Although the book is well-researched and well-written, I’m uncertain about its target audience. I learned a lot, and I especially enjoyed the chapter on Johnson. However, I worry that its length might be too much for most middle-grade readers. The frequent sidebar notes, which delve into historical contexts and introduce other vital figures, add depth. I think teachers will use it more than students.

Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Publishing for an ARC of this book.

Doris Kearns Goodwin, renowned for her insightful and well-researched historical works, takes on a new and engaging challenge in "The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President." This book provides a unique and educational perspective on the lives of four American Presidents—Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy—through their formative childhood experiences. Goodwin’s research shines brightly, offering an enriching exploration of how these future leaders' early lives shaped their paths to the highest office in the land.

Goodwin’s meticulous research is evident throughout the book. She delves deep into each President's childhood, drawing from a wealth of primary sources, letters, and personal anecdotes to present a vivid, accurate portrayal of their early years. This rigorous research not only provides historical accuracy but also ensures that young readers receive a nuanced understanding of the context in which these leaders grew up. The book effectively weaves together historical facts with engaging storytelling, making complex historical events and concepts accessible and compelling for its intended audience.

The historical context in "The Leadership Journey" is presented with remarkable depth. Goodwin provides a rich backdrop of the social, political, and economic climates of each era, helping readers grasp how these factors influenced the Presidents' lives and leadership styles. The book is particularly adept at connecting historical events with the personal experiences of each leader, demonstrating how their early challenges and triumphs contributed to their future successes. This thorough context enriches the narrative, offering young readers a comprehensive view of American history through the lens of these influential figures.

Despite the depth of research and historical context, Goodwin’s writing is remarkably accessible. The book is crafted with a clarity and simplicity that make it easy for young readers to understand and engage with the material. Goodwin employs straightforward language and vivid storytelling to bring history to life, making complex ideas and events relatable and engaging. Her approach ensures that readers are not only informed but also inspired by the stories of these remarkable individuals.

In summary, "The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became President" is a masterful blend of rigorous research, in-depth historical context, and accessible writing. Doris Kearns Goodwin has created a book that not only educates young readers about the early lives of four influential Presidents but also inspires them to appreciate the qualities of leadership and resilience. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how the seeds of leadership are often sown in childhood, and it does so in a manner that is both enlightening and enjoyable for young minds.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a respected presidential historian who has won many awards. This is easy to understand as she writes about her subjects in a detailed and engaging way.

This time, in this illustrated title, Goodwin is writing for the middle school reader. In this book, she tells the stories of four men who became president. They are Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Johnson. Readers will learn much about their early years, influences and what they brought to the presidency.

I find this title to offer an inspiring view of these men who became leaders. This is so encouraging and optimistic to think about in our divided times. It would be great if some kids who read this book are inspired to look at political careers and/or to study history.

Starting with the introduction, Goodwin speaks directly to her audience. I hope and trust that she will engage them.

It is easy to recommend this book. It belongs in school libraries.

Note the many boxes filled with additional information. For example, one of those in the section on Lincoln explores how slavery became part of American history.

By the way, adults may also find this book to be quite interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 September 2024

Intended for a middle grade audience, this new book by Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin focuses on how four kids from very different backgrounds - Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson - grew up to lead the country.

She writes in her forward:

“It is my fondest hope that this book will make history exciting and interesting to young readers . . . most of all, I hope young readers will be encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the men and women in this book, who, at their best, were guided by a sense of moral courage…and showed great perseverance in the face of opposition as they sought and fought to expand opportunities for all of us.”

She adds in the Preface:

“Their early stories are full of confusion, hope, failure, and fear. We follow mistakes they made along the way - from inexperience, cockiness, carelessness, misjudgments, and arrogance . . . . Their struggles are not so different from our own.”

The book is divided into four sections, each one dedicated to the aforementioned men she has studied extensively, highlighting events that took place in their youth more so than in their presidencies. She explores what traits they had that led them to stand out and step up when the country was in need, focusing on qualities she identifies with “leadership” - including intelligence, energy, empathy, verbal and written gifts, social acumen (i.e., skills in dealing with people), and political acumen (i.e., the ability to perceive the dynamics of power relationships around them and use it to their advantage.) She emphasizes their communication skills, and in particular, their use of storytelling to reach the common man and get him to feels a sense of commitment to their agendas.

They were also united, she averred, by having strong ambitions, and an unusual drive to succeed:

“With perseverance and very hard work, they all essentially made themselves leaders by enhancing and developing the qualities they were given.”

She observes that all four were recognized as leaders long before they reached the presidencies. Then they all had dramatic reversals in life that sent them spiraling downward psychologically and in some instances physically. Each man responded by fighting even harder to overcome the setbacks and accomplish something meaningful in the world. They believed in their ability to effect societal-level changes, and were able to convince followers they could. But importantly, their struggles conferred humility on them, and an empathy for others in difficult positions that would inform their political outlooks.

She asserts that leadership means “ambition for the greater good has become more important for you than the ambition for yourself.” But what about malevolent dictators? They are leaders too, but she ignores that fact entirely. What about the heady appeal of charisma and fame, which certainly affects perception of leadership, especially in a media-dominated society. Yes, there are Lincolns and Roosevelts, but there are also Hitlers, Stalins, and Trumps. They also have unusual persistence, a drive to succeed, extraordinary communication skills, and an ability to amass and influence followers. In short, the same qualities that define “good” leaders can also define “bad” leaders, so what actually is the differentiating variable? Wouldn’t it more likely be moral fiber or a certain moral orientation? Or perhaps it is the presence or absence of empathy that makes them different.

There are occasional sidebars in the text to offer explanations of aspects of the narrative that might not be familiar to middle grade readers, such as “What is the State Legislature” and “What Was the Abolition Movement?” “Who was Frances Perkins?” “What Was the Great Depression?” “What is a Stock Market and How Did it Crash?” “What is the Filibuster?”

The book also features some illustrations by Amy June Bates as well as some photos.

Evaluation: The prose and subject matter seem a little sophisticated for middle grade, even with the helpful sidebars offering background. In fact, I found it just fine for an “adult” audience, and moreover enjoyed it immensely. Who, in today’s political environment, would not be buoyed by stories of moral men who put country over personal interests?