Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud

by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain Narrated by Richard Poe

Overview

Celebrated for her nonfiction books aimed at young readers, award-winning author Suzanne Tripp Jurmain illuminates historical figures in fun and engaging ways. Worst of Friends draws listeners into the earliest days of America's history to profile the friendship and rivalry that grew between Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, both of whom would go on to become president of the United States. "This entertaining and character-driven slice of history also offers a clear message about friendship."-Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Feisty narration paired with amusing illustrations makes light of sticky situations . . . A pleasingly lucid look at a complicated relationship."—Kirkus Reviews

"Day's watercolor-and-ink illustrations brilliantly add humor to the narrative . . . Especially for Presidents' Day or as a vehicle for discussing friendship issues, Worst of Friends is a winner."—School Library Journal

"Illustrated with charming cartoon-like drawings that convey their personalities and pastimes, this nonfiction picture book tells tales of early America-in-the-making and also makes the point that best friends can have serious disagreements that lead to years-long separations but, in the end, make up."—Children's Literature

"This entertaining and character-driven slice of history also offers a clear message about friendship."—Publisher's Weekly 

Kirkus Reviews

Though John Adams and Thomas Jefferson "...were as different as pickles and ice cream," they were able to work together to fight for America's independence—for a while. In the late 1770s, they developed conflicting ideas about government and aligned with opposing political parties. When John Adams was elected as the second U.S. president, Jefferson was elected vice president. This exacerbated their rocky relationship, and when Jefferson was ultimately elected president over Adams, their friendship ended. Over a decade would pass before they spoke again. The team that created George Did It (2005) now brings to light both the trials and tribulations of these two notable leaders and the turbulence of early American politics. Energetic watercolor-and-pencil drawings accurately represent the late 18th century, showing the dress, style and architecture of the period. Feisty narration paired with amusing illustrations makes light of sticky situations, as when Jefferson physically restrains an angry Adams from assaulting King George and Adams moves himself out of the White House in the dead of night. Although quotations are not specifically sourced, the selected bibliography reveals a wealth of research, including several primary sources. A pleasingly lucid look at a complicated relationship, it should prove revelatory to an audience unaccustomed to such nuance. (Informational picture book. 6-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169274202
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	06/13/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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