Books with author John Jeffries

In 1940, for the first time since America’s founding, a sitting president sought a third term in office. But this was only one remarkable aspect of that year’s election, which was, as John Jeffries makes clear in his new book, one of the most interesting and important elections in American history.Franklin Roosevelt’s plan to pack the Supreme Court had failed; in the wake of a recent recession, his New Deal had hardened support and opposition among both parties; and the German advance across Europe, along with Japanese aggression in Asia, was stirring fierce debate over America’s role in the world. Adding to the moment of profound uncertainty was FDR’s procrastination over whether to run again. Jeffries explores how these tensions played out and what they meant, not just for the presidential election but also for domestic politics and policy generally, and for state and local contests. In the context of the Roosevelt Coalition and the New Deal party system, he parses the debates and struggles within both the Democratic and Republican parties as Roosevelt deliberated over running and Wendell Wilkie, a businessman from Indiana and New York City, got the nod from Republicans over a field including the rising moderate Thomas E. Dewey, the conservative Michigan senator Arthur Vandenburg, and the isolationist Ohio senator Robert Taft.A Third Term for FDR reveals how domestic policy more than international events influenced Roosevelt’s decision to run and his victory in November. A detailed analysis of the results offers insights into the impact of the year’s events on voting, and into the election’s long-term implications and ramifications—many of which continue to this day.

Summer is the best time to go outside and play! The same is true for dinosaurs in this innovative first concepts series. Readers watch dinosaurs play games, take a trip, and even hit the beach with the help of colorful illustrations that provide strong picture-text correlation to aid reading comprehension. From baseball to sand castles and a trip on the Ferris wheel dinos love to have fun in the summer sun. This fun first concepts book is sure to establish early literacy skills in readers to provide a strong foundation for future reading success.

Meeting an ancient God livens up Hector’s holiday. But when tragedy threatens, he must journey to the Underworld and prove himself a true hero.On holiday in Crete with his family, eleven-year-old Hector has a chance encounter with the ancient Greek god Hermes. Fed up of spending eternity on Mount Olympus, Hermes enjoys talking to mortals – except that, since nobody has believed in him for 2,000 years, very few even notice him. In Hector – happy to escape from his own distracted mum, his step-dad and his infuriating twin half-sisters – he finds an enthusiastic listener.Hermes introduces Hector to the world of Greek mythology, dishing the dirt on his dysfunctional Olympian family and bringing to life some of the best-known tales. But as myth and reality collide, Hector finds himself on a perilous quest to the realm of the dead - where he must make the hardest decision of his life.The Winged Sandals is an introduction to the magical, bizarre and ever-resonant world of Greek mythology, and an exciting adventure in its own right. It retells well-known myths in a fresh way, while also undercutting them with a 21st century humour.

Farmers have a very important job; they grow the crops and raise the animals needed to feed the world. Readers explore this career through detailed main text and informative fact boxes. An eye-catching graphic organizer and colorful photographs of farmers at work are included to help readers visualize what its like to work on a farm. Readers are introduced to the tools farmers use every day and the skills farmers need to develop in order to become successful. Theres more to working on a farm than just watering crops and milking cows. Its an exciting career thats sure to engage readers.

Dinosaurs love to celebrate birthdays. The prehistoric creatures know how to throw a party, too! These fun dinos are getting ready for a big bash, and beginning readers ready to explore are invited to the party! With strong picture-text correlation, readers dive into both the setup and fun of a birthday party. Watching mom and dad dinos getting things ready and seeing friends arrive is a reading adventure readers will never forget, with colorful illustrations to help establish the early literacy skills and set a foundation for future reading success.