April 1, 2018
Gr 3-6-This series explores the passion and personality of the first ladies. The authors succeed at including vibrant details that paint a multifaceted picture of each woman's interaction with the president, the public, and the political climate of the time period. Throughout the series, the transitions from one subject to the next are abrupt to the point where readers may wonder if a page was left out (e.g., a smiling photo of Jackie Kennedy in India with a description of her as a patron of the arts is immediately followed by one of her in mourning after John F. Kennedy's assassination). In general, controversies and scandals are given vague mentions, and memorable quotes are highlighted in the margins. The use of black-and-white and color photos, etchings, and portraits adds visual appeal. VERDICT Recommended more for its timely content than as a research resource.
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.