveled to Paris in 1961, Jacqueline Duheme painted scenes from their historic trip. She continued to paint as she accompanied the first lady and her sister on a later tour of India, Pakistan, Rome, and London. Now these whimsical and imaginative paintings make their first appearance together in this book along with line drawings, anecdotal recollections, and historic photographs. 6-9 years

Jackie and the Mona Lisa

By Debbie Rovin Murphy, Illustrated by Jen Bricking

Jackie Kennedy loved the arts. And America loved Jackie Kennedy. The first lady knew she had the country’s attention–what would she do with it? Encourage Americans to appreciate art, of course! She turned the White House into a historical site filled with some of America’s most treasured artifacts and pieces of art. She brought Shakespearean theater to the White House and ballerinas to the South Lawn. And most epically, she brought the Mona Lisa to the states (much to the chagrin of many Parisians) to encourage Americans to visit museums–and it worked! An inspiring story about one of the nation’s most influential first ladies. 6-9 years 

Jackie Kennedy (My Itty-Bitty Biography)

By Meeg Pincus, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of former First Lady Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 4-7 years

Jacqueline Kennedy

By Lucia Tarbox Raatma

Jacqueline Kennedy became First Lady on January 20, 1961. But before she lived at the White House, she was a respected reporter. Learn about her childhood, education, and goals as first lady of the United States. 4-8 years

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

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

You may like:

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/first-families/jacqueline-lee-bouvier-kennedy/

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

Kids Books John F. Kennedy https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-john-f-kennedy

Books For Kids The White House https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-the-white-house

 

 

Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare

Gene Barretta asks in his book Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare: “How much could these two presidents have in common?” The answer is: an amazing amount.

100 Years Apart

Abraham Lincoln was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846. He was nominated to be a vice-presidential candidate in 1856. And he was elected president in 1860.

John F. Kennedy was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1946. He was nominated to be a vice-presidential candidate in 1956. And he was elected president in 1960.

Their vice-presidents were born one hundred years apart. Lincoln’s (second v.p) in 1808 and Kennedy’s in 1908.

Lincoln defeated Stephen A. Douglas born in 1813 and Kennedy defeated Richard M. Nixon born in 1913 in their respective presidential bids.

Names

Lincoln’s secretary was Mrs. Kennedy and Kennedy’s secretary was Mrs. Lincoln.

Lincoln’s second vice-president was Andrew Johnson. Kennedy’s vice-president was Lyndon B. Johnson. 

Civil Rights

Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation giving freedom to slaves living in the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Kennedy proposed civil rights laws to end segregation and discrimination of African-Americans. He gave a speech in 1963, a few months before his death, outlining these laws. Kennedy’s successor, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Death

Both presidents were assassinated on a Friday shortly before a major holiday — Lincoln before Easter and Kennedy before Thanksgiving.

We know the two assassins by three names: John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln’s assassin, and Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy’s assassin.

Booth shot Lincoln in a theater. He was captured in a barn that served as a warehouse storing tobacco. Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse, The Texas Book Depository. He was captured in a theater. Both men were killed soon after the assassinations.

Lincoln and Kennedy: A Pair to Compare has more examples comparing these two great presidents.

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

You may like:

Kids Books: John & Jacqueline Kennedy https://barbaralowell.com/kids-books-john-jacqueline-kennedy

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