Brennan, Linda Crotta  Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidency
Middle school, high school     104 pp.     Lerner

Goddu, Krystyna Poray  George Washington's Presidency
Middle school, high school     104 pp.     Lerner

Rowell, Rebecca  John F. Kennedy's Presidency
Middle school, high school     104 pp.     Lerner

Wittekind, Erika  James Madison's Presidency
Middle school, high school     104 pp.     Lerner

Presidential Powerhouses series. Through these significant presidencies, this series examines crucial periods in America's history: the development of a fledgling nation, the War of 1812, the Great Depression and WWII, and the dawn of America's "New Frontier." Each president's early life, administration milestones, and ultimate legacy are discussed in detailed chapters filled with maps and period photos or illustrations. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Presidents—United States; Roosevelt, Franklin D.; Depression (Economic); History, Modern—World War II; Washington, George; History, American—Revolutionary War; Kennedy, John F.; History, Modern—Cold War; Civil rights; Cuban Missile Crisis; Madison, James; History, American—War of 1812

Burling, Alexis  The Kennedys
Middle school, high school    112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Grayson, Robert  The Roosevelts
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Mooney, Carla  The Bushes
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

Perdew, Laura  The Clintons
Middle school, high school     112 pp.     ABDO/Essential Library

America's Great Political Families series. This well-written, thoroughly researched series delves into the lives and careers of presidential families, providing in-depth looks at multiple family members. From family histories and drama to political scandals, criticisms, and maneuvers, each subject is explored in a clear, objective, and engaging way. Each volume includes archival photos, a family tree, and appended "fun facts." Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Presidents—United States;  Kennedy, Robert F.; Politics; Family; Kennedy, John F.; Kennedy, Edward; Presidents' spouses; Roosevelt, Franklin D.; Roosevelt, Theodore; Roosevelt, Eleanor; Bush, George W.; Bush, George H. W.; Children of Presidents—United States; Women—Politicians; Women—Stateswomen; Clinton, Hillary Rodham; Clinton, Bill

Burns, Ken  Grover Cleveland Again!: A Treasury of American Presidents
Gr. 4–6     94 pp.     Knopf

With David Blistein and Cauley Powell. Illustrated by Gerald Kelley. After an introduction in which Burns suggests that understanding our political past encourages patriotism and compassion, the documentarian brings presidential history to life for middle graders. Each double-page-spread profile includes down-to-earth prose describing events during the president's term; a quick facts chart; sidebars with unique tidbits of information; the official portrait; and a large, loosely rendered illustration. An appealing and useful survey. Glos.
Subjects: Collective Biographies; Presidents—United States; Politics; History, American

Gormley, Beatrice  Barack Obama: Our Forty-Fourth President
Gr. 4–6, middle school     266 pp.     Simon/Aladdin

Gormley, Beatrice  George W. Bush: Our Forty-Third President
Gr. 4–6, middle school     246 pp.     Simon/Aladdin

Real-Life Story series. These well-researched biographies (accompanied by black-and-white photo inserts) detail the subjects' lives, starting with early childhood and moving thoughtfully through career highs and lows. Engaging, accessible descriptions of complicated issues balance the mostly complimentary tone and provide a compelling introduction to the political process. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Presidents—United States; Mixed-race people; Obama, Barack; African Americans; Bush, George W.

Jurmain, Suzanne Tripp  Nice Work, Franklin!
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Dial

Illustrated by Larry Day. This glowing biography of FDR focuses on his bravery and determination in overcoming his physical disability to become president and lead America through the Great Depression. Jurmain's relentlessly positive prose is friendly, folksy, and accessible to young children; Day's pencil and watercolor with gouache illustrations are pleasingly detailed and evocative. A solid addition to Roosevelt biographies, particularly as an introductory text. Bib.
Subjects: Individual Biographies; Roosevelt, Franklin D.; Diseases—Polio; Disabilities, Physical; Depression (Economic); Presidents—United States

From the October 2016 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.