Bringing down a president: The Watergate scandal by Andrea Balis and Elizabeth Levy, illustrated by Tim Foley

Bringing down a president. This blow-by-blow account of the fall of Richard Nixon is written in a unique style and recounts a pivotal event in US history. The story is told mostly through quotes from primary sources, with interjections from “Fly on the Wall” giving context and explaining the action.

Using this device, the authors start the story with the break-in and go from there, jumping back in time to reflect on Nixon’s childhood and rise to power, taking readers through every moment of his downfall, and then discussing the aftermath of his impeachment and resignation. Line drawings are scattered throughout the story and the authors discuss the methods of research and the changing face of history as much as the story of a powerful, corrupt politician.

Once readers settle in to the narrative style, they will be hooked from beginning to end, following the details and context of the developing story, and left afterwards with much to reflect on regarding our current political landscape, although Balis and Levy are careful not to draw any parallels to current events that might date the text.

Verdict: This will capture the interest of history fans as well as readers who don’t think they like nonfiction and would make a great text for a classroom. Recommended for most libraries.

ISBN: 9781250176790; Published 2019 by Roaring Brook; Purchased for the library