Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything
on Goodreads (801)
What’s inside...
Renowned artist Maira Kalman sheds light on the fascinating life and interests of Thomas Jefferson, the Renaissance man and third president of the United States. Jefferson is famous for writing the Declaration of Independence but his interests were wide-ranging. He was a violinist, linguist, scientist, naturalist, botanist, mathematician, and architect. He designed his home, Monticello, and was a pioneer of healthy eating, advocating a mostly vegetarian diet. He also expanded the United States, initiated the Lewis and Clark expedition, and founded the Library of Congress. Despite his accomplishments, Jefferson had flaws, notably owning about 150 slaves despite acknowledging slavery as an 'abomination.' Maira Kalman engagingly presents this complex figure to young readers through captivating text and illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways Thomas Jefferson contributed to America’s development?
How did Thomas Jefferson's ideas about freedom and rights influence the world?
What challenges do you think Jefferson faced when pursuing his ideas?
What personal qualities do you admire in Thomas Jefferson and why?
If you could ask Thomas Jefferson one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how historical figures like Jefferson connect to their own lives today.
Discuss the importance of pursuing passion and standing up for one’s beliefs, drawing examples from Jefferson’s life.
Create a supportive environment for open discussion, showing interest in your child's perspectives and thoughts.
Relate the historical events and ideas in the book to current events to provide context and relevance.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson is portrayed as a passionate learner, exploring various fields from agriculture to architecture.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to delve into their interests and understand the value of acquiring knowledge in diverse areas.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence and hard work
Explanation: Jefferson's accomplishments, including his role in crafting the Declaration of Independence, highlight his dedication and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to commit to their goals and work persistently despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity
Explanation: The book touches on Jefferson’s interactions with different cultures and his efforts in establishing religious freedom.
Real-World Application: Promotes respect and appreciation for different cultures among children, encouraging an inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: The complexities of moral integrity
Explanation: It discusses Jefferson’s ownership of slaves juxtaposed with his advocacy for liberty, providing a nuanced view of his character.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept of moral complexity and encourages them to think critically about historical figures and their legacies.