Worst of Friends
by Suzanne Tripp Jurmain

In this age of political awareness, this book is a great reminder for big and little kids of how two important American presidents weathered their friendship.

Thomas Jefferson was a tall, quiet man while John Adams was short and talkative.  Their friendship was based on agreeable differences, until they became political rivals--eventually becoming the 2nd and 3rd president of the United States.




Time passed, allowing both to leave their respected offices, creating a new space that often time comes with age.  On January 1, 1812 John decided to write his old friend a Happy New Years letter, unsure whether he would receive a response.  Of course Tom wrote back and their friendship was rekindled, both acknowledging each had a right to their own opinion.

Amazingly these lifelong friends both passed away on the same day, July 4, 1826...the 50th anniversary of American independance.

----------Though a picture book written for younger readers, a good introduction to history for any age.