Hillary Rodham Clinton: Some Girls Are Born to Lead: An Inspiring Picture Book Biography About Female Leadership for Kids

by Michelle Markel, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)

In the spirit of Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope and Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride comes an inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton: a girl who fought to make a difference—and paved the way for women everywhere—from Michelle Markel and LeUyen Pham.

In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary. Brave, brilliant, and unstoppable, she was out to change the world.

They said a woman couldn’t be a mother and a lawyer. Hillary was both. They said a woman shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Hillary was fearlessly herself.

It didn’t matter what people said—she was born to lead.

With illustrations packed full of historical figures and details, this gorgeous and informative picture book biography is perfect for every budding leader. Includes a timeline, artist’s note, and bibliography.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Politics, History, Childrens, Womens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2016

About the author

Michelle Markel has written several notable nonfiction picture books, including the The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau, (PEN Picture Book Writing Award) Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 (Jane Addams Flora Stieglitz Award; Orbis Pictus Honor) and Tyrannosaurus Math (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice). Her upcoming title is Balderdash: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books. She teaches classes in writing for children at UCLA Extension’s Writers Program, and is a founding member of the Children's Authors Network. Visit her at her website:www.michellemarkel.com

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the very beginning, this book has major problems. The first page is a mess and it only goes downhill from there. In talking about the 1950's, it says "only boys had no ceilings on their dreams". EXCUSE ME? I think the black people who couldn't vote or drink from white water fountains might have something to say about that. That is just so.... inaccurate, terrible, and white feminism at its worst. Then later one of the illustrations shows her arguing against a black man against the war in Vietnam, which is ridiculous because 1) she was a Goldwater girl and 2) most of the support for the Vietnam War was NOT coming from black people.

This is basically a sanitized, whitened, and feel-good book about Clinton, not something that really teaches kids anything about the nuances of her life.

The only thing good about it is the quality and skill of the art. It is bright and colorful and easy for kids to get behind. Otherwise, PASS.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to a very important political figure in US history. No matter how you feel about HRC she has had an impact on US policy. Young children will get a very good overview of her life from this book. I think HRC is going to be the subject of much historical research in the future; what happened in 2016 will be studied for decades to come.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring portrait of Hillary Rodham Clinton from her childhood through her tenure as the United States Secretary of State. This biography showcases the Democratic Presidential Nominee’s barrier-breaking accomplishments and touches on the many challenges she faced along the way.

Reasons I love it:
1. It is boldly in favor of Hillary Clinton as a person, a woman, a politician and an advocate for change. It outlines her life through the lens of a woman challenging assumptions and pushing down barriers; she has always been a strong, passionate leader working to make a difference. In this regard, I find it to be incredibly inspiring.
2. Gender is an ever-present theme throughout the book. Sentences like, “But she couldn’t believe how people criticized her – in ways they’d never criticize a man. They said her headbands were too casual and her attitude was too feisty. An ex-president said a First Lady shouldn’t be too strong or too smart. Others called her “the Hillary problem” – and a lot worse things than that” introduce ideas of gender bias in child-friendly language. Though the story does not dive beyond these general descriptions, it creates a platform for deeper discussion with young readers. If nothing else, this is definitely a book for mighty girls – and for boys who support mighty girls.
3. I had the privilege of meeting the illustrator, LeUyen Pham, earlier this year at a writer’s conference. She is an amazing woman whose life and words have inspired me on my writing path. She embodies many of the themes of female empowerment and breaking barriers shared in this book. The illustrations in this book are simply amazing. Pham’s research shows in her artwork inclusion of significant people, memories and details throughout Clinton’s life. A four-page artist’s note is included with explanations of the symbolism, significance and history in each illustration. In addition depth and detail, the artwork is bright, cute and engaging.

One Wish: The first spread begins with, “In the 1950’s, it was a man’s world. Only boys could grow up to have powerful jobs. Only boys had no ceilings on their dreams.” The illustrations on these pages include two Black men. It is factually incorrect to imply that only women faced discrimination at a time Black men and women were in the midst of Jim Crow laws. I also didn’t love the line, “Her youth group met with poor black and Latino teenagers in the inner city.” As a book about gender, this book works to inspire young readers; however, its short inclusions of race are problematic.

https://treasureandchange.com/2016/11...

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you want Hillary to be president or not, there's no denying she's already led a notable life. This picture book biography captures her accomplishments, drive and tenacity in the face of gender barriers and public criticism.
I agree with School Library Journal that "Pham's evocative illustrations steal the show." The water color images open with a sepia-toned spread of famous men of the 1950s, with child Hillary, hands on her hips, as the only splash of color. Subsequent scenes reflect the various events and clothing styles of the next few decades, and gain more hues until the colorful final spread which is chock full of famous contemporary women from around the world. Identifying them is a fun game.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a lot of mixed feelings. The illustrations were great. Two thumbs up. I guess my two biggest problems were the assertion that any male could do whatever he wanted in the 1950s, and the picture includes black men. I mean, there were black men who were able to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness at that time, but my goodness. Asserting that they could do whatever they wanted in the 50s, and only women were oppressed? Ick. My other problem is that for a book that wants so badly to show that girls can be or do anything, it's really ultimately about the fact that Hillary is a woman. It all revolves around that. This book honestly felt more like part of the problem than the solution.

[Donalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

While there are several picture books about Hillary Clinton, I think this one is the best. LeUyen Pham's illustrations are outstanding and I appreciated how she wove images of notable women from history throughout the story.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for illustration; 3 for text.

First reviewed on Literaritea

What It Is: A picture book biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton

What It’s About: Ostensibly a picture book biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton, this book is championing all the noteworthy things Hillary’s accomplished as a girl/woman. Attention is given to Hillary’s childhood, adolescence, college, and professional life.

What Works: The illustrations are *amazing.* Pham did serious research and peoples the backgrounds with key historical figures. Reading the illustration notes at the end is an education in itself! The illustrations, saturated in bold colors, pop and dance off the page. Hillary is a bright spot of red on nearly every page, regardless of her age. The primary colors are prominent throughout, a nice artistic choice to show Hillary’s patriotism (and an interesting change from many of Hillary’s public appearances where she is notably NOT in red or blue).

What Doesn’t Work: The text! There are folks who are wild over this book, but this is propaganda, folks. I think this book will turn away all non-Hillary lovers (particularly Republicans) and win wild acclaim from many Democrats. That might be part of the author’s intent, but it’s not a solid choice for a picture book biography that should present a more balanced view of its subject.

What I Think: This book is worth tracking down as a lesson in phenomenal illustration. That is definitely its strong suit.

What I Recommend: Regardless of your politics, this is an interesting book to examine in terms of propaganda. For younger children, it’s an okay introduction to Hillary herself as it’s young child friendly (short text and vibrant illustrations). But please pare it with a more balanced view. It would be a fine choice for a school or public library to have on hand.

[Agnė · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pham's illustrations are great: beautiful, clever, and very well-researched (as evident from an extensive artist's note at the end of the book).




But although Markel's text offers a VERY inspiring introduction to Hillary Clinton's life achievements, it is so cheerful that occasionally it sounds a little bit too much like propaganda to me. Maybe a better balanced perspective would help?

Finally (and most importantly), this picturebook is undeniably feminist, but the feminism in it is very white and badly lacks intersectionality. For example, claiming that, in the 1950s, "[o]nly boys had no ceilings on their dreams" is wildly inaccurate: what about black people in America living under Jim Crow laws?

[Ameya Warde · Rating 2 out of 5]

UGH. I read this to my 6 year old, and for him, it was mostly all right. If I consider it a work of fiction, it's pretty good, though awkwardly and uncomfortably unwoke for a book very heavily trying to play up her solidarity with POC. I like him being able to see a strong woman who is fighting against constant gender discrimination, and to learn a bit about how politics work, so for that I give it an extra star.

But as the grown-up reading it, it was kind of painful. I've never read anything more heavily, suffocatingly propaganda-ey before, and so much of it is just... straight up problematic and/or seems like it's taking creative liberties with the truth.

I really like the illustrations, and it succeeds in making a 6 year old (and their parents if they aren't particularly politically aware) think she's a super awesome great unproblematic fighter-for-justice, which is a great thing to have kids look up to-- but ughhhhh. So biased. So problematic in parts. Sigh.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=9874

Alyson Beecher shared with me that Pham did a tremendous amount of research for this book though she had no issues researching because Hillary is so fact-checked. I think the idea of how much research LeUyen did for this book is fascinating and is also evident in the book. I am also a huge fan of Pham’s illustrations (she does Princess in Black also), and it was so much fun to see Hillary being represented so brightly. I loved learning about Hillary’s journey to the current presidential race. Right now so much is focused on negativity, it is nice to see why she is such an inspirational woman.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember my dad saying in 1992, during Bill Clinton's election "I wonder why Hillary isn't running instead." This simple statement really made an impression on 14 year old me and has stuck with me throughout the years, especially as I learned more about her amazing accomplishments. The wonderful illustrations bring her story to life in a very accessible way.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most adorable propaganda picture book. Very cute illustrations but the message is a little heavy handed. The point she wants to make is that it shouldn't be remarkable that a woman can accomplish what she has accomplished but the whole book is about how remarkable Hillary Clinton is.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this pb biography. After hearing LeUyen Pham the illustrator talk about her research and knowing Markle's work, I knew I would love it.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever your politics, you can agree that Hillary Clinton is an amazing woman.

LeUyen Pham's illustrations are AMAZING. The amount of research and detail...wow.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 7-year-old daughter found this book at the library and enjoyed it (minus the illustrations). Although I was a Hillary voter in the general election, this book seemed to me to have an undue pro-Hillary slant without actually having the effect of humanizing her or leaving me especially impressed by her accomplishments.

I'm a bit surprised that in includes: "The two of them loved politics as much as they loved each other." Not surprised based on untruth but because it seems a bit jaded in book that is otherwise so favorable to Hillary. I suppose the author doesn't view this as negative.

Some parts that I didn't like:

"Through her church, Hillary learned about the troubled world beyond the green lawns and tree-lined streets of her town. Her youth group met with poor black and Latino teenagers in the inner city." To me, this passage in a children's book, without further explanation, seems to encourage stereotyping minorities as poor (and vice versa) and conveys a sort of paternalistic attitude.

"Hillary's hard work got her into a prestigious East Coast women's college." Quite odd not to name the college.

"Many of her classmates were brilliant prep school girls." Without further explanation, this seems to associate wealth with brilliance.

No mention in the main text of what law school she was attending.

"That year the college was erupting with violent demonstrations over civil rights and a war in Vietnam. When angry students and professors met to discuss a strike, who calmed everybody down? Young Hillary, in her bell-bottoms, sitting onstage, cool as can be." What does this even mean? Did she discourage protest?

"Hillary was a new breed, a superwoman. But sometimes it was hard, like when she had to rush out of the courtroom to call the babysitter about her sick child..." Perpetuates the expectation of mothers as primary caregivers.

The illustrator's note that "this amazing woman woman has broken so many barriers in her lifetime that I know without her, my life and the lives of many professional women today would simply not be the same" seems to me to exaggerate Hillary's importance to women's equality.

[Akilah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hillary Clinton is a badass. Whether you like her politics or not, some facts cannot be denied. Also, this is a great, age-appropriate primer to class, race, and other justice issues.

The illustrations in this book are FANTASTIC. They are gorgeous and so well-detailed and amazing. Really, they made this book. I need to seek out more of Pham's work because I also enjoyed her art in Grace for President.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well researched children's biography of Hillary Clinton's life to share with your children, especially girls to show them that they can aspire to be anything they want to be in life. The illustrations are amazing! There is a timeline of Hillary's history. There is a page of 32 well-known personalities of the 1950s and 38 well-known women that your child can guess whose who that will lead to more learning about history.

[Gary Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a little too gushy, SOME GIRLS ARE BORN TO LEAD makes the important point that Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent a lifetime challenging expectations and assumptions about the roles of girls and women in American society and beyond. This will also provide young readers with an overview of the main events of her life, beginning in Park Ridge, Illinois, two train stops down the line from where I live.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrated so wonderfully but even more important is the message it I stil a for young girls. As a librarian and a mom of a four year old I enjoyed every minute of reading this to my daughter and talking about all the big ideas. I don't think of it as a propaganda tool. And I know my daughter won't be voting this season. Although maybe one day I'll be voting for HER!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE!!

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most adorable propaganda picture book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrator really did a fantastic job.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps the appeal of this picture book is slightly diminished by the fact that the 2016 Presidential campaign has finally concluded, and Hillary Clinton will not be assuming office as the first female president in the nation's history. Still, while that fact might make the book less appealing, I enjoyed it because of the way it explores Clinton's early years and her involvement in campus and later, national, politics. As a girl born in the 1950s, I can certainly attest to the changes that have occurred over the decades as women took their rightful places in various jobs and positions. That's one of the things I particularly loved about this book--the way it explores women's rights as human rights and the hard fight that occurred to change the perceptions of others toward women, especially women in politics. From the first double-page spread showing the man's world into which Hillary was born--featuring 31 different individuals, all males, who were important in the 1950s--all the way through to the last double-page spread featuring 38 well-know personalities today, all females, the book is a marvelous reminder of how women across the globe are coming into their own. The barriers she has broken are impressive in their own right, especially when considered against the attitudes of those who made fun of her looks and focused on her clothing and hairstyle. The text itself is engaging, sprinkled as it with anecdotes about this woman's accomplishments, but the illustrations show how much research went into completing the book. The author and illustrator have combined to depict Hillary Clinton in a positive light, even showing her in her trademark pantsuit and pointing out issues or personality characteristics that made her unpopular with others. It is difficult to read this picture book or consider the most recent campaign without reflecting on the changing roles of women during the past five decades. Although there is no mention of the misdeeds of her husband, the former president, or the scandals associated with Hillary herself, many readers will see evidence here of why her supporters cried so hard on election night and why they mourned so deeply what might have been. Readers will certainly want to pay attention in the back matter to the identity key provided for each of the illustrations. These are not merely arbitrary choices, but the results of much homework to get the images right. I find that admirable and rather interesting in a world in which image seems to matter so much more than substance. As other reviewers have noted, there are several picture book biographies devoted to Hillary Clinton. I consider this one to be the best one although it is enlightening to have students compare and contrast the different depictions of this groundbreaking woman in the various books.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh Gag! This book is a sanitized insult to the strong women who came before and after Clinton--upon whose foundation she built. The book's description contains a perfect example of the ludicrousness of the book:

"In the 1950s, it was a man’s world. Girls weren’t supposed to act smart, tough, or ambitious. Even though, deep inside, they may have felt that way. And then along came Hillary."

Really? And then along came Hillary? The publishers don't see the ludicrousness of this statement when they mention a book about Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart in their description?!!

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book isn't perfect. Although I'm tremendously glad it exists and is available for littles to learn about both the obstacles overcome and the accomplishments earned by the hardworking Hillary Clinton, the text makes some statements/generalizations that aren't inclusive or mindful of the struggles encountered by minorities and people of color in that period of American history. It would've been good to've seen the author pay the same degree of careful attention/consideration to the writing as LeUyan Pham did to her extensive and detailed research for her phenomenal illustrations.

[Darshana Khiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

really well-written
love the energy of the story and the art

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring, but somehow too much positivity.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it made me more determined to do more and I hope it inspires other readers, young and old, similarly.
Great art, too.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about women who followed their dreams and achieved great things. They set a good example for my daughter.