Hillary

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy Library, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 7, 2016

Review

This biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton could have been great with a little more editing. While it is clearer to an adult why you might begin a picture book about Hillary with other examples of strong women, it would have made much more sense to this librarian/reviewer to begin with women of more relevancy: Eleanor Roosevelt, Barbara Jordan, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, etc. Instead, the book begins with Queen Elizabeth, Joan of Arc, and Rosie the Riveter, who isn't even a real person, and these seem like odd choices and beg some explanation to younger readers. I would begin reading the book at the title page and skip the comparison page.

That being said, the story highlights Clinton's perseverance, smarts, and dedication to the people that she serves. Never directly using the terms "Democrat" or "Republican," it is clear that the author thinks highly of Clinton and her political leanings and moves (a view reinforced in the Author's Note). Colon's warm, watercolor illustrations give the book a family-photograph-album feel. It might have been nice to include a photograph in the author's note for young readers who appreciate seeing the person "in real life". On the whole, a nice addition to a biography section though it will have more impact in the hands of a teacher or librarian who can provide additional context to parts of the text.

Overall Book Score: good