Books with title James K. Polk: The 11th President

The story of a pivotal president who watched over our westward expansion and solidified the dream of Jacksonian democracyJames K. Polk was a shrewd and decisive commander in chief, the youngest president elected to guide the still-young nation, who served as Speaker of the House and governor of Tennessee before taking office in 1845. Considered a natural successor to Andrew Jackson, "Young Hickory" miraculously revived his floundering political career by riding a wave of public sentiment in favor of annexing the Republic of Texas to the Union. Shortly after his inauguration, he settled the disputed Oregon boundary and by 1846 had declared war on Mexico in hopes of annexing California. The considerably smaller American army never lost a battle. At home, however, Polk suffered a political firestorm of antiwar attacks from many fronts. Despite his tremendous accomplishments, he left office an extremely unpopular man, on whom stress had taken such a physical toll that he died within three months of departing Washington. Fellow Tennessean John Seigenthaler traces the life of this president who, as Truman noted, "said what he intended to do and did it."

During his one term as president, James K. Polk helped expand the United States so that it stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, but what else do you know about our 11th president? In this fascinating introduction, young readers will learn about Polk's early life, his achievements as president, and the ways he is remembered today. Each 24-page book in this series features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and rich photos and illustrations are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.

During his one term as president, James K. Polk helped expand the United States so that it stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, but what else do you know about our 11th president? In this fascinating introduction, young readers will learn about Polk’s early life, his achievements as president, and the ways he is remembered today. Each 24-page book in this series features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and rich photos and illustrations are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.

The United States president preserves, protects, and defends the U.S. Constitution. Each president's term influences events in America and around the world for years to come. This biography introduces young readers to the life of James K. Polk, beginning with his childhood in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, and Columbia, Tennessee. Information about Polk's education at the University of North Carolina and his early career as a lawyer and clerk in the Tennessee state senate is discussed. In addition, his family and personal life, as well as his retirement to Polk Place is highlighted. Easy-to-read text details Polk's political career as a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Speaker of the House. Finally, students will explore key events from Democratic president Polk's administration, including the passage of the Independent Treasury Act, the Oregon Treaty, as well as the Mexican War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, from which the Mexican Cession was gained. Beautiful graphics showcase the primary source documents and photographs. A timeline, fast facts, and sidebars help put essential information at students' fingertips. In addition, a quick-reference chart provides easy access to facts about every U.S. president. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.