Forty-three men with forty-three passions, but with one thing in common: a presidential place in America's history. With her gift for unforgettable rhythm and innovative rhyme, Marilyn Singer brings the presidents of the United States to life-from Washington to Obama-and contextualizes them in their time. Illustrations by John Hendrix are full of hilarious wit and refined exuberance, and backmatter enriches the experience with short biographies, quotes by each president, and more.

The Great Depression was one of the most traumatic events of recent American history. Although this period has been studied extensively, one rich source of material has remained virtually untouched. In this study Donald W. Whisenhunt has analyzed, and provided context for, the vast collection of poetry and song lyrics in the Hoover and Roosevelt presidential libraries to assess another aspect of American public opinion.

Playful political poems about the penchants and peccadilloes of the presidents!Sure, William Taft got stuck in his tub, but did you know that John Quincy Adams used to skinny-dip in the Potomac? Herbert Hoover spoke Chinese with his wife, and Gerald Ford had his name changed from Leslie Lynch King. It’s true! In The President’s Stuck in the Bathtub, the lives of the presidents are served up as fact-filled and fanciful poems that will make you laugh, cringe, and gasp with amazement at the colorful cast of men and women who have lived in the White House. With footnotes relating the facts behind the inspiration for each poem, and a section called “Presidential Notes and Quotes” in the back, this is one hilarious history lesson that kids will elect to read over and over again!

"Well-written, thoroughly researched, and impeccably organized, Poems by Presidents explores an intriguing and unexpected side to many American presidents: they wrote poetry! In this excellent anthology of presidential poems, Michael Croland offers us a new way to celebrate some of our most celebrated leaders." --Susan Katz, author of The President's Stuck in the Bathtub. This first-ever anthology features poems by eleven presidents who, through good times and bad, turned to poetry to express themselves. This compelling collection brings presidents' literary pursuits to light, unveiling their deepest thoughts and emotions. Highlights include George Washington's teenage romantic yearnings, Thomas Jefferson's death-bed adieu, John Quincy Adams's sonnet memorializing his father, Abraham Lincoln's mockery of the Confederacy, Woodrow Wilson's humorous limericks, Warren G. Harding's steamy love poems to his mistress, and Ronald Wilson Reagan's existential reflections. Appendixes explore additional presidents who wrote poetry, misattributions, prose formatted as verse, and fondness for poetry. Poems by Presidents is a rewarding resource for poetry lovers and readers interested in presidential biographies and American history. "From Madison's collegiate satires to Harding's racy romantic rhymes, this anthology has something to surprise and delight even the most dedicated history buff. It will teach you something about our presidents' personal lives, their poetic talents, and even their political ambitions." --Craig Fehrman, author of Author in Chief "This distinctive collection is a pleasure to read and enjoy. It provides another dimension to our awareness of the personalities and talents of many of our presidents." --Fred Kaplan, author of His Masterly Pen: A Biography of Jefferson the Writer "Michael Croland has assembled an interesting and unexpected anthology of presidential poetry. Poems by Presidents leaves the reader with a better understanding of the concealed humanity often buried within the seemingly stoic men who have held our nation's highest office." --Michael B. Costanzo, author of Author in Chief "This unique collection by US presidents, featuring poems ranging from spiritual to humorous to erotic, is surprising, fascinating, and humanizing." --Marilyn Singer, author of Rutherford B., Who Was He?: Poems about Our Presidents "A wonderful volume, full of keen insights into a wide array of American presidents. . . . The superb focus of this book brings fascinating details to light." --Jonathan Gross, editor of Thomas Jefferson's Scrapbooks

The poems in this anthology document the political and personal events of the president's crucial first days through a variety of contemporary poetic voices.

Presents rhymes about presidents of the United States, from George Washington to Barack Obama.

The stuff of dreams—hopes, fears, and longings—represents universal subjects to which everyone can relate. Dreams take on a new cultural currency in this collection of dream-poems, one for each American president. Exploring power, as well as its limits and possibilities, linguistics instructor Charles Barasch plays no favorites, making light of the sense of entitlement and self-importance that afflicts too many politicians. Fun to read, humorous, and laced with events of historical interest, each poem gives a dose of insight into the president’s life and his relationships with others, including his family, allies, and rivals. Where contemporary people or important references to American history—such as slavery and the Indian wars—occur, notes explain and contextualize them within the poem’s meaning. Published during an election year, this book offers a well-timed look at politicians, some much-needed laughs at leaders who take themselves too seriously, and a fun platform from which readers can start to explore the lives of those who, for better or worse, have led America.