Grover Cleveland, Again! A Treasury of American Presidents
What’s inside...
This book is a journey through the American presidency, highlighting each one with interesting and fun facts. It's a great educational tool for children and adults alike, providing a glimpse into the lives and legacies of the men who have shaped the United States. The instant New York Times bestseller, created by nonfiction master Ken Burns, is perfect for President's Day. This special treasury brings the presidents to life for our nation's children with lushly illustrated spreads and curated stories. Readers of all ages will receive a comprehensive view of the varied and fascinating characters who have led the nation. It's a must-have for Ken's fans, classrooms, and anyone wishing to gain a greater understanding and appreciation for our country.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good president and can you find an example of one of these qualities in a president from the book?
Which American president interested you the most and why?
If you could ask any president a question, who would you choose and what would you ask?
How do the decisions of past presidents affect our lives today?
Can you think of a decision you made that was influenced by someone else, like how presidents are influenced by advisors?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to imagine themselves in the historical time of a president they found interesting.
Use the illustrations and photographs in the book to help your child connect visually with the stories of each president.
Highlight the passages about a president’s childhood to help your child see these figures as real people who were once kids just like them.
Discuss the failures and successes of the presidents to teach resilience and the importance of overcoming challenges.
Connect the book’s content with current events to make the historical material more relevant and interesting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: The book showcases Grover Cleveland's unique journey, depicting how he became the only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms. His tenacity in overcoming political and personal challenges is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their challenges whether in school tasks or personal goals, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: Ken Burns illustrates Cleveland's sense of duty and ethical governance, emphasizing his efforts to maintain honesty and integrity in leadership roles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take leadership in group activities and to value honesty and integrity, teaching them to be responsible and fair when in charge.
Example Lesson: Importance of Public Service
Explanation: The narrative delves into Cleveland's dedication to public service, showcasing his work to improve the welfare of the American people and his focus on the greater good.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to contribute positively to their communities, understanding the impact of serving others and working for communal benefits.
Example Lesson: Critical Decision-Making
Explanation: The book covers how Cleveland faced critical national issues and made tough decisions during his presidency, providing a glimpse into the complexities of leadership and governance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn the importance of thoughtful decision-making and considering various perspectives before making choices.
Example Lesson: Learning from History
Explanation: By exploring the life and times of Grover Cleveland and other presidents, the book encourages a deeper understanding of American history and its relevance today.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore historical topics, understand current events better, and learn from the past to improve the future.