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

 

"After you, Madam President."

Bibliography:

Thimmesh, Catherine. 2004. Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics. Illustrated by Douglas B. Jones. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN: 0618396667

Plot Summary:
Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics is a nonfiction informational storybook of a collection of stories about women in politics, illustrating first ladies, the women's movement, congressional women, and foreign policy leaders. This detailed picture book offers stories from influential women worldwide, including Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Susan B. Anthony, Condoleezza Rice, Margaret Thatcher, and many more. Explore the unique hand-drawn illustrations of Douglas B. Jones while learning about factual information presented by the award-winning author Catherine Thimmesh. It's 2021, and the United States has finally elected our first-ever female Vice President; read about the ladies who have shaped our past leading up to this monumental moment in time.

Critical Analysis:
Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics by Catherine Thimmesh is a knowledgeable nonfiction picture book collection of 23 women in politics. Catherine Thimmesh is a credible award-winning author who incorporates cited sources, a methodical timeline of events, and a reference index into her thoroughly researched children's novel of political women throughout history. Douglas B. Jones' illustrations complement the text through realistic artwork of influential women and an overarching story of a girl wanting to become the United States President. The double-page spreads each feature a woman who changed the course of political history, highlighted in full-color hand-drawn artwork and informative text. 

Young readers will enjoy this work's animated style, which is straightforward and easy to read with simple vocabulary in compact information. Since the book was published in 2004, I insist that parents and teachers encourage their children to conduct personal research of women's politics today. However, readers of all ages will learn something new in these engaging and passionate true stories of extraordinary women who shaped our political history. 

Review Excerpts:
Awards & Recognitions:

  • Minnesota Book Award Finalist
  • New York Times Notable Book 2004
From Booklist, "Delightful and informative in equal parts, Thimmesh's collective biography profiles women who took up the fight for women's political rights. A story about a girl who is ridiculed for wanting to be president frames the introduction to the many women who have cleared the path that will eventually lead to a female president."

From Bulletin of the Center of Children, "A sassily organized and argued rallying cry for girls-soon-to-be-women to stake a claim for Executive Office."

From School Library Journal, "An impressive list of source material and a timeline... A good choice in this election year, Madam President is an entertaining and informative choice."

From Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), "Thimmesh treats subjects from every point on the political spectrum with enthusiasm and respect...an excellent primer in international women's political history."

Connections:

  • Activity: Help students/patrons with research about different women in politics who are not mentioned in the book, and have the children share what they've discovered with the class/group. 
  • Encourage and promote a discussion about Vice President Kamala Harris and the significance of her candidacy. 
Read more nonfiction stories by Catherine Thimmesh: 

  • Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. ISBN: 9780618195633
  • Lucy Long Ago: Uncovering the Mystery of Where We Came From. ISBN: 9780547051994
  • Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. ISBN: 9780618507573
  • The Sky's the Limit: Stories of Discovery by Women and Girls. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. ISBN: 9780618076987
Read other fiction and nonfiction novels about females in politics: 

  • Feiner, Beck. Lady Legends Alphabet. ISBN: 9780648261605
  • Fleming, Candace. Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt's Remarkable Life. ISBN: 9780689865442
  • Dipucchio, Kelly. Grace for President. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. ISBN: 9780786839193
  • Gillibrand, Kirsten. Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote. ISBN: 9780525579014 
Extra Content: To Kick Those Boredom Blues
Share this TEDx Talk by 11-year-old Emerson Vahlsing about politics!