My Word, Theodore!

The true story of how reading and writing saved Theodore Roosevelt—both literally and figuratively—throughout his life.

This nonfiction picture book for kids ages 7–10 celebrates the joys of reading and writing.

President Theodore Roosevelt was an outdoorsman, an adventurer, a traveler… and a bookworm.

As a small child who was often ill, young Theodore found that books let him leave his bed and travel the world—galloping across prairies and sailing on high seas. Books taught him about the natural world and its wondrous plants and animals. And they inspired him to build up his strength so he could see those wonders in real life. Reading books comforted Theodore when tragedy struck, and writing gave him an outlet for his feelings. He wrote, and he wrote: about his own life, about history, and about science. One of his writings— a long speech tucked in his breast pocket—even saved his life when it stopped a bullet intended for his heart!

Author Kate Hannigan and illustrator Stacy Innerst introduce children to America’s bookworm president in this inspiring story of how reading can change the course of a person’s life.