Overview
When Hillary was young, she wanted to be an astronaut, to soar as high as the stars above. She kept reaching up and up as she grew. There were people who told her no. But she didn't listen to them. There were people who didn't think she could do it. But she believed in herself. And Hillary has been making history ever since. This is the inspiring story of a girl with dreams as big as the open sky.
Synopsis
When Hillary was young, she wanted to be an astronaut, to soar as high as the stars above. She kept reaching up and up as she grew. There were people who told her no. But she didn't listen to them. There were people who didn't think she could do it. But she believed in herself. And Hillary has been making history ever since. This is the inspiring story of a girl with dreams as big as the open sky.
Publishers Weekly
This admiring picture book biography views Hillary Rodham Clinton through one specific lens: her whole life is about breaking gender barriers in pursuit of sky-high goals. Krull begins with Clinton's childhood ambition to become an astronaut ("She wrote to the national space agency to volunteer. But it was 1961, and some paths were still closed to women") and ends with her run for the presidency: "Was the land ready? No matter-she was propelling her way into history." Even the detailed endnotes maintain this simplified focus: the failure of her attempt to reform health care as First Lady is attributed to "several reasons, one of which was that so many people found Hillary's ambitions and independence upsetting." Bill Clinton comes across as a rather shadowy 800-pound-gorilla (is he the hunk pictured presiding over the Yale Law Library?), while the text, which is plenty inspiring in its own right, is weakened by supplemental aphorisms on every spread ("You don't have time for fear" is the maxim accompanying the spread on her breakout Wellesley graduation speech). Bates (The Dog Who Belonged to No One) contributes radiant if consciously heart-tugging illustrations, imbuing her subject with both an endearing geekiness and determined idealism. Ages 5-10. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
United States Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is the subject of this picture-book biography by Kathleen Krull, the author of Harvesting Hope, which won the coveted Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Illustrator Amy June Bates created the artwork for You Can Do It! and numerous other children's books.Publishers Weekly
This admiring picture book biography views Hillary Rodham Clinton through one specific lens: her whole life is about breaking gender barriers in pursuit of sky-high goals. Krull begins with Clinton's childhood ambition to become an astronaut ("She wrote to the national space agency to volunteer. But it was 1961, and some paths were still closed to women") and ends with her run for the presidency: "Was the land ready? No matter-she was propelling her way into history." Even the detailed endnotes maintain this simplified focus: the failure of her attempt to reform health care as First Lady is attributed to "several reasons, one of which was that so many people found Hillary's ambitions and independence upsetting." Bill Clinton comes across as a rather shadowy 800-pound-gorilla (is he the hunk pictured presiding over the Yale Law Library?), while the text, which is plenty inspiring in its own right, is weakened by supplemental aphorisms on every spread ("You don't have time for fear" is the maxim accompanying the spread on her breakout Wellesley graduation speech). Bates (The Dog Who Belonged to No One) contributes radiant if consciously heart-tugging illustrations, imbuing her subject with both an endearing geekiness and determined idealism. Ages 5-10. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Children's Literature -
This account of the almost-Democratic-nominee for President gives readers a real feel for who Hillary Clinton is, what inspired her, and how she came so far. Born at a time when certain avenues were closed to girls, among them the ability to be an astronaut, she looked for other ways in which she could excel and make her mark on the world. The author uses flying analogies throughout the text to explain how her subject spread her wings and began to soar. Hillary was not beautiful, she was not rich, and she had a variety of obstacles to face. In short, she was like a lot of girls then and now, though the obstacles might be different, but Hillary believed in herself and put in a lot of effort, which worked then and, it is important for young readers to know, can still work now. People made fun of her looks, of her involvement in politics, even of her family life, but that did not dissuade her, and although she might not have become President, the author appropriately assures us that we will have a woman President one day, because there are other girls who dream to fly. The text is supplemented by quotes related to flying that reiterate the theme. The illustrations are somewhat cartoonish, in a joyful, appealing way. Reviewer: Kathryn ErskineSchool Library Journal
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