For young readers curious about American history, this book introduces Robert F. Kennedy's life and legacy, exploring themes of justice and compassion.
When your child starts asking about fairness or you want to introduce an inspiring historical figure, this book is a perfect starting point. It tells the story of Robert F. Kennedy, from his childhood in a large, competitive family to his career as a leader who fought for the poor and marginalized. The book gently handles mature themes like grief and injustice, focusing on how personal loss transformed Bobby into a more empathetic person. It is an excellent choice for showing how one person’s compassion can create ripples of change.
References the struggle for civil rights and racial injustice in the 1960s.
Sensitive Topics
The book directly addresses death and assassination. The deaths of both JFK and RFK are central to the story. The approach is secular and historical. It depicts grief directly but with sensitivity, focusing on how loss shaped Bobby's empathy. The resolution is tragic but frames his legacy as hopeful and inspirational, emphasizing the continuation of his ideals.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 10-year-old who is beginning to grasp concepts of social justice and historical change. This child might be sensitive, curious about the past, and inspired by stories of people who try to make a difference. It's also for a child processing loss, who might benefit from seeing a public figure navigate grief and find new purpose.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the sections dealing with the assassinations of both John F. Kennedy (pages 30-31) and Robert F. Kennedy (pages 42-43). The text is direct but not graphic. A parent should be prepared to discuss violence and grief. Reading it with the child is recommended to provide context and emotional support. The child asks a big question like, "Why are some people treated unfairly?" or sees a historical photo of the Kennedys and asks who they were. The parent wants to introduce the concept of civic duty and social justice through a compelling life story.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will likely focus on the family story: the many siblings, the relationship between Bobby and Jack, and the sadness of losing a brother. An older reader (9-10) will better grasp the political and historical context: the Civil Rights Movement, the fight against poverty, and the significance of RFK's legacy.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many dry children's biographies, Deborah Wiles uses a lyrical, narrative style that focuses on RFK's internal emotional journey. The book's strength is its emphasis on empathy, showing how personal tragedy transformed him into a more compassionate leader. The collage-style art adds a unique, scrapbook-like feel, grounding the history.
Read plot summary
The book chronicles the life of Robert F. Kennedy, beginning with his large family and competitive childhood. It follows his journey supporting his brother John F. Kennedy's political career, serving as Attorney General, and grappling with JFK's assassination. The narrative then focuses on RFK's own transformation into a passionate advocate for the poor and marginalized during his time as a senator and his 1968 presidential campaign, which ended with his own assassination.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
On page 12, it says Bobby was 'shy and sensitive.' How do you think these qualities helped him as a leader later in his life?
2
After his brother Jack died, Bobby changed a lot. Look at the pictures on pages 32-35. How did the author and illustrator show his sadness and how he started to find hope again?
3
Bobby often quoted an ancient Greek saying: 'to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.' What do you think this means?
4
The book shows Bobby meeting many different kinds of people, from poor families in Mississippi to farm workers in California. Why was it so important for him to do that?
