John A. Macdonald. (Canadian Prime Ministers). Anita Yasuda. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2016. 24 pp., pbk., hc. & ebook, $12.28 (pbk.), $23.00 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-4872-0288-0 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4872-0287-3 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-4872-0289-7 (ebook). Subject Headings: Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), 1815-1891-Juvenile literature. Canada-Politics and government-1851-1867-Juvenile literature. Canada-Politics and government-1867-1896-Juvenile literature. Prime ministers-Canada-Biographies-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Ian Stewart. **1/2 /4
	William Lyon Mackenzie King. (Canadian Prime Ministers). Anita Yasuda. Calgary, AB: Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Co.), 2016. 24 pp., pbk., hc. & ebook, $12.28 (pbk.), $23.00 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-4872-0294-1 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-4872-0293-4 (hc.), ISBN 978-1-4872-0295-8 (ebook). Subject Headings: King, William Lyon Mackenzie, 1874-1950-Juvenile literature. Canada-Politics and government-1921-1930-Juvenile literature. Canada-Politics and government-1935-1948-Juvenile literature. Prime ministers-Canada-Biographies-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Ian Stewart. **1/2 /4

excerpt:

On July 1, 1867, John A. Macdonald was sworn in as the first prime minister of Canada. An experienced politician, Macdonald had a talent for bringing people together. As prime minister he was determined to build a great country. Macdonald saw the potential of the newly formed country and the people who lived in it. He believed that, together, they could make Canada a prosperous and respected land. (From John A. Macdonald.)


A prime minister is the leader of a national government. This person represents the nation’s citizens…It takes hard work and dedication to become prime minister. This work continues once the position is attained. A prime minister must be willing to work long hours and keep up to date with the issues facing the country. He or she must also to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of people. (From William Lyon Mackenzie King.)

These introductory biographies of Canada’s first and tenth prime ministers achieve three primary goals: they provides students with a succinct outline of the prime ministers’ lives, acquaints them with Canada’s electoral process and offers suggestions on biographical writing.

     Each volume in the series follows the same format. To take the William Lyon Mackenzie King title as an example, it begins with a short introductory section called “Who Was William Lyon Mackenzie King?”, followed by “Growing Up”, “Practice Makes Perfect”, “Key Events”, “What is a Prime Minister?”, “Influences”, “Overcoming Obstacles”, “Achievements and Successes”, “Write a Biography”, “Timeline”, “Further Resources”, “Key words/Index”.

     By following this simple format, younger students can gain a familiarity with political biography. The book’s “Write a Biography” section provides students with a useful concept web for doing their research and finding what needs to be included in a comprehensive biography. The book contains a timeline, a short glossary of political terms and a short index.

     The series contains a number of problematic issues. There is a sub-section called “Get to Know Ontario”, but no other provinces are included in the volumes. The subsection “Prime Ministers 101", the same prime ministers are covered in different volumes. There are historical confusions evident in the John A. Macdonald volume concerning the difference between the Red River Rebellion and the North West Rebellion.

     Given these concerns teachers, librarians and teacher-librarians should preview each volume prior to purchasing the set.

Recommended with Reservations.

Before retiring, Ian Stewart taught at Cecil Rhodes School in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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