Posted on 11/16/2004 12:19:59 PM PST by I'm ALL Right!
My son was recently given an assignment to read a biography, and give a report (in numerous formats) to his class and to the parents of his classmates. I am so proud to say that, when given a choice of any person alive or dead, my son chose Ronald Reagan! (I'm doing something right!)
My question is this: Does anyone know of a great biography (unbiased) written for elementary school students? I have searched online, but am unfamiliar with the books/authors I have found. I don't know if they are written by real historians or by authors who like to rewrite history.
I know there are a lot of homeschooling families out there, and I hope you have some good suggestions. Thank you!
Should be "Ronald Reagan: A Remarkable Life" !!
Thank you very much. I'll look into this one as well.
Very interesting. Thank you.
That is a good one also I heard, "An American Life." I did a book report on that one back in 4th or 5th grade.
I loved when character was king. A good read!
Autobio is good. Probably the best. Interestingly, he only mentions Jane Wyman in passing.
All mentioned are good. For a historical perspective of his impact: "The Age of Reagan: The Fall of the Old Liberal Order." by Stephen Hayward.
Long read, but a fascinating look at his times.
Reagan's own autobiography - An American Life is a bit long but not brutal reading.
I did a google search using:
"Ronald Reagan" biography childrens book
Ronald Reagan Childrens Biography:
Who Was Ronald Reagan?
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?endeca=1&isbn=0448433443&itm=5
Another one to look for:
Kent, Zachary. Ronald Reagan: Fortieth President of the United States. Encyclopedia of Presidents Series. Chicago: Childrens Press, 1989.
An easy-to-read biography of Ronald Reagan, including many black-and-white photographs and a chronology of the major events in U.S. history.
And another:
Hand of Providence
The Strong and Quiet Faith of Ronald Reagan
Hardcover
By Mary Beth Brown
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?dept_id=260000&sku=0785260536
Noonan's book is exceptional but IMHO too difficult for elementary school students.
Reagan's War by Peter Schweizer. Takes you from start to finish and hits all points in between. Best Reagan book I've read and I've read a lot of them.
Another good one Ronald Reagan by Dinseh D'Souza.
Thank you!
I knew this was the right place to come for advice on this! :^)
I've read about 30 or so. In addition to what has been mentioned here, Lou Cannon's books are excellent (perhaps a bit tough on Reagan here and there) in terms of being "objective."
It's a long read - but have your son try "Role of a Lifetime" by Cannon. If not, D'Souza's is my favorite.
Yep, gotta love FReepers.
I'm taking notes on titles too. Christmas is coming up ya know!
I have read almost every Reagan bio and book. One of the most concise and easy to read bios is "Ronald Reagan: How an Ordinary Man Became an Extraordinary Leader" by Dinesh D'Souza. It is less cumbersome than some of the other suggested readings, yet it conveys the remarkable qualities that made Reagan the great President he was.
Is D'Souza's book appropriate for kids, or will the reading level be too advanced?
D'Souza's book might be okay for 5th grade and above, and it is the easiest read of any Reagan bio other than those specifically written for children.
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