Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics (by Catherine Thimmesh)

On one level, this is the story of the evolving role of women in politics, with short biographies of 23 politically influential trailblazers. But on another, it's about one girl's desire to become president and the reactions she gets when she tells her friends and family just what she wants to be. Person after person suggests some more practical, pragmatic way to be involved in politics -- something some other woman has already done: marry a president, vote for president, run for vice president, join Congress. She hears the stories of successful, powerful women but, though inspired, she isn't satisfied. Finally, with the words of the Constitution resonating in her ears, she reasserts herself, and the reader feels that somehow she's going to succeed.

Catherine Thimmesh writes books in the hope that she will inspire girls toward leadership roles, in this case in the world of politics. And, MADAM PRESIDENT certainly succeeds. The long-legged stride and beaming smile of the young girl on the cover, as she marches toward the White House with her presidential binder tucked under her arm, is a perfect image for the spirit of this book, which is optimistic and promising as well as being informative and entertaining.

Written in language that is fairly sophisticated, short two-four page sketches of 23 politically astute women are divided into six sections according to the kind of role each has played. Each short biography emphasizes a specific accomplishment, includes a poignant quotation, and is illustrated by a clever caricature. The six sections are nested in the outer story, which is the story of the girl as she deals with the suggestions of her family and friends. Taken together, and illustrated with remarkably expressive artwork, both strands join to make this an engaging, and inspirational book.

Author: Catherine Thimmesh
Illustrator: Douglas B. Jones
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
Publication date: February 18, 2008
Number of pages: 80
Paperback price: $8.95
Read Aloud: 8
Read Alone: 10