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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Ulysses S. Grant?
Ulysses S. Grant certainly does not have the typical war hero “back story.” Although a graduate of West Point, he never wanted to be a soldier and was terrified when he first saw battle. However, during the Civil War, after many Northern generals failed to deliver decisive victories, U.S. Grant rose to what the times required. He took command of Union forces, helped bring the war to an end in 1865, and went on to serve two terms as president.
112 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2014
About the author
Megan Stine
188 books47 followersMegan Stine is the Editor-in-Chief of Real U Guides and the author of more than 100 books for young readers including Trauma-Rama, an etiquette book for teenagers published by Seventeen magazine, and several titles in a series based on the popular 1990’s television series Party of Five. A frequent writer of books in the enormously popular Mary-Kate and Ashley series, she is the best-selling author of Likes Me, Likes Me Not and Instant Boyfriend. She has worked with CBS and ABC in developing comedy and drama television pilots, and has written comedy material for a well-known radio personality in New York.
When she isn’t writing, she is a portrait and fine art photographer and a contributing photographer for the Real U series of guides.
When she isn’t writing, she is a portrait and fine art photographer and a contributing photographer for the Real U series of guides.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 12, 2021
I think I would've gotten along just fine with Ulysses S. Grant. There are a lot of things I loved about him from this book.
*He seemed to really love his wife. There are so many famous men from history that seem to have strayed, but Grant never did.
*He wasn't perfect. He made quite a few mistakes. He lost all his money to a conman, he smoked cigars, he wasn't great at business, he didn't really want to be in the army, etc. All of these things made him seem more human to me. Honestly, I don't really want to be a teacher, but I can't seem to find another route and I like that Grant had the same dilemma.
*I like that he made a point of trying to be kind and fair as a general. Even when the South surrendered he was generous and told his men to not rub it in.
*It's sad that he died from cancer. People didn't know better back then, but it's still sad.
*He wrote his memoirs to help support his family after he died. I like that he worked on his book almost up till the day he died. He never gave up. It's cool that he was friends with Mark Twain and that's who published his book.
I'd like to read a more thorough biography about this man.
*He seemed to really love his wife. There are so many famous men from history that seem to have strayed, but Grant never did.
*He wasn't perfect. He made quite a few mistakes. He lost all his money to a conman, he smoked cigars, he wasn't great at business, he didn't really want to be in the army, etc. All of these things made him seem more human to me. Honestly, I don't really want to be a teacher, but I can't seem to find another route and I like that Grant had the same dilemma.
*I like that he made a point of trying to be kind and fair as a general. Even when the South surrendered he was generous and told his men to not rub it in.
*It's sad that he died from cancer. People didn't know better back then, but it's still sad.
*He wrote his memoirs to help support his family after he died. I like that he worked on his book almost up till the day he died. He never gave up. It's cool that he was friends with Mark Twain and that's who published his book.
I'd like to read a more thorough biography about this man.
April 4, 2021
This is a great book! 👍📕
March 19, 2021
There are a lot of misconceptions about Grant. He made mistakes, but his failings were rarely moral. My kids enjoyed learning about him enough to rattle off aspects of his life story to my wife at the dinner table. Clear and accessible for any age.
April 12, 2024
Love this series of books. They teach us so much in a short book!!!
February 7, 2022
My 4 year old daughter says she liked this because Julia and Ulysses got married and then they were buried next to each other.
September 28, 2020
Ulysses was the Northern officer during the Civil War. He didn't like war, but his father sent him to West Point, an army school. After Ulysses served in the army, he tried farming and sales, but he only succeed in the army so he went back into the army. Robert E Lee, general of the Confederate army, didn't want the union to break up. Although President Lincoln asked Lee to become the general of the union army, Lee chose to fight for his home state of Virginia instead. Northern generals were afraid of Lee and thought Ulysses was superhuman But Ulysses felt differently. "I had known him personally...and Knew that he was mortal," said Grant.
At the beginning of the civil war, Grant treated his enemies fair like the generals he admired. However, he realize that they needed to weaken the south so he began to allow his soldiers to steal and burn supplies from the south. Ulysses wore humble clothes. After winning the Civil War, Lincoln invited Ulysses and his wife to the theater. Grant's wife didn't get along with Lincoln's wife so Grant declined. At the theater, Booth shot Lincoln and had planned to shoot Grant had he been there too. Booth was upset about the end of the Civil War. After Lincoln's Vice President served a term, the people voted Grant's name into the election. Grant served two terms as President even though he didn't want to be president. Grant lose his large income yearly from being general of the army. He was a good president, but he didn't realize the wicked leaders.
Ulysses wrote his life story as suggested by Mark Twain so he would leave money to his family since he was on his death bed. A lot of Ulysses' money had earned was given away to others.
At the beginning of the civil war, Grant treated his enemies fair like the generals he admired. However, he realize that they needed to weaken the south so he began to allow his soldiers to steal and burn supplies from the south. Ulysses wore humble clothes. After winning the Civil War, Lincoln invited Ulysses and his wife to the theater. Grant's wife didn't get along with Lincoln's wife so Grant declined. At the theater, Booth shot Lincoln and had planned to shoot Grant had he been there too. Booth was upset about the end of the Civil War. After Lincoln's Vice President served a term, the people voted Grant's name into the election. Grant served two terms as President even though he didn't want to be president. Grant lose his large income yearly from being general of the army. He was a good president, but he didn't realize the wicked leaders.
Ulysses wrote his life story as suggested by Mark Twain so he would leave money to his family since he was on his death bed. A lot of Ulysses' money had earned was given away to others.
November 15, 2023
Finished this with two very rapt sons who were glued to hearing everything about how life for Grant developed and evolved after the Civil War's end. They were a little surprised to hear how things did not go as planned, and listened intently as we discussed how Grant and his family navigated the hardships, good times, and lean times post-presidency. The author ended the book well, and on a note that I think was most important to capture... especially for my audience: namely, Grant's life ebbed and flowed, but in the end he died surrounded by the greatest riches of all (his family) and we remember him as the great leader he was at such a perilous time in our nation's history. The boys loved the book and loved learning about Grant... even my oldest—who was initially skeptical of the book (because he learned about Grant and the Civil War in fourth grade)—who said after we were done "that book was pretty good."
Loving reading these books with them and hoping it continues to pique their interest in history and its many stories and people.
Loving reading these books with them and hoping it continues to pique their interest in history and its many stories and people.
March 15, 2020
Who Was Ulysses S. Grant? by Megan Stine is another book in the award-winning New York Times series about famous and extraordinary people and places. Ulysses S. Grant was a US military soldier who graduated from West Point, saw his first action in the US war with Mexico, was promoted to General because of his performance during the Civil War, and was eventually assigned by President Abraham Lincoln. He had to deal with personal demons including drinking but still was able to bring the war to a successful conclusion. He was later elected as our 18th president and served two terms. The author covers all the major facts and events in his life including writing his memoirs with the help of another American icon, Mark Twain. He died shortly after the book was finished. Well researched and written, as are most books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
I am a big fan of the “Who Was” books! And once again, this book is no exception. Full of wonderful information that is both interesting, yet to the point, this book covers Ulysses S. Grant’s whole life. Because it is not long and drawn out, and with the wonderful black and white illustrations, this book is wonderful for the younger elementary ages (3rd and 4th) as well as older kids through middle school. I read this to my 3rd grade son as well as my 7th grade daughter. They both enjoyed it and learned a wealth of information.
These “Who Was” books are so well done that my kids have often gotten one from our collection and read it on their own over again! I highly recommend!
These “Who Was” books are so well done that my kids have often gotten one from our collection and read it on their own over again! I highly recommend!
December 4, 2023
This is a wonderful read full of a lot of good information! The author presents the information in a way that is simple and easy to digest while going through his life. I felt as if I really got to know Ulysses as a person and learned a lot of new information. I had no idea that he was supposed to be on the balcony with Lincoln the night of the shooting and carried guilt with him the rest of his life. Or that he was friends with Mark Twain! I would recommend this book to anyone third grade and up. I would use this book as a resources for s student who was giving a presentation on Ulysses. This book has all the information one might need.
August 14, 2021
I visited Galena, IL on a weekend away recently which advertises itself as the home of Ulysses S. Grant. I knew the name but truly not much else. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot. He lived a very interesting life. I was amused by the story of his wife with the lazy eye and her dislike of Mary Todd Lincoln. I was surprised by the good deed done for Ulysses by Mark Twain. The "Who Was" franchise makes history accessible to everyone in a very readable and enjoyable format.
January 18, 2019
106 pages. Very good book about a famous President and Civil War hero. The book includes additional information on Mexican-American War, What Started the Civil War, Robert E. Lee, and Border States. There are lots of sketches and maps to help a reader understand this famous life. Great layout and information for a report. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.
March 31, 2018
I read this book because I wanted to learn more about who he was. There are a lot of "Who Was" book and they are very informational. Children will learn who he was and how he impacted the United States.
June 28, 2021
Ulysses S. Grant hated war but he also hated slavery. He was always interested in horses and loved to ride. This is the story of his life both in and out of the army. It is a great beginning to understanding his life achievements.
July 28, 2024
I started reading the book because I liked the name "Ulysses", another name for "Odysseus, " a Greek epic hero in Homer's Odyssey.
The story proved to be epic too, like his name. I really liked his character.
The story proved to be epic too, like his name. I really liked his character.
July 7, 2017
good book
September 19, 2017
Like this book, and the story of simple, and great man, success, and disappointed at same time .. Happy 10th anniversary Goodreads 📚✨🙂
July 18, 2018
Targeted at a specific market and the illustrations are only so-so, but find these Who Was books to be a great primer. Ready to launch into Ron Chernow's door stopper :)
April 17, 2019
This series reveals a number of little known facts about famous individuals.
July 18, 2019
He went from a boy with no name to a man with several.
August 10, 2020
I think this is a fantastic book!! It is one of my favorite books!!
January 15, 2021
A good overview of Ulysses S. Grant. It was great to read this book and the the Who Was Robert E. Lee book back to back. Interesting to see different perspectives.
May 15, 2021
This is a very nicely written book about a not well understood man. Grant was very human, very complex. He had faults. He was a brilliant reluctant warrior. This book captures him well.
September 28, 2021
Loved it!
So fascinating!
So fascinating!
April 21, 2023
I learned a lot of new information about him than I did know.
August 15, 2023
Love these books!
July 3, 2024
Great book. Easy read. Lots of good history to learn about President Grant.
March 7, 2017
Another prez from Ohio. Grant liked horses, booze, and cigars. He was a brave general who helped the Union win the war. Mark Twain helped him publish and promote his biography to help support his family shortly before his death.
July 28, 2017
Lovely, simple outline of an interesting and important man in our histoey.
February 21, 2017
In the book, "Who Was Ulysses S. Grant?" by Megan Stein is about the life of U. S. Grant who was originally named Hiram Ulysses Grant but was called Ulysses by everyone. He grew up in Pleasant, Ohio as a boy but later moved to Georgetown, Ohio as his family grew. As a boy he loved horses but was later sent to West Point for college by his father. There he learned what Military life was like. He later went on to play a major role in the victory of the Civil War and then to become the President of the United States.
Overall I enjoyed this book very much! I had learned about Ulysses in m Social Studies class and he sounded like a very interesting man. So, after reading this book, he became very interesting and possibly a role model. This book kept my attention and wanting me to read more and more. I was very bummed when it was over.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in War or just Ulysses himself. It really shows his life and what it was like so, if you want to know what Ulysses S. Grant is like, read this book!
Overall I enjoyed this book very much! I had learned about Ulysses in m Social Studies class and he sounded like a very interesting man. So, after reading this book, he became very interesting and possibly a role model. This book kept my attention and wanting me to read more and more. I was very bummed when it was over.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in War or just Ulysses himself. It really shows his life and what it was like so, if you want to know what Ulysses S. Grant is like, read this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews