{"id":229,"date":"2019-01-07T06:00:51","date_gmt":"2019-01-07T14:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/?p=229"},"modified":"2018-12-21T10:00:58","modified_gmt":"2018-12-21T18:00:58","slug":"unpresidented-a-biography-of-donald-trump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/unpresidented-a-biography-of-donald-trump\/","title":{"rendered":"Unpresidented ~ a biography of Donald Trump"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Unpresidented: A Biography of Donald Trump<\/strong><\/em>
\nby Martha Brockenbrough
\n432 pages; ages 12 – 18 (and older)
\nFeiwel & Friends, 2018<\/p>\n

Weighing in at 400-plus pages and more than an inch thick, this biography doesn\u2019t waste words on frivolities. Author Martha Brockenbrough dedicates her newest book to the Parkland generation (\u201cYou know what to do\u201d) and then dives into a very readable \u2013 and critical \u2013 biography of a sitting president.<\/p>\n

But first she takes time to clarify journalism\u2019s role in history. In particular, how journalists and other nonfiction writers uncover facts and \u2013 more importantly \u2013 take the time to verify them. In particular, Brockenbrough writes about the spread of false information, and how we know that Trump does, indeed, spread lies. She clarifies what fairness and balance mean in the context of telling truths, and then tosses in this caveat: it\u2019s difficult to write accurately about Trump because \u201che often speaks inaccurately about himself.\u201d<\/p>\n

I like the structure of the book: beginning with the election, flashing back to his immigrant parents, and then to Donald J\u2019s childhood. Born into wealth, he started life lucky, writes Brockenbrough. But he lost his mother at a young age and, as he grew older, he became a bully. He caused so much trouble that his father sent him to a military academy, hoping the experience would make him shape up.<\/p>\n

Brockenbrough follows Donald through his business ventures where his driving goal was to do whatever it took to win. Those brash \u2013 and questionably ethical \u2013 tactics followed him into entertainment and then into his candidacy for the highest office of the land.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrump appeared to be looking at the campaign the way a salesman looks at a product he wants to move,\u201d writes Brockenbrough. \u201cWhat do people want to hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

Brockenbrough writes about the Russia connections, the debates with Hillary Clinton, FBI investigations and hacking. She shows how unprepared he was to win and how little he did to prepare himself for the transition of power after the election. Brockenbrough does a marvelous job comparing and contrasting Trump and Robert Mueller, and details the ways the 45th president is using his office to enrich himself. She lays out clear evidence for his assault on democracy and a free press.<\/p>\n

Provable facts matter, says Brockenbrough. \u201cIt\u2019s one thing to make a partisan argument based on different political philosophies. But it\u2019s another thing to ignore or misstate facts to protect a political party or its leader.\u201d Once you leave facts in the dust, you\u2019re on your way to fascism.<\/p>\n

Brockenbrough provides a hefty section of back matter: a timeline of Trump\u2019s life, his presidency, thumbnail bios of key campaign staff and political advisors \u2013 names you\u2019ve heard in news reports and many of whom are under indictment. There are more than 50 pages of endnotes documenting quotes, and a handy index with entries including \u201cracism\u201d and \u201cRussian election interference\u201d.<\/p>\n

You can find out more about Martha Brockenbrough and her books at her website.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nonfiction<\/p>\n

It’s Nonfiction Monday!<\/a><\/p>\n

Copyright \u00a9 2019 Sue Heavenrich <\/a> All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Unpresidented: A Biography of Donald Trump by Martha Brockenbrough 432 pages; ages 12 – 18 (and older) Feiwel & Friends, 2018 Weighing in at 400-plus pages and more than an inch thick, this biography doesn\u2019t waste words on frivolities. Author Martha Brockenbrough dedicates her newest book to the Parkland generation (\u201cYou know what to do\u201d) … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Unpresidented ~ a biography of Donald Trump”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-nonfiction-monday-round-up"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pam6qm-3H","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1942,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/prince-a-little-golden-book-biography\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":0},"title":"Prince: A Little Golden Book Biography","author":"Anastasia Suen","date":"January 12, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Prince: A Little Golden Book Biography by Nikki Shannon Smith (Author) and Don Tate (Illustrator) @ Amazon | Bookshop Booktalk: Happy book birthday to a 24-page picture book biography that celebrates Prince's boundary-breaking artistry, his fearless self-expression, and his enduring influence on music, fashion, and culture. Snippet: The author and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/princegoldenfc-960x1158.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/princegoldenfc-960x1158.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/princegoldenfc-960x1158.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":251,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/picture-books-nonfiction-fiction-or-both\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":1},"title":"Picture Books: Nonfiction, Fiction or Both?","author":"@roberta3","date":"January 7, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"For a little different approach to Nonfiction Monday, let's take a look at some recent picture books that push the boundaries of traditional nonfiction. As you may already know, I recently was a round I judge for 2018 Cybils Elementary\/Middle Grade Nonfiction. It turned out a few of the nominated\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/midnight-teacher.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":485,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/soccer-superstar-alex-morgan\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":2},"title":"Soccer Superstar Alex Morgan","author":"Anastasia Suen","date":"August 26, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Soccer Superstar Alex Morgan by Jon M. Fishman (Author) Booktalk: For beginning readers who know about the 2019 Women's World Cup, this short biography will provide more information about soccer superstar Alex Morgan. She helped the US Women's National Team to victory in the 2012 Olympics and the 2015 Women's\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/l_9781541555631_fc.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1174,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/secrets-of-the-sea-the-story-of-jeanne-power-revolutionary-marine-scientist\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":3},"title":"Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist","author":"@roberta3","date":"October 18, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Looking for a new picture book biography? Look no further than Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist by Evan Griffith and illustrated by Joanie Stone. Jeanne Power was born in France, but moved to Sicily with her husband in 1818 when she was 23.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/secrets-of-sea-cover.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1263,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/the-life-of-clara-barton\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":4},"title":"The Life of Clara Barton","author":"Anastasia Suen","date":"February 28, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The Life of Clara Barton by Gillia M. Olson (Author) @ Amazon | IndieBound Booktalk: This timeline biography explores Clara Barton's incredible life as a humanitarian. Chapter book readers will learn about Barton's careers as a teacher and nurse, and how caring for wounded Civil War soldiers inspired her to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/lifeclarabarton-595x860.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/lifeclarabarton-595x860.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/lifeclarabarton-595x860.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":76,"url":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/reshma-saujani\/","url_meta":{"origin":229,"position":5},"title":"Reshma Saujani: Girls Who Code Founder","author":"Anastasia Suen","date":"October 15, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Reshma Saujani: Girls Who Code Founder by Jill Sherman (Author) Booktalk: Reshma Saujani is an attorney and the first Indian American woman to run for US Congress. She later founded Girls Who Code to help close the gender gap in technology. Discover more about her inspiring life\u00a0in this middle grade\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nonfiction Monday Round-up"","block_context":{"text":"Nonfiction Monday Round-up","link":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/category\/nonfiction-monday-round-up\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/asuen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/reshma_fc.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":231,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/229\/revisions\/231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/asuen.com\/nonfictionmonday\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}