(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. With Nancy K. Mays. One of the first Native women elected to Congress ("and the first lesbian representative from Kansas"), Davids tells her story in this affecting picture-book autobiography, which touches on generational trauma caused by the US government. Talking and listening (and a love for Bruce Lee and mixed martial arts!) help Davids in her quest to bring Native voices to Washington, DC. The stylized digital illustrations convey strength and pride in Davids's accomplishments and in Native identities. In addition to appended author and artist notes, a former president of the Ho-Chunk Nation writes powerfully about the Nation's perseverance and about its history from the 1800s to the present day.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) YA Illustrated by Briana Arrington. Content warning: Donohue's introduction states that "not all the women in this book are what I would consider heroes." Instead of showcasing fan favorites, the book offers the range of experiences and influence women have had in (mainly American) politics. Leaders include US senator Elizabeth Warren, current US secretary of education Betsy DeVos, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Each four-page profile follows the same format: "Life Story" and "What's on Her Agenda," followed by lists of "Awesome Achievements" and "Quotables." Portraits of nineteen of the profiled women are included.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. This large book, with its lush, vivid mixed-media illustrations, makes an artistic statement as bold as groundbreaking African American congresswoman Jordan's own giant voice. Smart page-turns--often prompted by repeating the titular question--lead readers to think about, rather than simply learn about, Jordan's life. Barton’s overriding theme is that her big ideas--of justice, equality, and freedom--inspire others and will resonate for years to come. Reading list, timeline.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: Great Asian Americans series. Using short, simple sentences and engaging photos, this early-reader biography series introduces famous Asian Americans, filling a gap in children's biographies. Key moments in each subject's professional life are covered chronologically and accompanied by a cumulative timeline. Ample white space around the texts and large pictures make for attractive and supportive layouts for new readers. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Great Asian Americans titles: Tammy Duckworth and Yo-Yo Ma.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(2) YA In this frank yet positive account of Clinton's life through the 2015 announcement of her presidential candidacy, Blumenthal chronicles Clinton's youth, marriage, and career (including various scandals). Acknowledging that Clinton's public story has been "carefully controlled and crafted," Blumenthal allows Clinton's accomplishments (and sometimes her foibles) to take center stage and suggest the woman behind the pantsuit. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Pattee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(3) 4-6 Real-Life Story series. Clinton's many accomplishments and challenges are documented in a clear, engaging style in this narrative biography. From her childhood through her win in the Democratic Primary and 2016 presidential run, Harness explores Hillary's political partnership with Bill Clinton and her struggle to fit into the mold of political wife as well as her individual political and personal endeavors. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. This "updated for 2016" picture-book biography shows Clinton repeatedly surmounting obstacles to reach her goals. Each spread includes straightforward text alongside trite inspirational messages ("Take the lead role in your own life"). Browns and reds dominate the loose-outlined watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations; a few show Clinton looking spacy when she's meant to appear deep in thought. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. This is a thorough, engaging, and well-designed account of women in American politics. Each chapter covers about a decade of U.S. history, giving a snapshot of the status of women during each era. Enhanced with photos and cartoon illustrations, the lively narrative begins with a profile of Jeannette Rankin, the first congresswoman in 1917, and continues through the 2013 delegation. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler. This biography of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan scientist and environmentalist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, is informative but overwritten: "Like a sturdy tree against a mighty wind, her faith kept her strong." The oil and scratchboard illustrations call to mind stained glass, with panes of color separated by white lines. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This picture book celebrates Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize–winner Wangari Maathai who, by encouraging women to plant trees, also gave them a way to improve their lives. Napoli's text is spare but powerful (e.g., "Kenya was strong once more, strong and peaceful"), and Nelson's collage illustrations have the pleasing beauty of a well-made quilt. Back matter supplies information about Maathai's Green Belt Movement. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. This series contextualizes its subjects' lives and accomplishments in politics, culture, and/or history. The books, though dense and lengthy, are well written; sidebars supplement the narratives with interesting facts (e.g., women in the 1920s used radium to curl their hair; both Hillary and Bill Clinton have won Grammy awards). Photographs and reproductions illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Women of Achievement titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rachael Ray, Marie Curie, Nancy Pelosi, Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart, and Susan B. Anthony.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) YA Essential Lives series. This series offers serviceable if bland biographies of people famous in a variety of arenas. Bono focuses on the history of U2 and the lead singer's later humanitarian work. Clinton describes her roles both as First Lady and presidential candidate. The writing is straightforward, and frequent sidebars help with historical context. Some photographs and archival materials also break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Lives titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bono.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. This series contextualizes its subjects' lives and accomplishments in politics, culture, and/or history. The books, though dense and lengthy, are well written; sidebars supplement the narratives with interesting facts (e.g., women in the 1920s used radium to curl their hair; both Hillary and Bill Clinton have won Grammy awards). Photographs and reproductions illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Women of Achievement titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rachael Ray, Marie Curie, Nancy Pelosi, Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart, and Susan B. Anthony.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 People to Know Today series. Opening with a highlight or turning point in the subjects' lives, these generally laudatory biographies provide adequate (though generic) introductions to well-known personalities. Some of the accompanying photographs and sidebars are interesting, but others do little to enhance or elevate the texts. Hillary Clinton frequently shifts its focus to Bill. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People to Know Today titles: Hillary Clinton, Steven Spielberg, and Bono.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) YA People in the News series. From politicians to actors to world leaders, these biographies provide mostly adulatory portrayals of their subjects (with the exceptions of Castro and Kim Jong Il); occasionally something controversial slips in to spice up the texts. Each volume includes biographical information, photographs, and career highlights (through 2008). Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Salma Hayek, Nancy Pelosi, Al Gore, Coretta Scott King, Pope Benedict XVI, Fidel Castro, and Kim Jong Il.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. This serviceable picture book biography shows Clinton repeatedly surmounting obstacles to reach her goals. Each spread includes straightforward narrative text alongside trite inspirational messages ("Take the lead role in your own life"). Officious browns and reds dominate the loose-outlined watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations; a few show Clinton looking spacy when she's meant to appear deep in thought. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(2) K-3 After five years away from Kenya, Maathai returns to a despoiled homeland. She rallies women to plant trees, and the movement spreads. Maathai's words, deftly inserted, help explain her achievement. Nivola's writing, in turn, has the simple eloquence of a traditional tale, and her absorbing images--sweeping views of the countryside with miniature human figures--are reminiscent of folk paintings. Bib.

Reviewer: Barbara Bader | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2008

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David McPhail. This biography of the first woman to be elected to both houses of Congress, not to mention the first woman to run on a major-party presidential ticket, is unusually attentive. Included are idiosyncratic details (e.g., Margaret’s nickname for her grandfather), thematic bottom-of-the-page timelines ("The right to vote," "US Women in Congress"), and quiet, humanizing illustrations in pastel hues. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 This picture book biography celebrates Wangari Maathai, Nobel Prize–winning environmentalist and founder of Kenya's Green Belt Movement. Winter's lyrical main text gives readers a sense of the woman ("Wangari lives under an umbrella of green trees..."); an appended author's note is more factual. The accompanying brightly patterned and cleanly composed acrylic illustrations beautifully display Maathai's spirit and determination.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) YA People in the News series. This series tries to be comprehensive in its coverage, including childhood and adult life, achievements, successes, and failures. Though controversies surrounding each person are included, the books mainly show their subjects in a positive light. The many photographs and sidebars underscore the fanzine look and feel. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these People in the News titles: Hilary Duff, Zac Efron, Hillary Clinton, Kelly Clarkson, Condoleezza Rice, and 50 Cent.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee