Mamie Doud Eisenhower, 1896-1979

Children's Literature

Mamie Eisenhower grew up as the pampered debutante daughter of a successful businessman. She liked being the center of attention and had a hard time dealing with all the rumors about her husband's possible romance with his official military driver, a pretty young woman named Kay Summersby. This biography is not simply a chronicle of events in Mamie Eisenhower's life, but a picture of how she basked in the wonderful moments, tried to rise above the challenges and sometimes just succumbed to being miserable. The book is filled with official and unofficial photographs as well as sidebars detailing everything from "fast facts" of World War I and II (Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower played a role in both), to the history of debutante balls and life in 1950s suburbia. Although there is considerable space devoted to Mamie and Ike's children—a first son who died in infancy and a second son, John—there is no discussion of grandchildren, particularly curious since an Eisenhower grandson married a Nixon daughter, adding a very personal chapter to family politics. There is a simple but thorough timeline of national and personal events during Mamie Eisenhower's lifetime, as well as places to visit, a bibliography, and on-line sites of interest. Sinnott gives life and personality to a first lady often left in the shadows between Eleanor Roosevelt and Jackie Kennedy, as well as substance to a period of history that often ends up crammed into the final few days of school each June. 2000, Grolier Publishing, $33.00. Ages 9 to 14. Reviewer: Karen Leggett