The Great Little Madison

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for Adults Too!
Review: James Madison was the fourth President of the United States and is known as the Father of the Constitution. This juvenile biography by Jean Fritz is a concerted effort to provide young readers with an appreciation of "The Great Little Madison" as an indispensable force in the early history of the Republic. By focusing on Madison's personal liabilities of a weak speaking voice, an introverted personality, and the fact he was "no bigger than half a piece of soap," Fritz magnifies his accomplishments in influencing the future of the United States. In Fritz's story Madison's commitment to the "oneness" of America become a defining element that is epitomized in his hard work getting the Constitution written, signed and adopted, and then devoting the rest of his life to making it work.

Fritz pays as much attention to Madison's personal relationships as she does his political achievements. This includes not only his celebrated romance with Dolley Payne Todd and his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, but also his political clashes with Patrick Henry; while an ardent advocate of independence, Henry was probably the most articulate opponent of a Federal government. This 1989 biography is illustrated with prints and engravings, from a drawing of the "universe" Madison drew when he was 11 to notes he took at the Constitutional Convention, and photographs of a chair Jefferson made for his friend and his tombstone, in the shape of an obelisk, which simply read "MADISON" because no other name was needed.

Fritz's biography of Madison is the most reader friendly of the half-dozen similar volumes that are readily available, mainly because of the book's readability. Fritz makes this a narrative than what most young readers would expect from a biography, while still managing to make her case for the importance of what Madison did to create the three branches of government we all learn about as students. I fully anticipate that James Madison will be the next Founding Father to be celebrated by American historians (along with his wife, the beloved grand dame of Washington society both during and after their time in the White House), and "The Great Little Madison" helps to anticipate that eventuality. By tracing the life and contributions of the sickly child with the small voice who grew up to become our fourth President, she also provides a sense of identification her young readers may well appreciate.

Rating:
Summary: The engaging story of the great little Madison
Review: James Madison was the fourth President of the United States and is known as the Father of the Constitution. This juvenile biography by Jean Fritz is a concerted effort to provide young readers with an appreciation of "The Great Little Madison" as an indispensable force in the early history of the Republic. By focusing on Madison's personal liabilities of a weak speaking voice, an introverted personality, and the fact he was "no bigger than half a piece of soap," Fritz magnifies his accomplishments in influencing the future of the United States. In Fritz's story Madison's commitment to the "oneness" of America become a defining element that is epitomized in his hard work getting the Constitution written, signed and adopted, and then devoting the rest of his life to making it work.

Fritz pays as much attention to Madison's personal relationships as she does his political achievements. This includes not only his celebrated romance with Dolley Payne Todd and his friendship with Thomas Jefferson, but also his political clashes with Patrick Henry; while an ardent advocate of independence, Henry was probably the most articulate opponent of a Federal government. This 1989 biography is illustrated with prints and engravings, from a drawing of the "universe" Madison drew when he was 11 to notes he took at the Constitutional Convention, and photographs of a chair Jefferson made for his friend and his tombstone, in the shape of an obelisk, which simply read "MADISON" because no other name was needed.

Fritz's biography of Madison is the most reader friendly of the half-dozen similar volumes that are readily available, mainly because of the book's readability. Fritz makes this a narrative than what most young readers would expect from a biography, while still managing to make her case for the importance of what Madison did to create the three branches of government we all learn about as students. I fully anticipate that James Madison will be the next Founding Father to be celebrated by American historians (along with his wife, the beloved grand dame of Washington society both during and after their time in the White House), and "The Great Little Madison" helps to anticipate that eventuality. By tracing the life and contributions of the sickly child with the small voice who grew up to become our fourth President, she also provides a sense of identification her young readers may well appreciate.

Rating:
Summary: Worthy Introduction to this Founding Father
Review: Jean Fritz has written a great book for both kids and adults, full of interesting facts about the man, his life, his wives (Dolly was his second), and his remarkable presidency. Throughout the book, the reader gets a real sense for how James Madison thought and felt about political issues, and how he overcame the challenges of being small in stature and small of voice to be one of our great presidents. Definitely worth a read to better understand this great man who lived in extraordinary times.

Rating:
Summary: Fun for Parents and Children Alike
Review: This has become our favorite read-aloud no pictures story with my toddler. She gets the benefit of hearing spoken language about a subject she likes, and I get to learn something new every time we read it.

I would reccomend this book for older primary, even lower-level High School students. The story is enlightening, and inspiring for all Americans, young and old.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book for Adults Too!
Review: Yes, this is officially a "kids' book" (Ages 9 -14, I believe). However, I, an adult, read it and found it educating and very interesting. I got this book during a visit to James Madison's estate Montpelier. I thought I'd read it first, before getting into the more massive (and more intellectual) biography by Dr. Ketcham. If you're new to James Madison, I'd recommend doing that.

In any case, Jean Fritz' book is an excellent choice for adults as well as children.