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(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.
32 pp.
| HarperCollins/B+B
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-248502-1$17.99
(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.
184 pp.
| Abrams
| August, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2295-0$17.99
(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.
(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.
56 pp.
| Disney-Hyperion
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-2660-0$17.99
(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.
(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.
72 pp.
| DK
| January, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4654-5852-0$19.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4654-5851-3$9.99 New ed. (2001)
(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.
32 pp.
| Philomel
| January, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-54724-9$17.99
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
48 pp.
| Houghton
| March, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-547-44921-0$17.99
(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.
(2)
YA
In this frank yet positive account of Clinton's life through the 2015 announcement of her presidential candidacy, Blumenthal chronicles Clinton's youth, marriage, and career (including various scandals). Acknowledging that Clinton's public story has been "carefully controlled and crafted," Blumenthal allows Clinton's accomplishments (and sometimes her foibles) to take center stage and suggest the woman behind the pantsuit. Timeline. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Amy Pattee
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2016
(3)
YA
America's Great Political Families series.
This well-written, thoroughly researched series delves into the lives and careers of presidential families, providing in-depth looks at multiple family members. From family histories and drama to political scandals, criticisms, and maneuvers, each subject is explored in a clear, objective, and engaging way. Each volume includes archival photos, a family tree, and appended "fun facts." Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following America's Great Political Families titles: The Kennedys, The Roosevelts, The Bushes, and The Clintons.
(3)
4-6
Real-Life Story series.
Clinton's many accomplishments and challenges are documented in a clear, engaging style in this narrative biography. From her childhood through her win in the Democratic Primary and 2016 presidential run, Harness explores Hillary's political partnership with Bill Clinton and her struggle to fit into the mold of political wife as well as her individual political and personal endeavors. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.
(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.