TRUTH and HONOR: The President Ford Story written by Lindsey McDivitt and illustrated by Matt Faulkner is a picture book biography of the 38th President, Gerald R. Ford.
His childhood was spent in Grand Rapids, Michigan where his mother, having fled a violent husband in Nebraska, moved with her young son. There she met and married Gerald Ford, a hard-working man who owned a paint store and who in time gave the young boy his name. He had a great influence on Gerald with just three rules: “tell the truth, work hard and come to dinner on time.”
Gerald’s school days and his development as a person are well communicated through the text and vivid illustrations. Especially attractive are the pictures showing him delivering boxes of Cracker Jacks and soft drinks to an amusement park as part of his many jobs to help the family and being part of the football team at the University of Michigan. The attractive cover is wrapped in red, white and blue.
In 1949, with a law degree in hand, Gerald Ford ran for and was elected to the United States Congress, a position he held for 25 years.
The consistent themes shaping this biography are work hard, learn to listen and bring people together. This made Congressman Ford an ideal choice for Vice President when Spiro Agnew was forced to leave office in 1973 and for President when President Nixon resigned rather than face impeachment in 1974.
Gerald R. Ford’s remarks after taking the oath of office as the 38th President tell it all. “I believe that truth is the glue that holds government together, not only our government but civilization itself.”
TRUTH and HONOR: The President Ford Story written by Lindsey McDivitt and illustrated by Matt Faulkner is for readers 7-9 years of age (Sleeping Bear Press, 2020).
Questions for TRUTH and HONOR: The President Ford Story
The author has included in the narration many key sites which can be seen in Michigan such as the Mackinac Bridge, the sand dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan, the fort on Mackinac Island and the lighthouse at Grand Haven. Go online to get a number of views of each and to learn more about them. Then, take colored pencils or crayons or watercolors and make your own drawing of one of these beautiful Michigan sites. Take your time and enjoy your artistic trip.
As this book tells us, Gerald Ford was left-handed. Whenever he was forced to write with his right hand, he would develop a stutter. This caused him to dread talking in class. Have you ever experienced a dread of speaking in class? It is a common reaction. In fact, many researchers say speaking in front of a group is one of the biggest fears people have. What is one of your biggest fears? How have you tried to overcome it? Write several paragraphs about your fear and what you did or are doing to overcome it.
Gerald R. Ford is the only President who was not voted into that office. Older readers can find out how this happened by reading the 25th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. Parents can help.
