cover image Hillary

Hillary

Jonah Winter, illus. by Raul Colón. Random/Schwartz & Wade, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-553-53388-0

Winter (The Founding Fathers!) kicks off his enthusiastic profile of 2016 presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton by ranking her as the modern-day successor to Queen Elizabeth, Joan of Arc, and Rosie the Riveter. He traces the roots of Clinton’s intellect and ambition to her childhood as a take-charge tomboy and excellent student. Readers learn how her outspoken nature, drive to excel, and growing passion for public service fueled her rise to academic heights in college and a successful law career, as well as advocacy for women and children. Winter focuses on Clinton’s professional achievements (“But why stop at the Senate? Hillary was the first First Lady to run for president!”) and resilience rather than a precise time line, though he includes several significant dates and expresses support for Clinton’s current run for the presidency in an author’s note. Much of Colón’s mixed-media artwork takes its inspiration from familiar photographs of Clinton on the job and in the spotlight. But he also captures several private moments (Bill and Hillary welcoming baby Chelsea, Hillary working alone at her desk) in what feel more like personal family photos. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)