Bobby: A Story of Robert F. Kennedy
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
From two-time National Book Award finalist Deborah Wiles comes a compelling biography of Robert Kennedy.
Americans claimed Robert Kennedy as one of their own. They called him Bobby.
Lyrical and evocative text by Deborah Wiles (Countdown, Revolution, Anthem, and Kent State) brings the story of Robert F. Kennedy to life, with breathtaking illustrations by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh.
Bobby is set in 1968, with a grandfather telling his grandchild about Kennedy's life. Bobby was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy. He became an accomplished public servant and activist in his own right. Though his run for presidency was tragically cut short on June 5, 1968, Bobby proved the value of empathy and grit. The story concludes as his funeral train makes its solemn journey from New York to Washington, DC.
Kennedy was perceived by many to be a rare unifying force in American politics. He was beloved by Americans of all races for his integrity and devotion to the civil rights cause. His life continues to inspire efforts for social change.
Deborah Wiles's Bobby will illuminate the importance of Robert Kennedy's life for children, parents, teachers, and librarians. Informative back matter is included.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Tenderness typifies this subdued biography of Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968), portrayed as the gentler sibling of President John F. Kennedy. In mythologizing text, Wiles describes both privilege and pain: "a rich boy, the seventh of nine children, small and awkward and shy." A domineering father who pushed his children to win prompted him to act "tough and fierce on the outside.... But on the inside... Robert was thoughtful and gentle and, often, afraid." As his brother's campaign manager and later attorney general, he's driven to succeed, but working with the Civil Rights Movement, he realized that "winning was more than steamrolling over everyone else." Excerpts from his own presidential campaign speeches highlight his compassion, contextualizing the nation's deep grief at his assassination "by an angry man with a gun." Overlaid with color, uneven graphite sketches by Fazlalizadeh start out minimalist, building depth as darker events transpire. Back matter includes a creator's note. Ages 5–10.
