In Betsy Harvey Kraft’s spirited biography, Theodore Roosevelt’s life unfolds with all the excitment one might expect in a book about a man whose exploits are sometimes seen as almost larger than life: game hunter, cattle rancher, Rough Rider. But the more intriguing aspects of Roosevelt’s history turn out to be his no less passionate pursuit of social justice, environmental protection, and progressive political reform. Kraft’s portrait begins with a Roosevelt’s childhood, which contrasts with the vigorous man who later emerged. Teedie, as Roosevelt was known as a boy, was a fragile child prone to illness. But he also had all the privileges of wealth, and so opportunities to travel, or to summer in the then-expansive rustic areas of Long Island, are part of what led to his love of nature, and his broad world views. His was also a family committed to social reform. He carried all of these ideals into his political career in adulthood. It is likely most children and teens today know Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president, only from history books, if at all. This captivating biography will introduce them to the complex individual behind the office. While this portrait of Roosevelt gives a sense of both his public and private life, it is a vivid picture of the former that emerges most clearly. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the volume. (Ages 10–15)

People often associate Theodore Roosevelt with the Rough Riders, the volunteer cavalry regiment that he led to vic-tory in 1898 in the Spanish-American War. But the list of accomplishments of the 26th president of the United States is long: besides holding office as vice president, governor of New York State, and police commissioner of New York City, he was a writer, cowboy, historian, conservationist, and soldier. Above all, he ushered the United States into the ranks of the world's great powers. His incredible exuberance and strength continue to inspire, and his progressive views on government and corporate corruption, labor laws, and feminism are still relevant today.

Award-winning author Betsy Harvey Kraft has written a sweeping biography that draws from diverse sources, including Theodore Roosevelt's journals, correspondence, and autobiography, as well as the memoirs of family and friends and newspaper reports of the time. This excellent book also features archival photographs, political cartoons, and drawings by Roosevelt himself. Endnotes, bibliography, index.