LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS Fame, Shame (And What the Neighbors Thought)

The minutiae of daily life often make history come alive for young people. Kathleen Krull recounts ordinary, everyday details about each U.S. president, from George Washington to Bill Clinton. Sometimes it's household gossip (Jefferson's favorite foods), sometimes confidences of friends (Lincoln's able storytelling), often tidbits of family life (Amy Carter's tree house). Narrator John Brown gives these glimpses into the personal lives of historic figures a lively reading, much as a classroom teacher might. His pacing keeps the steady flow of sketches fresh, although listeners may not want to take all 42 presidents in one session. Adults can also enjoy the trivia--some is new and some remembered from media coverage of the modern presidents. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 98]