John & Jacqueline Kennedy

Children's Literature

This book provides not only short and easy-to-read biographical information about both John and Jacqueline Kennedy, but it also provides a good overview of historic milestones from the end of World War II through Kennedy's assassination. It includes information on the Cold War, civil rights, Vietnam, and space exploration. One early chapter is devoted to Jacqueline's childhood, education and early career in journalism. Another chapter focuses on John's childhood, his PT-109 heroism and his first published work. The biography highlights the key role that Jacqueline played in Kennedy's presidency. For example, the one-page introduction includes a quote from Kennedy, "I do not think it altogether inappropriate to introduce myself to this audience. I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris." Like other books in the series "Presidents and First Ladies," the personal difficulties and shortcoming of both the president and his spouse are noted. The president's health, infidelity and the loss of his sister are included. The book includes text from Kennedy's inaugural address, and highlights events from his presidency including the launch of the Peace Corps and the Bay of Pigs invasion. Several pages are devoted to his November 22, 1963 assassination in Texas. The final chapter details Jacqueline's life after Kenney's death until her death in 1999. 2005, World Almanac Library, Ages 8 to 12.
—Lynn O'Connell