K-Gr 4 Krull incorporates imagery of flight throughout this adulatory overview of Clinton's life. From her thwarted childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut to her decision to sail through the clouds in a presidential bid, Clinton overcame numerous obstacles in the way of advancement for women. Hand-lettered inspirational quotations appear on each spread. Attractive watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations depict her disappointments and achievements. Visual elements such as balloons, birds, and planets reinforce the airborne theme. Extensive endnotes provide background about the scenes depicted. Independent readers might consult these pages for a more complete biography that ends with a list of all the women who have run for president plus related titles. Ardent Clinton supporters may relish this homage, but others probably would appreciate a more down-to-earth biography. Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Picture-book biographies of presidential candidates are something of a trend these days (including two recent biographies of Barack Obama and one of John McCain by his daughter). Hillary Clinton may be out of this year's race, but she was an important part of it, and this offers an appealing portrait of a person who pursued her goals with a single-mindedness others lack. Krull's text has a lofty tone befitting the book's subtitle, while Bates' pictures, with a stylish retro look, keep the focus on Clinton, capturing her in all her incarnations. Readers follow along as Hillary develops from a young girl who writes NASA that she wants to be an astronaut (NASA writes back that she can't), to a teen inspired by an introduction to Martin Luther King Jr., to a woman involved in both career and causes. Bolstering the text is an effective five-page author's note that divides the book by spreads and provides supplemental information. With inspiring messages sweeping across the pages ("Take the lead role in your own life"), this book champions both Clinton and hard work.

This serviceable picture book biography shows Clinton repeatedly surmounting obstacles to reach her goals. Each spread includes straightforward narrative text alongside trite inspirational messages ("Take the lead role in your own life"). Officious browns and reds dominate the loose-outlined watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations; a few show Clinton looking spacy when she's meant to appear deep in thought. Bib.

In sixth grade, Hillary Rodham wrote an essay about her future, and that vision included her working outside of the home as an adult. That was a rarity for women in the 1950s.áHillary Rodham Clinton:áA Woman Living History contains such details about HIllary's life, as well as information about United States and world history. Photos provide readers with images of a woman who did not just challenge the status quo, but pursued what she felt was right.áFrom a young lady to a married woman balancing career and family to First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State, and presidential hopeful, this book provides a balanced look at the life of Hillary Clinton.Short chapters packed full of relevant details and photos make the content of this book appealing and approachable. An extensive bibliography and resources consulted for each chapter show a thoroughly researched biography.áThis is not just about Hillary Clinton.áIt is not just about her political career, but rather the story of a female born in the United States and how she created a life for herself.á Whether or not one agrees with Clinton's political views, whether or not she goes on to be the Democratic nominee for president, this book offers a great look at history and the history of women, and offers a great sense of empowerment for young women. There is no doubt that Clinton will continue to open doors for herself and others.á This title should be in women's history and biography collections.Dianna Geers.