DK Biography: John F. Kennedy: A Photographic Story of a Life
DK Biography Series
on Goodreads (97)
What’s inside...
Tells the story of an incredible leader and legend, John F. Kennedy. In this groundbreaking new series, DK brings together fresh voices and DK design values to give readers the most information-packed, visually exciting biographies on the market today. Full-color photographs of people, places, and artifacts, definitions of key words, and sidebars on related subjects add dimension and relevance to stories of famous lives that students will love to read. Supports the Common Core State Standards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
John F. Kennedy
Lyndon B. Johnson
Robert F. Kennedy
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made John F. Kennedy a good leader?
How do you think John F. Kennedy felt about becoming president?
Why is it important to work together as a team, like Kennedy did during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
What can we learn from Kennedy's efforts to promote civil rights and equality?
If you were president, what would you do to help your country?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, summarize key events and aspects of Kennedy's life to provide context.
Use photos from the book to visually engage your child and prompt discussion on specific events or periods in Kennedy’s life.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, rather than just recapping events, to deepen their understanding and connection.
Draw parallels between Kennedy’s experiences and current events or personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask questions to foster a curious and open mindset.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The book details John F. Kennedy's journey from childhood to presidency, emphasizing his developing leadership skills and the responsibility he bore as a leader.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by taking initiative in group activities and understanding the importance of fulfilling their duties responsibly, whether at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Kennedy's struggle with lifelong health issues and his perseverance in overcoming these obstacles are highlighted, demonstrating his resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that despite personal challenges, they can achieve great things through persistence and courage.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The book shows how Kennedy's educational background and his passion for reading shaped his worldview and policies. It emphasizes the role education played in his life.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage more seriously with their studies and to cultivate a reading habit to gain knowledge and broaden their perspectives.
Example Lesson: Public Service
Explanation: The narrative illustrates Kennedy's commitment to public service and how he sought to make a difference in society through his political career.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value community service and understand how their actions can contribute to society’s betterment.
Example Lesson: Courage in Difficult Times
Explanation: The book explores Kennedy's leadership during critical moments such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, showing his courage under pressure.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of staying calm and making thoughtful decisions during difficult situations.