(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ginnie Hsu. Maurer (Samuel Morse, That's Who!) introduces shy Claudia Alta Taylor, who grew up to become Lady Bird Johnson. From Johnson's childhood in Texas through her term as First Lady in the late 1960s, this biography provides a well-rounded look at a public figure who worked hard to overcome her shyness. Johnson wasn't only a president's wife; she was also an accomplished businesswoman and passionate environmental advocate. Hsu's sunny illustrations burst with enthusiasm, especially in portraying the urban beautification that Johnson spearheaded. Three pages at book's end include more details about Johnson's legacy, her business venture, and six "fun facts." A reading list is appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Denos. From the creators of Just Being Audrey comes another picture-book biography on a beloved American woman. The narrative outlines Jackie Kennedy Onassis's accomplishments throughout her life, with emphasis on her grit, assured voice, and passion. (Satisfyingly, her relationship with JFK is just a small part of the story.) Elegant watercolor, pencil, and pen-and-ink illustrations complete the engaging portrait. Author's and illustrator's notes are appended. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) 4-6 Cooper traces Roosevelt's path from privileged upbringing to fierce social-justice crusader. The First Lady evolves from a suffragist into a staunch advocate for people of color, supporting anti-lynching legislation, integrating the armed forces, and equal benefits from New Deal programs. Accompanied by historical photos and excerpts from Roosevelt's speeches and letters, this compact biography is a worthwhile introduction to one of America's most prominent activists. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Eboni Njoku | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2018

(3) 4-6 History Pals series. Illustrated by Mark Fearing. When Nolan and Olive's time machine (Ben Franklin's in My Bathroom!) transports Eleanor Roosevelt to their home, the siblings learn much in the way of attitude and forbearance from the first lady. In addition to black-and-white spot art throughout, four graphic-novel-style flashback episodes from Roosevelt's life (explained further in the back matter) help incorporate historical information within the funny contemporary plot. Bib.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) 4-6 Former White House photographer Lucidon has compiled this eye-catching pictorial record of Michelle Obama's time there. Stunning photographs document both the first lady's ceremonial duties and the initiatives she championed, such as fitness, girls' education, and the arts. Enhanced by Lucidon's accessible commentary and relevant quotes from Mrs. Obama, this is an excellent photographic tribute to an influential first lady.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(2) 4-6 Time Twisters series. Illustrated by Neil Swaab. When stepsiblings Doc and Abby come face-to-face with time-displaced Abraham Lincoln, it's up to them to fix history. In the new series' second volume, the duo travels back in time to persuade Abigail Adams, who has joined a pirate crew, that being First Lady is not boring. Sheinkin expertly slips in interesting facts and true events. Swaab's black-and-white spot illustrations add to the comedic tone. Review covers these Time Twisters titles: Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean and Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler.

Reviewer: Eric Carpenter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2018

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Those interested in our first ladies will be amused and marginally enlightened by Singer's predominantly lighthearted, rhyming verses. As the women varied enormously, so do the poems; while she's always respectful, Singer clearly respects some more than others. Carpenter's ink and watercolor illustrations wonderfully illuminate both history and character and add details to the poetic portraits. Brief biographical notes are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Anna Divito. This follow-up to Krull's A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights includes brief biographies of all the U.S. First Ladies, including Melania Trump. Krull discusses each woman's background, view of their role, and contributions made, with additional sidebar anecdotes. An interwoven timeline also traces the advancement of women's rights during America's history. The casual prose and amusing grayscale illustrations make this a kid-friendly introduction. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(4) 4-6 Eyewitness Books series. In association with the Smithsonian, this new updated scrapbook follows the chronology of U.S. presidential history to peek in at the life and times of each First Lady through Melania Trump. Portraits, photos of some of the outfits on display at the Smithsonian, artifacts of the elections, and special mementos are scrambled together on the busy pages. While superficial, this is suitable for browsing. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Faulkner. This unique title puts readers in first family members' shoes as it introduces the evolving roles of presidents' spouses throughout American history. Shamir, in lively, humorous language, shares both lesser- and well-known facts pertaining to First Ladies' personalities, occupations, causes, and more. Caricature-like watercolor and pencil illustrations underscore the levity. Concludes with a chronological list of First Ladies and an author's note with resources.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Zoom In on First Ladies series. These starter biographies have fact-driven texts illustrated with uncaptioned photos (or historical art in Washington). The choppy writing is easy to read, but the volumes provide little in the way of substantive background about these First Ladies. Appended lists of quick stats and key dates may be helpful when writing reports. Glos., ind. Review covers these Zoom In on First Ladies titles: Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Martha Washington, Michelle Obama, and Nancy Reagan.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. Lively if wordy text recounts how First Lady Jackie Kennedy, who restored a then "dreary" White House "into a stately home," waged a long, tough campaign to preserve NYC's historic, iconic Grand Central Station. The impressionistic watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations convey the story's emotions and the station's grandeur, but Boiger oddly renders Jackie as a stilted, peg-legged character. Concludes with author's and illustrator's notes. Bib.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 4-6 This well-organized, engaging, and voluminously sourced biography traces Clinton's life, from childhood through entering the 2016 presidential race, emphasizing themes of service, compromise, empathy, and trailblazing. Well-chosen details build historical context for young readers, particularly regarding sexism and barrier-breaking; however, the laudatory approach ("Is she some kind of superwoman?") allows only glancing consideration of criticisms from both the Right and Left. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(3) K-3 Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Markel and Pham, in peppy text and spirited illustrations, provide an overview of Clinton's life, from her 1950s childhood (when "girls weren't supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious") to Secretary of State, concluding with the statement: "No matter what Hillary does next, if she wants to change the world, she'll find a way." Appended notes provide page-by-page details about historical figures and context. Timeline.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Raúl Colón. Beginning with Queen Elizabeth, Joan of Arc, and Rosie the Riveter, Winter positions Clinton among powerful women in history--then backs up his assertion with information about Clinton's life, from childhood to Secretary of State (the appended author's note hints at her presidential run). The tone is admiring and hopeful. Colón's illustrations, in his recognizable mixed-media style, are warm and varied.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz