Hillary Rodham Clinton Some girls are born to lead

*Starred Review* Over the summer, a reporter e-mailed to ask about Hillary Clinton books aimed at kids for an article she was writing. I replied that almost all of the titles available were in series about first ladies or famous women, but that as election time grew closer, there should be more. The election may be a year away but, to say the least, the books have begun to arrive. The first two come from veteran nonfiction writers, both offering photo-assisted looks at Clinton for middle and older readers. Karen Blumenthal's highly readable Hillary Rodham Clinton: A Woman Living History is an in-depth portrait that gives teens a real feel for the woman behind the politics. Though touching on familiar milestones and repeating oft-told anecdotes (Mrs. Rodham gives young Hillary permission to sock a bully; Hillary introducing herself to Bill after exchanging many glances), the smooth narrative produces an understanding of the influences that shaped Clinton and the reasons for the decisions she has made. Blumenthal doesn't shy away from the less savory aspects of the Clintons' relationship, or the trouble Hillary seems to invite thanks to her occasional tin ear. Also discussed are such controversial issues as Benghazi, while an author's note does an interesting job of explaining the occasional pitfalls of research. Call this one fair and balanced. Cynthia Levinson's Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do All the Good You Can, aimed at a slightly younger crowd, covers much of the same territory, though the emphasis here, as the subtitle indicates, is how a predilection for service is the key to understanding Clinton. Levinson, who attended Wellesley at the same time as Clinton, includes some original research amid interviews with friends and advisors. Denser detail gives way to more bullet-point-style writing here, but readers will still come away with a sense of what makes Hillary run, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Jonah Winter and Raul Colón combine their talents in Hillary, starring a Hillary they feel is justifiably comparable to Queen Elizabeth I and Joan of Arc. Using just two spreads to move their subject through childhood and college, and two more to get her into the White House, the book then skips over the more unseemly parts of the Clinton presidency to touch upon her run for the senate and then presidency. Winter's focus on Clinton's time as secretary of state, and quotes and anecdotes, especially in relation to work for women's rights, do offer plenty of food for thought. Much of the art is portraiture, giving ample opportunity to display Hillary's myriad hairstyles, though this may confuse readers, especially when a pageboy and a French roll appear on the same page. Still, both this visual focus and ardent text make it possible for young readers to see Clinton as a real woman who may soon change the world. Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham's smart and snappy Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead has groundbreaker Hillary as its center, of course, but also makes sure that young readers understand the backdrop of her achievements. This interweaving begins on the first spread the 1950s with brightly colored Girl Scout Hillary in the page corner, while behind her stand a sepia-toned gaggle of men from Elvis to Einstein, Hope to Hemingway: Only boys had no ceilings on their dreams. Markel's text is compact but still manages to incorporate plenty of information. Pham's eye-catching, stylized artwork is a visual treat, as it depicts not only Clinton's achievements but also charts the evolution of women's expectations, here and around the world. The final spread, this time of notable women from Condoleezza Rice to Malala Yousafzai to Sonia Gandhi, all in full, bracing color, is as inspiring as it is delightful. If the last election taught us anything, it's far too early to be fitting the Oval Office chair quite yet, but these four books make clear that, regardless of the outcome, Clinton's place in history is already secure.--Cooper, Ilene Copyright 2015 Booklist

Whether she was "acing tests" and "upstaging boys in class" or organizing elementary school fund-raisers to help the poor, Hillary Rodham bucked the status quo at a young age and began to blaze a trail for women with her drive, smarts, and support of public service and social justice ("Take that, 1950s!"). Adopting a breezy tone, Markel (Brave Girl) concisely outlines Clinton's journey from activist to First Lady of Arkansas and on to Washington, D.C. Markel hails Clinton as a "superwoman" and notes her reaction to sexist criticism, as well as her ability to pick up the mantle after suffering policy defeat. Without mentioning Clinton's current campaign for the White House in the main text (it is included an extensive closing time line), Markel writes, "No matter what Hillary does next, if she wants to change the world, she'll find a way." Pham's (the Freckleface Strawberry series) watercolors are steeped in period detail as she depicts Clinton beaming at her wedding, working on the campaign trail, making key speeches, and meeting with dignitaries. Ages 4-8. Author's agent: Anna Olswanger, Olswanger Literary. Illustrator's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt Agency. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 1-4-Framed in terms of the fight for equal opportunities for women, this picture book biography depicts Hillary Rodham Clinton's story as one of endless heroic struggles on behalf of the oppressed. Clinton is described as an excellent student who took an early leadership role among her peers, was inspired by hearing a speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and later fearlessly advocated on behalf of women, people of color, children, and the poor. Her challenges in balancing work and family life, as well as the criticism she's received as a woman, make her willingness to conquer each new hurdle even more impressive. Employing deft and engaging prose, Markel covers much of the same ground Kathleen Krull did with Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight (S. & S., 2008) but provides far more specific details, though Krull's book offers a more impressionistic main text and extensive endnotes. The tone is relentlessly positive, making it difficult to get a well-rounded sense of Clinton as a person, and there is no reference to any of the political controversies surrounding her or Bill Clinton. Pham's evocative illustrations steal the show, varying in mood from whimsical to uplifting to sobering. Particularly effective is the contrast between the opening spread, which features well-known (and sepia-toned) men of the 1950s, and the concluding pages, which depict many vibrantly diverse and notable women of the 20th and 21st centuries. VERDICT A beautifully produced, if excessively laudatory, biography of a significant contemporary political figure; recommended for general collections.-Laura Simeon, Open Window School Library, WA © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The strong roots of a presidential hopeful. Growing up in the 1950s meant coming of age in a "man's world," but not for Hillary Rodham. She was active in school, motivated, and never a fashionista. Outspoken in college and interested in social causes, she became a lawyer and married Bill Clinton. As first lady she espoused a political and social welfare agenda and went on to become one of New York's senators andtwo times nowa candidate for president of the United States. Markel, clearly an admirer, presents Clinton's life as part and parcel of the women's movement for empowerment, writing throughout in a very lively voice. Pham's artwork is the real vote-getter. With a colorful palette, she presents Clinton's personal and professional sides. Scenes of campus activism, facing unfriendly crowds, taking to the podium, and meeting with world figures fill the busy pages. Both for fun and education are two double-page tableaux. The first features men of achievement in muted tones of gray and brown while a young Hillary in Scout uniform stands arms akimbo. The second showcases great women with Clinton dressed in a trademark red pantsuit. Those who need help identifying faces in either will find keys in the back of the book. Go-girl power and a good read. (timeline, artist's note, selected bibliography) (Picture books/biography. 7-10) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.