Spunky story about Jefferson's love for books, and how his collection eventually helped rebuild the Library of Congress.

Summary:
This book is a great loose story of the wonderful Thomas Jefferson and his wonderful obsession with books. It describes his love for books and how he then had so many books that eventually resulted the making of a library.

Personal Reaction:
I really love this book. It’s so cute and I absolutely love the story behind it.

Classroom Extensions:
1) Have the students discuss why they think that Jefferson love for books was a good thing in the end and what good came from it.
2) Have the students make a story of something they have a love for and how that could result in something good.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 rating. • Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library tells the story of Thomas Jefferson’s fascination with books. Starting at a young age, Thomas started reading and collecting books. His life revolved around his reading and writings, and he made sure to share them with the next generations of his family. Thomas decides to represent his country by running for president and started the Library of Congress. Due to war, he lost his book collection in a fire. He started rebuilding his library and collected twice as many books as before. Today the Library of Congress has more than 35 million books. This book is great to use to promote literacy. ( )

Thomas Jefferson’s love of books and reading is wonderfully portrayed in this short children’s book. Amusing illustrations of books on the roof of the White House, books used to spell out the word “BOOKS” on his fireplace mantle, and a picture of Jefferson being so engrossed in reading a book that they had to wait for him to sign the Declaration of Independence are wonderfully created by illustrator,John O’Brien. Short quotes by Jefferson and facts are interspersed in picture book captions. This book is a delight for book lovers everywhere and an inspiration for young children.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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Summary:
The story is about Thomas Jefferson and his love for books. The story tells all about how he learned to read and once he learned he couldn't stop reading. He bought so many books and had the biggest library ever, he even started the library at the congress buliding.

Personal Reaction:
Very great book. Really encourages children to read. It also teaches children that reading can take you far in life because in the story it says Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence because he read so much.

Classroom Ideas:
1. Ask the children what's their favorite book to read and why?
2. Do a contest with the children to see who can read the most books in a week and the winner gets a prize.