Nonfiction Monday: Two miserable presidents by Steve Sheinkin, Illustrated by Tim Robinson

I really enjoyed Sheinkin's first history book, King George: What was his problem? I liked the humor, the narrative style of the, er, narrative, the interesting tidbits of information, all formed into one cohesive whole. The cartoon-style drawings were ok, take 'em or leave 'em. This book is more of the same – a light sprinkling of humor, plenty of well-told historical facts, and a good narrative flow.

But, personally, I just didn't like it. For some reason, the style seems too...frivolous for the Civil War. Possibly because the American Revolution is older history while American society is still dealing with economic and social issues dating back to the Civil War.

But it's a well-researched, excellently designed, and intriguing account of the Civil War for the middle grade reader.

Verdict: Hand this one to middle grade readers who are being forced to research the Civil War and they may discover a new interest in history; this is, after all, "Everything your schoolbooks didn't tell you about the Civil War." Recommended.


ISBN: 1596433205; Published January 2008 by Roaring Brook; Borrowed from the library; Purchased for the library