Reviews: (by author)

Marquez, Heron. George W. Bush. Minneapolis: Twenty-First Century Books, 2007. ISBN # 0-8225-1507-5. $29.27. Ages 12-18. www.lernerbooks.com

I imagine writing for kids about politics is not an easy task, especially if we want them to think for themselves without being too influenced by our own adult biases. Furthermore, how can you write a book that both liberal and conservative adults, including parents, classroom teachers and school librarians, will think suitable for kids to read? Is it even possible? Can you critique someone’s behavior and decisions and still portray him or her fairly?

If Marquez’s book is any indication, the answer is yes. His book is neither an idealistic portrait nor a character attack.

As he traces George W. Bush’s life, beginning with his childhood and ending with the controversy over the war in Iraq, Marquez provides quotes from the man himself, from family members, friends, acquaintances, and critics. He gives us details that allow us to relate to him as a human being. When he describes George W.’s experience as a little boy losing his younger sister Robin who died of cancer, it’s hard not to feel for him: “In addition to the pain of losing Robin, Little George was upset that his parents had not told him how sick Robin had been” (16).

That being said, Marquez does not gloss over sharp comments critics have made. For example, he discusses the controversy over Bush’s enlistment in the National Guard during the Vietnam War; the President was accused of enlisting in order to avoid going to ’Nam. Marquez writes, “He insisted that he would have gone to Vietnam if ordered to do so. Bush said he chose the Guard not to avoid combat but because it was the quickest way to become a military pilot like his father” (38). He then continues, “But according to Bush biographer Elizabeth Mitchell, ‘while the pilot training and Air National Guard service that followed were by no means easy, pleasant experiences, they were a far cry from being sent into the infantry….That meant that George W. got exactly the military situation he was looking for, an uncommon luxury in that era’” (38-39). In regards to political and personal decisions, Marquez plays fair, presenting opposing viewpoints.

The book also features personal photos and family pictures throughout, Source Notes, a Selected Bibliography, and a Further Reading and Websites section so that readers can find more information to inform their opinion about George W. There is something to be said for an author and publisher who assume the reader is an intelligent, critically thinking person.

The Selected Bibliography consists of three online articles, five books and three magazine articles. I suppose Marquez could have done more research. At first I was surprised there weren’t any personal interviews. Then I came to my senses. It’s important to remember that this is not an investigative report; this is a book to educate kids, ages 12 to 18, about a certain political leader. It’s only a brief introduction to how complicated politics and political issues can be.

Marie Soriano, June 2007

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