You're On Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt

First of all, I absolutely loved the illustrations that accompanied this book. The artist manages to capture a myriad of human facial expressions in response to "Teedie" and his antics. St. George takes us through the childhood of Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, where we're shown the gumption that made him into one of our more fondly remembered presidents. The book is divided into small chapters, which I think helps children make that transition from picture books to more word-focused texts and also helped to differentiate different points in his life. The story itself, though, helps children see that, in some cases, hard work and determination can win out over their struggles. But, like "Teedie" shows us, sometimes you need outside help show more (Papa) to be the best you can be. I think this would be a great book to read before diving into TDR's presidency, no matter the age range, in order to better understand where he was coming from when he passed all of those reform bills. show less

This wonderfully written story is a brief detailed description of Teddy Roosevelt from when he was 7 years old until his college days. This story would be great for children to read to learn more details about how Teddy Roosevelt became president. This story takes you through his good days when he went on the adventures he had with his brother and sister and the bad days overcoming his illness was the major battle of his young life. This story teaches children determination. Throughout his sick days, he tried multiple doctors and/or cities to help improve/control his asthma. I loved the different setting this story has and the way Teddy was able to adapt to these places! Overall, I would recommend it for the children!

This riveting biography uses the story of how Theodore Roosevelt overcame his asthma and small frame as a young man, and through this determination he was able to do anything he set his mind to, including becoming president of the United States of America. Judith St. George, an author of over forty children's books and winner of multiple awards, lists an impressive bibliography, lending credence to this book. Included among the works cited is Theodore Roosevelt's autobiography as well as diaries written in his youth. By using these primary sources, the reader can infer that the quotations used throughout the text are actually words said/written by the man himself. This lends the book weight and merit.

As mentioned in my other book review on Teddy Roosevelt, I didn't know much about the man besides a few of his accomplishments during his presidency. Many of the facts I mentioned in the previous review are facts I also read about in this book, though Teddy's childhood is explored more in this biography. On top of suffering from asthma, Teddy also had frequent stomachaches, headaches, and nightmares. He explored the country-side with his younger brother- Ellie- and his younger sister- Conie. Together, they collected bugs, animals, and plants; Teddy eventually kept these in the Roosevelt family home, which he nicknamed "The Roosevelt Museum of Natural History." His parents eventually took the family on a trip to Europe, where Teddy was show more given coffee and cigars in a feeble attempt to help his health problems. Back in New York, a doctor recommended that Teddy begin exercising to reduce his asthma, with his mother later suggesting they build a gym in their home so Teddy could exercise whenever he wanted. Later, due to being bullied, Teddy began boxing lessons with an ex-prizefighter; Teddy later described himself as "a painfully slow and awkward pupil," but he managed to win a lightweight boxing match. Still traveling with his family, Teddy at one point learned taxidermy, and mounted more than a hundred birds from Egypt for his museum at home. For the next two years, Teddy worked with a tutor so he would be accepted to Harvard; he studied many subjects, including German, French, Greek, Latin, English, math, and science. He eventually made it to Harvard, where his asthma began to lessen. In the years that followed his graduation from Harvard, he tackled politics, traveling, ranching, soldiering, mountain climbing, conservation, social reforms, and even the presidency. The book ends here, with college-aged Teddy looking up at his older self. I though this book was an enjoyable read, but I wish it would've gone more in-depth into Teddy's adult life. This biography is geared towards the higher end of the K through 3 spectrum, as there is much more text on each page than in the other book I read about Teddy Roosevelt. The book is even separated into "chapters," though they aren't too long. I think this biography would be good for children who already know about Theodore Roosevelt and want to learn more about him before he was president; it would also be a good read for children who have illnesses like asthma, since it shows Teddy overcoming his asthma. The book makes an important statement near the end that I think would resonate with all children, but especially those with chronic illnesses, "But from his first workout in Wood's Gymnasium he had been determined to control his asthma and illnesses rather than letting his asthma and illnesses control him. And he had. On that hot summer day in August he had proved to himself- and everyone else- that he had taken charge of his own life." Despite this great message, I would rather read the other picture book biography on Theodore Roosevelt, as this one just doesn't explore his adulthood as much as I would like. show less

I really enjoyed reading this book. This books lets readers know a little more about the great President Teddy Roosevelt's life as a child, and all of the struggles he faced as a child for being small. A cute story that shows no matter what people tell you, you can always become something great.

This was a great story. I have always really liked Teddy Roosevelt and this story was a great addition to what I had already read about him. I liked this story so much because I know a lot of children who have asthma or wear glasses. I think this story shows that you can put your mind to whatever you want to do and even become President of the United States of America just like Teddy did. I would love to share this story with my students as an addition to a unit on Teddy Roosevelt or presidents.

As a young boy Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, idolized his father. He suffered from numerous health problems. Teddy’s father refused to let Teddy live a life of a sickling. He would encouraged Teddy to do everything he thought he couldn’t and push his body to limit he would have never attempt. Through the constant every pressing moment of Teddy’s life his father was there to get him through. When Teddy went to college that was the first of many times he would venture off without his father. After college Teddy found himself taking on the world and becoming president.
It is not often we have the ability to get a glimpse of someone’s upbringing. I found this book to be interesting and as a parent inspiring. Teddy’s father did not show more allow Teddy’s condition discourage him from reaching his full potential. He often pushed him past his own expectations. The teachings his father instilled in him as a child followed him through life and eventually helped him become the President Of The United States. show less