Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

Frank profiles of 45 women who, for the most part, made the best of a "weird job."From "mellow" Martha Washington to Michelle Obama ("serious role model"), Krull finds ways of bringing out the distinctive achievements and characters of each presidential mate and selected female relatives. Never one to gloss over rough spots, she conscientiously notes her subjects' often problematic racial attitudes as well as their responses to their spouses' affairs—but while portraying the first ladies as products of their times and classes, she also positions nearly all as women who pushed against gender-based expectations and prejudices. (Perhaps betraying expectations of her own, the author cites surveys in 1972 and 2014 that highlight Hillary Clinton's presidential qualities and leaves space at the end for 2016 election results.) Even lesser lights, such as Sarah Polk ("In another era she might have become a politician herself—for now she could only marry one") and Florence Harding, whose "reputation might have been stronger had she backed a different man," shine here as brightly as Jackie, Eleanor, "bubbly, bold, and brave" Dolley Madison, and "drama queen" Mary Lincoln. The author intersperses firsts in women's history to add hints of broader context. Finished art, mostly individual portraits, not seen. An inspirational lot, overall, of women who have "enhanced our country in many resplendent ways." (selected sources, index) (Collective biography. 10-14)

ALA Booklist (Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

Krull, who originally raised the bar for writers of children's collective biographies with volumes such as Lives of the Musicians (1993) and Lives of the Presidents (1998), now introduces America's First Ladies. Written in an engaging style and full of pertinent, intriguing details, the book offers the lowdown on the First Ladies' educational backgrounds; their careers; their attitudes toward slavery, civil rights, and women's rights; their involvement in their husbands' presidencies; their handling of personal matters such as marital infidelity; and their accomplishments during their White House years. The concluding pages will incorporate the 2016 election results. The illustrations, line drawings not seen in their final versions, include small portraits as well as scenes that place the women within their historical periods. Gathering momentum as it rolls along chronologically through American history, this lively book profiles the women who have enjoyed, to varying degrees, the unique privileges and challenges of being first lady.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2017)

This follow-up to Krull's A Kids' Guide to America's Bill of Rights includes brief biographies of all the U.S. First Ladies, including Melania Trump. Krull discusses each woman's background, view of their role, and contributions made, with additional sidebar anecdotes. An interwoven timeline also traces the advancement of women's rights during America's history. The casual prose and amusing grayscale illustrations make this a kid-friendly introduction. Bib., ind.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Frank profiles of 45 women who, for the most part, made the best of a "weird job."From "mellow" Martha Washington to Michelle Obama ("serious role model"), Krull finds ways of bringing out the distinctive achievements and characters of each presidential mate and selected female relatives. Never one to gloss over rough spots, she conscientiously notes her subjects' often problematic racial attitudes as well as their responses to their spouses' affairs—but while portraying the first ladies as products of their times and classes, she also positions nearly all as women who pushed against gender-based expectations and prejudices. (Perhaps betraying expectations of her own, the author cites surveys in 1972 and 2014 that highlight Hillary Clinton's presidential qualities and leaves space at the end for 2016 election results.) Even lesser lights, such as Sarah Polk ("In another era she might have become a politician herself—for now she could only marry one") and Florence Harding, whose "reputation might have been stronger had she backed a different man," shine here as brightly as Jackie, Eleanor, "bubbly, bold, and brave" Dolley Madison, and "drama queen" Mary Lincoln. The author intersperses firsts in women's history to add hints of broader context. Finished art, mostly individual portraits, not seen. An inspirational lot, overall, of women who have "enhanced our country in many resplendent ways." (selected sources, index) (Collective biography. 10-14)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6 Krull covers 45 first ladies in compact style, with tidbits readers will find intriguing. Abigail Adams hung laundry inside the White House, putting the presidential underclothes on view. Anna Harrison had 10 children. At one point, Jackie Kennedy and her kids had nine dogs in the White House. Krull isn't afraid to mention issues like slave ownership and infidelity, although with about five pages per figure, the profiles tend to stay on the surface. Each chapter is accompanied by at least one full-page illustration, and boxed highlights appear every few pages. A chronological "Women Break Through" time line appears periodically, noting events such as Harriet Tubman's activities with the Underground Railroad, the founding of the League of Women Voters, and Sandra Day O'Connor's appointment to the Supreme Court. The book is set to include 2016 election results. Students who have enjoyed Krull's "Giants of Science " series will recognize her middle gradefriendly mix of facts and humor. VERDICT Krull brings to life the diverse personalities of her subjects and shines light on lesser-known first ladies who may not have dedicated middle grade biographies of their own. Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX