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Speaking of America
United States Presidents and the Words That Changed History
Table of Contents
About The Book
From New York Times bestselling author Jared Cohen comes an encouraging and engaging debut children’s book that brings United States history to life through forty-five compelling presidential quotes, demonstrating the power of words and inspiring hope for the future of America.
From 1776 to the present day, the Presidents of the United States have been America’s most important public speakers. Their words have inspired change throughout the highs and lows of history, from the Declaration of Independence to declarations in support of civil rights, and everything in between.
Why did George Washington call for “good faith and justice towards all nations” in his farewell address? What did it mean for Franklin D. Roosevelt to proclaim, in the middle of the Great Depression, that “the only thing to fear is fear itself?” And in one of the most famous presidential speeches ever given, the Gettysburg Address, why did Abraham Lincoln choose to begin with math (“four score and seven years ago”)?
In Speaking of America, the meaning and historical impact of quotes from the first forty-five American presidents are illuminated with wit and warmth. Full of fascinating facts that take listeners behind the scenes of American history, this captivating nonfiction book shows how US presidents have used their words to encourage, explain, assert, and defend—while equipping future leaders with the knowledge that they too have the power to change the world.
About The Illustrator
Vivian Shih is a Taiwanese American illustrator, art director, and designer. Her work has appeared in various digital and print media, including The Los Angeles Times, NPR, promotions for Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, and the critically acclaimed novel African Town by Charles Waters and Irene Latham. Vivian was raised in California and is now based in Brooklyn, New York.
Why We Love It
“This book is American history at its most honest and hopeful! With humorous, accessible prose, Jared Cohen makes the past both interesting and relevant, while Vivian Shih’s colorful, immersive scenes bring both the presidents and the American people to life in rich detail. But best of all, this book proves to young readers that our words—and their words—really do have the power to change the world. Within these pages, history doesn’t just feel important: it becomes utterly captivating!”
—Feather F., Editor, on Speaking of America
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (September 10, 2024)
- Length: 112 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665922265
- Grades: 3 and up
- Ages: 8 - 99
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- Children's Non-Fiction > People & Places > United States > Other
- Children's Non-Fiction > People & Places > United States > General
- Children's Non-Fiction > History > United States > General
Raves and Reviews
“Cohen’s inviting and informative book of short quotes, excerpted from longer speeches from all 46 U.S. presidents, showcases the power words have to shape and reflect history. . . . Shih’s appealing color illustrations support these carefully chosen quotes and the thoughtful explanations on their impact and why they still matter. Useful for debating and speech writing, thanks to the included writing tips.”
– Booklist
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High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Speaking of America Hardcover 9781665922265
- Author Photo (jpg): Jared Cohen Esther Nisanova(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit