A Kid's Guide To America's First Ladies

4.3

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Author(s)

Kathleen Krull

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Anna Divito

Publisher

Harper

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

January 03, 2017

ISBN

978-0062381071

Buy This Book

Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award-winner Kathleen Krull is an expert at bringing history to life in her engaging titles and series, including Women Who Broke the Rules, Lives of . . . , Giants of Science, and A Kid’s Guide to America’s Bill of Rights. This time, she introduces readers to the women of the White House in A Kid’s Guide to America’s First Ladies! The book includes a section introducing kids to Melania Trump.

Find out what our country’s First Ladies thought, did, and advocated for as they moved into the White House.

Why did the Patriots love Martha Washington? What causes did Eleanor Roosevelt support and lead? What did Jacqueline Kennedy do to establish her legacy long after she left the White House? How did Hillary Clinton turn her role as First Lady into a political career of her own? Packed with anecdotes and sidebars, a timeline of the advancement of women’s rights, and humorous illustrations and portraits, Kathleen Krull’s introduction to the First Ladies of the United States brings vividly to life the women to hold the role as they paved the way for American women in times of change.

Find out what our country’s First Ladies thought, did, and advocated for as they moved into the White House.

Editor review

1 review

The women who have shaped America

April 15, 2017

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Learning Value

5.0

How does a First Lady train for a job that has no job description—or even a salary? A job that is often thankless, when the public expects a First Lady to be hostess, mother, wife, role model, style icon, a picture of perfection and poise with her arms around her perfect family. There is little to no room for a First Lady to make mistakes. Yet, every one of them has had an impact on American history. Some were quiet and reserved, while others were bold and outspoken, helping their husbands shoulder the responsibility of the Presidency to which they were elected.
Krull’s guide to America’s First Ladies is full of interesting facts about each of the women who have graced the Whitehouse with their presence. During their time in Washington, these women have advocated for the causes dear to them, they have fought for Women’s rights, they were authors, artists, “Petticoat Politicians” who were graceful under pressure. They were powerhouses of strength—all while maintaining their own identities and voices.
The beautiful illustrations of each First Lady will help young readers follow along with the facts and stories about these women. Readers will also find interesting details about the Whitehouse and the Presidents who served, but the spotlight remains on the women who each found their own ways of serving their county.
A Kid’s Guide to America’s First Ladies is a wonderful introduction to every First Lady from Martha Washington to Melania Trump (although the information on the current First Lady is rather sparse. I do wish it had included more about her past, but I can imagine the inclusion of Melania was rushed for the time of this publication.)
Intended for ages 8 to 12, some parents may find it more suitable for older children as topics such as extramarital affairs are discussed throughout. However, I appreciate the accuracy of these details and the way they are portrayed in a delicate, yet straightforward approach to fact and historical accuracy.
Young readers will get a fascinating look at the history of America from 1789 to 2017, through ever major world event, war and milestone political achievement, through the eyes of the women who were often restricted by the social norms of their day.