Product Description

The award-winning author of National Geographic's widely acclaimed Our Country's Presidents now brings young readers the perfect companion piece—Our Country's First Ladies.

Step inside the White House and meet the women who have played the roles of partners, confidantes, hostesses, and activists in the midst of American history. Read of fascinating lives led by the wives (and sometimes daughters, nieces, and friends) of our country's leaders. Ann Bausum introduces us to a private side of each First Lady, and connects each personality with the public persona to produce a book of uniquely revealing portraits.

Each profile is accompanied by a full-page portrait and a Fact Box detailing information such as education, special interests, and children. Timelines set each tenure in the context of the course of women's history, and a Facts-at-a-Glance section is a valuable resource for trivia lovers and report writers alike.

The narrative comes alive through the multi-faceted natures of the First Ladies: the legend of Dolley Madison's rescue of White House treasures in the war of 1812 crackles with drama; the description of Julia Grant's 29-course White House dinner will give you indigestion; the account of Eleanor Roosevelt's tireless public service and activism is awe-inspiring. Hers is one of many stories of First Ladies who embraced causes to make a difference: Lady Bird Johnson campaigned for the beautification of American cities and highways; Hillary Clinton championed the rights of children; while the librarian Laura Bush has been a tireless advocate of literacy.

True to her passion, Mrs. Bush provides a special foreword for this attractive and informative volume. The book features lavish illustrations courtesy of the White House Historical Association, making it a beautiful reference and gift volume. The book's informative text has been completely vetted by American history expert Professor Robert Johnston.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #376386 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-09
• Released on: 2007-01-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 128 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781426300066
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 4–8—A well-researched, thoughtfully written, attractive account. Fact boxes provide basic information such as birth and death dates, marriage dates, and children's names; a "Did You Know" section shares interesting personal tidbits. Periodic time lines help to place the women's lives within the broader events of history. There is enough information here for simple reports. Interesting facts and anecdotes will hold readers' attention (Rachel Jackson was charged with bigamy, Lucy Hayes refused to serve alcohol in the White House, and Frances Cleveland was the only First Lady to marry in the White House). An excellent layout and clear, colorful photographs and reproductions will further entice readers. This title should stand on most library shelves next to the author's Our Country's Presidents (National Geographic, 2005).—Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Library, UT
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

A Fact-Filled Look at the Ladies
Many kids (like my daughter) enjoy history books, especially when the facts are presented as fact bullets. This one is not as comical as the Don't Know Much series, but I think it would appeal to a similar audience.

The forward is written by Laura Bush, and the author writes an introduction about the importance of the role, as well as important firsts for women in the different cultural periods.

Each of the forty-four first ladies is given a two-to-four-page spread, which starts off with a beautiful portrait. Then there is a fact box which I enjoyed reading through to compare facts about each of the first ladies, such as age of marriage (several of them, even in the earlier years, were older than I expected, and more than a few were divorced), age when made first lady, and age at death. The text on the facing page includes information about how she met the President, any "firsts" of the office, and causes that she supported.

Our First Ladies Book!
Wonderful Book full of info! Great for girls and boys to read! Great price too!