What Wee Read
Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kalman
In her gorgeously illustrated book about our third President, Maira Kalman brings history to life for kids. Not only did Thomas Jefferson write the Declaration of Independence, he was curious about pretty much everything. He was a violinist, architect, scientist, mathematician, botanist. He spoke seven languages. Jefferson once wrote to John Adams, “I cannot live without books.” Kalman celebrates Jefferson’s extraordinary contributions, and also addresses his monumental flaw. Jefferson said about slavery, “This abomination must end.” But he was part of the abomination, owning 150 slaves. It’s an inspiring look at a complicated man who was learning his whole life.