(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

(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 Eleven-year-old Abby is an aspiring fashion designer. To cope with family issues, particularly a deteriorating relationship with her mother, Abby sends letters and sketches to First Lady Jackie Kennedy. The novel is a bit too precious, but the early 1960s setting is appealing and contains many authentic details. Fashion sketches (most drawn by the author as a girl) are included. Glos.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) 4-6 Encyclopedia of First Ladies series. Sketchy but clearly written biographies chronicle the lives--the triumphs as well as the tragedies--of these women. From youth through achievements as a president's spouse, each woman's story is grounded in both a historical and social context, revealing the changing role of women throughout U.S. history. Highlighted text boxes provide further information about events and people of the period. Photographs and reproductions illustrate each volume. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute