Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics

by Catherine Thimmesh, Douglas B. Jones (Illustrator)

Overview

Catherine Thimmesh’s inspiring look at the role of women in American politics—past, present, and future—is now available with updated sections on Hillary Rodham Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Nancy Pelosi. From the time our government was being formed, women have fought their way from behind the scenes to the center of power and decision making. So, why not a woman in the White House? Two thousand eight may be the year!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780547350509
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	02/18/2008
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	80
Lexile:	1150L (what's this?)
File size:	39 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Catherine Thimmesh is the award-winning author of many books for children, including Girls Think of Everything and Team Moon, winner of the Sibert Medal. Her books have received numerous starred reviews, appeared on best books lists, and won many awards, including the IRA Children's Book Award and Minnesota Book Award. She lives in Minnesota with her family. www.catherinethimmesh.com. 

Editorial Reviews

Thimmesh (Think of Everything) offers brief, colorful profiles of politically influential women throughout American history, plus those of four female leaders from other countries. Beginning with several First Ladies and women's rights activists, the author proceeds to congresswomen and presidential cabinet members. Along the way, she spotlights individuals responsible for some impressive "firsts": Eleanor Roosevelt, the first U.S. delegate to the United Nations; Jeannette Rankin, the first woman to be elected to the House of Representatives in 1917; Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice; and Condoleezza Rice, the first woman to hold the position of national security advisor. Thimmesh's introductory words about Rice exemplify the narrative's informal, breezy style, brimming with quirky anecdotes: "She is Teflon tough. Supergirl strong. But even the best of the best have weaknesses and hers happens to be shoes: flats, pumps, spikes." The author effectively incorporates the women's own voices with quotes (set off in blue type). Pages presenting pictures of and dialogue among contemporary kids amount to superfluous filler. First-time book illustrator Jones contributes spare, colored pencil portraits featuring a subdued palette, which occasionally bear little resemblance to the subjects. A notable exception is a remarkable double-page rendition of the White House, an intricate mosaic composed of photos of children's faces. A lively introduction to women's political achievements. Ages 10-up. (Aug.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 4-7-Thimmesh provides 23 thumbnail sketches of women involved in politics in the United States and abroad. Her subjects are divided into six categories and tied together by cartoon vignettes of a young girl who wants to be president. Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sandra Day O'Connor, Geraldine Ferraro, and Margaret Thatcher are among the more obvious choices. Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Nancy Pelosi, and Mrs. J. L. Burn are less well known. The author briefly highlights each individual's primary achievements and importance and includes a well-chosen quotation from each one. An impressive list of source material and a time line conclude the presentation. Jones's color cartoons add interest and supplementary tidbits of information. Kathleen Krull's Lives of Extraordinary Women (Harcourt, 2000) covers a longer time span and contains longer entries; Thimmesh's title seems aimed at a slightly younger audience. A good choice in this election year, Madam President is an entertaining and informative choice.-Elaine Fort Weischedel, Millbury Public Library, MA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

A stunning mosaic of the White House...This...offers a spectacular mix of entertainment, information, and inspiration." Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"Delightful and informative ." Booklist, ALA, Starred Review

A lively introduction to women's political achievements.
Publishers Weekly

A sassily organized and argued rallying cry for girls-soon-to-be-women to stake a claim for Executive Office.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Thimmesh treats subjects from every point on the political spectrum with enthusiasm and respect...an excellent primer in international women's political history.
VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates)

A good choice in this election year, Madam President is an entertaining and informative choice.
School Library Journal —

From the Publisher