Patricia Nixon

Jill C. Wheeler

Patricia Nixon was First Lady of the United Stated from 1969 to 1974, supporting her husband, Richard Nixon during his political career. Although Mrs. Nixon never saw herself as political wife, she believed in helping others and supported the cause of volunteer work. Through her volunteering she was remembered for her work as a First Lady. Mrs. Nixon came from a humble beginning; her dad was a miner until the family moved to a farm in California. The whole family worked the fields, harvesting vegetables that were sold from the back of their pick-up truck. Patricia had many obstacles through her young life, but she persevered and earned her high school degree, even after the death of both of her parents. Determined to go to college, even during the Great Depression, Patricia worked a variety of jobs, one of, which took her to New York City where she graduated with honors in 1937. She returned to California where she met her future husband, Richard Nixon, who was working as a lawyer. They married in June 1940, and he joined the Navy in 1942. They moved many times during his service, where she worked with the American Red Cross. After the war was over in 1945, their first daughter was born, and Richard began his political career. Patricia worked very hard to keep their family life separate from the limelight of politics. In January 1953, Richard became Vice President under Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Patricia became very involved in official appearances. She enjoyed connecting with Americans, and traveling to other countries acting as a Goodwill Ambassador. The press considered Patricia to be cold and too formal, yet in private, she was charming and fun loving. While being First Lady, Mrs. Nixon traveled to Vietnam, during the war, making her the First Lady to enter a war zone since Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1970 she visited Peru after an earthquake that left thousands homeless and she delivered food, clothing, and medical supplies. For her efforts, she was recognized by the Peruvian government with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Sun. Despite a desire to stay away from a political limelight, Mrs. Nixon lived a remarkable life, and was true to her desire to help others.

Included is a Timeline, a Did You Know?, a Glossary, and an Index. I recommend this book for home libraries, public and school libraries. It is an excellent reference tool for school projects. This book is not available at the publisher’s web site.

BIBLIO: 2010, ABDO Publishing, Ages Gr 3 - 6, $25.65
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Junior Novels / Reader Series
ISBN: 978-1-60453-632-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 1/2510

The Adventures of The Bailey School Kids – Wizards Don’t Need Computers

Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones
Illustrations by John Steven Gurney
Cover Art by Nathan Hale
Cover Design by Alison Klapthor

The major characters in the story, Liza, Eddie, Howie, and Melody are third graders who have reports to write on England. Bailey City library has a new assistant, Mr. Merle, who looks the part of King Arthur’s Merlin. Due to the children’s imagination and seemingly innocuous input from Mr. Merle, the four kids were off and running with very suspicious ideas about Mr. Merle’s intentions. After a few not-so brilliant plans and activities, they found what appeared to be a crystal ball and a magic wand in Mr. Merle’s library office. Finally, the four kids discover Mr. Merle’s true motive for the library and the children of Bailey City. The ending resolved very quickly, with no resolution between the four kids and Mr. Merle. I personally did not like the book because I found it flat and not engaging, not one that children would want to read over and over.

BIBLIO: 1996, Scholastic Inc., Ages 7 to 10, $3.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Chapter Book
ISBN: 978-0-590-50962-6
REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 4/09

Bee-Wigged

By Cece Bell

Jerry Bee was a bee, but not just any bee. He was the most enormous bee that anyone had seen and everyone was afraid of being stung. Jerry tried everything he could think of be friendly; when he said hello, people ran; when he answered the phone with his, “bzzzzzzzzzzzz”, people would know he was a bee; he even tried to give away free honey, and people were afraid of him.

Then one day, Jerry found a wig lying on a sidewalk. Just maybe that would be his answer. He put it on his head, and the first person to see the “new Jerry”, was a school bus driver. She wanted him to get to school immediately because he was late!

So far, Jerry’s new identity was working. At the school, Jerry was hoping to make new friends, and the first classroom he entered he met Miss Swann, the teacher. She and all the students just thought Jerry was wonderful – helpful, funny, artistic, generous, and even a great speller. Jerry was so happy at school, he decided to go every day.

Eventually, he was nominated for a great honor that could very well have become his demise. What a surprise for Jerry and his wig! Did all the friends he had made run away, or did everyone learn a lesson of friendship?

The colorful illustrations make the story of Jerry Bee and his new friends. Ages for this book would be better for lower elementary, as they need to learn early the lesson of diversity in friendship and being themselves.

BIBLIO: 2008, Candlewick Press, Ages 5 to 9, $16.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book
ISBN: 978-0-7636-3614-2
REVIEWED FOR: Children's Literature, Online Version, 5-6-09

CRYSTAL LIES

Melody Carlson
Cover Design by John Hamilton

Geoffrey, husband, has a high-profile job that is the perfect culmination of a career that driven him from childhood; his home is the reflection of his drive and the expectations of his family. Glennis is the perfect wife that is the reflection of her husband’s demanding career; her home is nothing of her life her or her tastes.

Seemingly without notice, their world starts to fall apart. Their son, Jacob, becomes involved in drugs – and not just any drug but crystal meth, “one of the most addictive substances known to man.” Glennis’ only solution is to leave the marriage to fight for her son’s survival. Over the months she realizes that healing is meant not just for Jacob but for her also.

The children – Sarah and Jacob – are exactly what Geoffrey wants and wouldn’t tolerate anything less. Sarah fortunately grew into a successful young woman. Jacob had drug problems from high school on.

The characters are well developed, especially between Glennis and Jacob. The reader recognizes that the conflict between Jacob and his father is a source of pain between them, while Glennis is desperate to save Jacob. Dialogue between all flows naturally and timely; the story takes place in the current time.

This is an inspirational fiction written with sensitive and reality. As Glennis grows through the story, the reader realizes that “but by grace” is a possibility. The author, Melody Carlson, has done an excellent job bringing the story through sensitivity and humor. An excellent read.

BIBLIO: 2005, WaterBrook Press, Ages 14 to 18, $12.99
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Chapter Book, YA, Adult
ISBN: 1578568404

REVIEWED FOR: Christian Library Journal
RATING: *5