《学校图书馆杂志》(School Library Journal)书评
ea. vol: 98p. photogs. chron. index. (Encyclopedia of Presidents Series). CIP. Childrens. 1988. PLB $10.95. Gr 4-8 These books each start with a vignette from the life of the president and then proceed to the subject's birth, education, early life, and career. Important events during the presidency are covered in some detail. The books are illustrated with numerous well placed photographs. Theodore Roosevelt is a delight to read. Kent uses many quotes throughout, which help to make his subject live. This would be a good addition to replace some of the older biographies and for a little younger reader than the Eden Force biography (Watts, 1987). Richard Nixon is not written with the same verve. Lillegard seems to be an apologist for Nixon, explaining his campaign style by saying that others had done the same. He says that Stevenson also had a secret campaign fund and that California Democrats destroyed some of Nixon's campaign literature in his first race. When discussing Watergate, he talks about similar actions by the Democrats. Nixon's childhood and youth are covered well to show why he developed the way he did. The Hiss case, the vice presidency, and presidency are also well covered, but Watergate is presented as an attack. Thus readers are left with a feeling of a wronged man. On the other hand, C. Peter Ripley's biography (Chelsea House, 1987) uses the book as a vehicle for condemning most of Nixon's political actions. Before buying either Nixon biography, librarians must be aware of the author's point of view. Margaret C. Howell, West Springfield Elementary School, Fairfax County, Va. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.