The Leadership Journey How Four Kids Became President

In "The Leadership Journey," acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin offers a compelling look at the early lives of four pivotal American presidents: Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Designed for middle-grade readers, this book delves into their vastly different upbringings, from Lincoln's humble frontier beginnings to Theodore Roosevelt's privileged New York City childhood, and examines the unique qualities and shared characteristics that propelled them to lead the country through challenging times. It's an inspiring exploration of leadership development, resilience, and the diverse paths to greatness, making complex historical figures accessible and relatable to young readers.

From #1 New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and leading historian Doris Kearns Goodwin comes a definitive middle grade guide to Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson and how they became leaders. Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson. They grew up and lived in very different worlds—Lincoln was poor and uneducated, his frontier cabin home deep in the harsh wilderness; Theodore Roosevelt hailed from an elegant home in the heart of New York City and traveled the world with his family; Franklin Roosevelt loved the outdoors surrounding his family’s rural estate where he was the center of attention; and Lyndon Johnson’s modest childhood home had no electricity or running water but provided a window into Texas politics. So how did each of them do it—rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually—and have in common—that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times?