A Picture Book of Dolley and James Madison (Picture Book Biography)
Grade 3–5—Adler's picture-book biography focuses mainly on the War of 1812, but also mentions Madison's contributions to the Constitution and the creation of the three branches of government. Although this is a biography of the couple, there is more specific information on James Madison than on Dolley. Still, readers do learn some interesting facts about her, such as how she rescued a portrait of George Washington while the Executive Mansion burned. Adler's writing is clear yet not oversimplified, and is without fictionalization. An interesting book to read while studying the Constitution and the different branches of government, this is a reliable source for students to kick-start their presidential and/or governmental history research as well as a good choice for general reading.—Sarah O'Holla, Village Community School, New York CityCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.