The President Has Been Shot! by James L. Swanson is lauded for its engaging and detailed recounting of JFK’s assassination, making history accessible to younger readers. Swanson’s vivid narrative and use of historical photos enhance the storytelling. However, some reviewers note that while the book is informative, it may occasionally oversimplify complex events.

A reader fascinated by historical events, particularly U.S. history, will be captivated by James L. Swanson's The President Has Been Shot!. This book appeals to those who enjoyed Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly and Chasing Lincoln's Killer by Swanson, offering a gripping, well-researched narrative of the JFK assassination.

The President Has Been Shot! by James L. Swanson is a non-fiction history book for teens that covers the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy, focusing on his assassination by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas in November 1963 and its subsequent impact on the American public and media. The book also explores Kennedy's rise in politics, his Cold War policies, and his advocacy for civil rights reform. It includes graphic descriptions of a historical assassination and political violence.

Informative / Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Emotional

**James L. Swanson**  
An academic and author with expertise in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, known for writing multiple historical accounts including "Manhunt" and involvement in historical preservation activities related to President Lincoln.

**John F. Kennedy**  
A charismatic and popular U.S. president who navigated significant Cold War events and domestic policies, known for a charismatic public persona and his involvement in televised presidential debates.

**Jacqueline "Jackie" Bouvier Kennedy**  
The stylish and culturally engaged First Lady who played a significant role in restoring the White House, becoming a public figure in her own right, known for her cultural diplomacy and later as "Jackie O."

**Lee Harvey Oswald**  
A former U.S. Marine with a complex background, whose actions led to widespread conspiracy theories, known for his life in both the United States and the Soviet Union.

James L. Swanson

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The President Has Been Shot! Summary and Study Guide

Background

The President Has Been Shot! Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Introduction to John F. Kennedy”

Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 3

The President Has Been Shot! Introduction-Part 1, Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

The President Has Been Shot! Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-10

The President Has Been Shot! Part 1, Chapters 7-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Assassination”

Part 2, Chapters 11-13

The President Has Been Shot! Part 2, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 14-Epilogue

The President Has Been Shot! Part 2, Chapter 14-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The President Has Been Shot! Key Figures

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Themes

The President Has Been Shot! Themes

Index of Terms

The President Has Been Shot! Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The President Has Been Shot! Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The President Has Been Shot! Essay Topics

The President Has Been Shot!: The Assassination of John F. Kennedy

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The President Has Been Shot!?

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Book Details