BIOGRAPHY - HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Krull, Kathleen. 2008. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON: DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT. Ill by Amy June Bates. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN 9781416971290

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not your typical biography. This book takes the reader through the life of a small girl with big dreams in a story book format. The reader becomes familiar with the high expectations as she is growing up, going to school, and becoming the First Lady of the United States.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
A very warm and inviting picture book biography where Krull portrays Clinton as somewhat of a hero who was unafraid to reach all of her goals. Each of Clinton’s life events are matched with full page spreads that Bates chose to complete in washed out watercolors and pencil sketches that give it a dated look. Every life event is matched with an inspirational saying such as, “Find heroes to lift you up” and “Dare to compete.” An aeronautical theme will keep the readers looking for the next item in the air as they turn the pages. “Flying Facts” and “Sources” both supplement the biography and can be found at the back of the book. Both can be used in conjunction with the text for the reader who would like more facts for research purposes.

REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “With inspiring messages sweeping across the pages (“Take the lead role in your own life”), this book champions both Clinton and hard work.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Krull incorporates imagery of flight throughout this adulatory overview of Clinton's life.”

4. CONNECTIONS
* This book offers a great introduction to First Ladies, biographies, and perseverance. Can be used in conjunction with other books about Hillary Clinton, or other First Ladies in U.S. history.
* Students can create their own biography as a supplemental project.
*Other books of Presidential First Ladies:
Mattern, Joanne. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON. ISBN 9781599287928
Gormly, Beatrice. FIRST LADIES: WOMEN WHO CALLED THE WHITE HOUSE HOME. ISBN 9780590255189
Harris, Bill. THE FIRST LADIES FACT BOOK: THE STORIES OF THE WOMEN OF THE WHIT HOUSE, FROM MARTHA WASHINGTON TO LAURA BUSH. ISBN 9781579124687