Praise for Sonia Sotomayor: First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court Justice

“Simply and attractively designed, the book is illustrated with color snapshots and posed photos of Sotomayor, her family, the schools she attended, and other people and places mentioned in the text. . . . A good starting place for young people curious about Justice Sotomayor.”

—Booklist

“Well organized and straightforward, this biography is appealing with its bright photographs and bold, easy-to-read font. . . . An informative, interesting, and, most of all, inspiring read.”

—School Library Journal

Praise for Ted Kennedy: A Remarkable Life in the Senate

“This title in the ‘Gateway Biographies’ series succinctly profiles Senator Edward ‘Ted’ Moore Kennedy’s life from childhood through his 2008 surgery for a cancerous brain tumor and Democratic National Convention appearance. For young readers unfamiliar with Kennedy, this biography is a useful introduction. The author emphasizes Kennedy’s strengths yet admits some flaws, such as when he cheated while attending Harvard College. The text stresses the Kennedy family’s political legacy, explaining Kennedy’s commitment to public service was influenced by his father Joseph Kennedy’s role as an ambassador and his grandfather Honey Fitzgerald’s position as Boston’s mayor. This biography discusses legislative issues, particularly health care and education improvements, that Kennedy has endorsed since his 1962 election as a U.S. Senator. Kennedy’s support for his brothers’ presidential aspirations and grief when they were assassinated reveal his devotion to family. His 1980 campaign for president is summarized. Photographs depict Kennedy as a child and adult. A fun facts section notes Kennedy’s favorite foods and why he did not become a Green Bay Packer. ... The concise bibliography recommends two books written by Kennedy, including a children’s book about his dog Splash, and three website addresses. Citations identify quotation sources. Because few children’s books feature Kennedy, this biography is helpful for preparing social science papers and projects.”

—Children's Literature

“McElroy’s concise biography briefly touches upon Kennedy’s childhood, school years, marriage, and political career, including his work on brother John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and his years in the Senate. Personal tragedies, including the assassinations of his brothers and the 1964 plane crash that left him with a broken back, are also discussed ... The book is ... an appropriate title for those seeking a slim yet informative biography. The text is well written and clear, and is enhanced by black-and-white and full-color photos.”

—School Library Journal

Praise for Nancy Pelosi: First Woman Speaker of the House

“This volume of the ‘Gateway Biographies’ series profiles the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi. The book opens with election night 2006, a night that Nancy is poised to become both House speaker and grandmother. Nancy's background as the daughter of a Maryland politician leads into her college years, through marriage, family, political activism, and eventual election to the House of Representatives. Pelosi's rise through the political ranks and her popularity amongst her fellow members of Congress forge the way for her historic position. This biography manages to cover most of the important facts of Pelosi's life while presenting her as a very real person (for example, the text divulges that Pelosi has even confessed to sneaking out of the house as a teen). Her love for her family is clearly expressed, as is her sense of humor. Attractive photographs and interesting sidebars add to the readability.”

—Children's Literature

Praise for John G. Roberts, Jr: Chief Justice

“See Chief Justice John Roberts dressed as Groucho Marx. See Roberts cook Mickey Mouse waffles for his wife and children. It’s an image Roberts has encouraged in a new biography aimed at children. John G. Roberts, Jr.: Chief Justice, from Lerner Publications, focuses on the personal and family life of the 51-year-old jurist.

Author Lisa Tucker McElroy told CNN the book was designed for youngsters in grades 4 through 8. ‘What I try to do is to turn the person into a whole person, not just a judge,’ she said. ‘This is somebody who is an interesting person who happens to have also an interesting and important job.’

Roberts has rarely spoken with the media in his first year on the high court, but he gave extended interviews to McElroy and passed on personal photos for the 48-page-book.”

—Bill Mears, CNN, October 1, 2006

“The biography traces his intellectual rise from the demanding La Lumiere School in Indiana, where he raced through the four-year high school curriculum in three years, spending his senior year on independent study, then went on to Cambridge and prestigious judicial clerkships, capping it all off with a legal career that included 39 arguments before the Supreme Court.

The emphasis throughout, though, is on the humanizing anecdote, such as the time 12-year-old Roberts ran his lawn mower over a hornet's nest and received a hundred stings.”

—Charles Lane, Washington Post, August 7, 2006
also picked up by the Chicago Tribune and other papers

“Less than a year in office as chief justice, and John Roberts Jr. is already the subject of a biography, complete with behind-the-scenes details and family photos.

Never mind that the book John G. Roberts, Jr.: Chief Justice is only 44 pages long, and its author Lisa Tucker McElroy says the target audience maxes out at middle school-aged kids. It's still a great read and a must-buy for anyone of any age seeking insights into the new chief justice. Copies have turned up in the Supreme Court gift shop, and soon will be available elsewhere and online.”

—Legal Times, August 4, 2006

Praise for Alberto Gonzales: Attorney General

“The biography of Gonzales focuses on his childhood and personal life, with interesting anecdotes from his wife, mother, and former law partner. Youngsters learn that Gonzales is a down-to-earth person, like people who live in their own neighborhoods. He likes Mexican food, loves baseball, and is a big Star Wars fan. This book traces Gonzale[s]’s life from his childhood, one of eight children in Humble, Texas, through his student days and early law career, up to his service as White House counsel and attorney general of the United States.”

—Multicultural Review, Fall 2006

Praise for Love, Lizzie: Letters to a Military Mom

“In this reassuring offering, a young girl named Lizzie writes letters to her mom, who is serving in the military overseas. McElroy gets the child’s perspective just right, as Lizzie’s letters shift easily from serious—and sometimes philosophical—questions like, ‘How long does defending freedom take?’ to run-of-the-mill reports: ‘Thomas grew again and we had to get him some more pants.’ Throughout, Paterson’s lively illustrations reflect Lizzie’s daily routine with her father and brother, while a series of maps that Lizzie draws to show her mother exactly what she's been up to and where she goes each day effectively portray a child’s need to make sense of an uncertain world. [United States] senator Dianne Feinstein provides the foreword; backmatter includes tips for adults on how to help children cope with deployment separation.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Lizzie’s mom is a soldier with an overseas posting. The location is not mentioned, but the woman is shown in combat uniform, wearing a helmet and goggles and holding binoculars. The story is told as a series of letters from Lizzie to her mom, from the time she leaves until she returns home. Childlike crayon, marker, and watercolor illustrations and what looks like hand-written print make Lizzie’s letters appear as though a child really did write them. The illustrations depict the youngster’s activities and often include a map she has drawn. Written especially for military families, the book includes an introduction by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein thanking military families for their sacrifices and a page of suggestions for adults such as taking advantage of the programs that the military offers, keeping one’s routine as regular as possible, and connecting with other military families. Most readers will appreciate the authentic feel of Lizzie’s letters as she asks all those inevitable ‘whys’ about Mom’s separation from the family. A worthy addition on a topic about which little has been written.”

—School Library Journal

Praise for Meet My Grandmother: She’s A Supreme Court Justice

• Children's Literature Choice List 2000 (Picture Books for Children Ages 4 to 8)

“The first-person narrative is friendly and enthusiastic. It simply explains a justice’s diverse duties and offers some personal information about O’Connor’s history and interests. Many color photos, with explanatory text, show O’Connor and Courtney at Washington landmarks, including Constitution Hall, in O’Connor’s Supreme Court offices, and participating in exercise classes and eating lunch together. The book’s approach humanizes and personalizes, illustrating that professionals, no matter how distinguished and intimidating their positions, are people too. The last page offers basic information about becoming a Supreme Court Justice. Upbeat and affectionate...”

—Booklist

“What a terrific book to teach children a little about their own government, specifically the Supreme Court. Courtney O’Connor spends some time with her grandmother, Sandra Day O’Connor, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The visit with Grandmother includes morning exercise, a visit to the judge’s chambers as well as some sightseeing in Washington ... A great learning book.”

—Children’s Book Review Service

“A photo-essay written from a child’s perspective. Courtney O’Connor, granddaughter of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, spends a day walking in her grandmother’s shoes. The job of a Supreme Court Justice is explained in understandable terms and Justice O’Connor is portrayed as a ‘regular’ person and a grandmother who loves her family ... A competently done book in a promising new series.”

—Library Journal

“[The book] is really exciting and so much fun to read!”

—Katie Couric on the Today show, February 18, 2000

“I’m so glad that [we] got to participate in putting this book together!”

—Sandra Day O’Connor on the Today show

“The book arrived, and it looks wonderful. Courtney and I are pleased as punch and hope it is a winner!”

—Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

“Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Justice on the Supreme Court, is usually called ‘Madam Justice.’ But Courtney O’Connor, 10, just calls her ‘Grandma.’ In the book Meet My Grandmother: She’s a Supreme Court Justice (Millbrook Press), ... Lisa Tucker McElroy explain[s] what it’s like to sit on the nation’s highest court. Courtney says she may want to become a judge one day. But she’s not ready to fill her grandma’s robes just yet: ‘They're really big on me!’”

—Time for Kids, March 24, 2000

Praise for Sandra Day O’Connor: Supreme Court Justice

“A concise, objective biography that opens dramatically with O’Connor taking her place as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. The book describes her childhood on a ranch, education, marriage, family life, legal career, and work as a Supreme Court justice. The text is clear, lively, and filled with anecdotes and quotations ... This engaging title is a good resource for reports.”

—School Library Journal

“In lively prose, McElroy relates significant moments in Sandra Day O’Connor’s life. On almost every page, there is a photo or a sidebar featuring additional information. Children will be drawn into her life because the author has included so many items of interest to them, such as how she loved to ride horses or the loneliness of life on an Arizona ranch. The difficulty that she first had getting a job as a lawyer is told with humor and compassion. Children will be able to appreciate the changes that have been effected over the past decades. The author describes Sandra’s approach to justice and fairness, citing instances where, even though her personal feelings were different, she upheld what she knew to be fair. Now that Sandra is in her seventies, there is talk that she will retire or become chief justice, but she wants to concentrate on what she knows is most important—being the best justice she can. McElroy makes Sandra come alive as a person, helping young people to realize, first of all, that important people have many of the same characteristics as ordinary people. Secondly, she portrays an older woman in a very positive light, creating a role model for young girls and boys alike.”

—Children’s Literature

Praise for Meet My Grandmother: She’s A United States Senator

“... The photos and brief text on each page give a start-to-finish civics lesson on the electoral and legislative processes. In addition, there are plenty of endearing pictures and quotations that show the personality behind the public figure. Readers ‘travel’ with Eileen to Washington, D.C. to learn what her grandmother does on Capitol Hill, and accompany her ‘Gagi’ on ‘recess’ back to California where they explore San Francisco, play the piano, and draw beautiful pictures together. This format is especially appealing to young girls.”

—Parent Council Reviews

Praise for Meet My Grandmother: She’s A Deep-Sea Explorer

“Grandmothers are getting younger every day, and Sylvia Earle, pioneering marine biologist, has joined the ranks of this esteemed group. Written in the first person from her 10-year-old grandson’s point of view, the text describes ‘G-mom’s’ dedication to protecting the marine environment and her work to further the awareness and knowledge of this precious resource. Full-color photographs on every page show Earle and her grandchildren on beaches and in aquarium settings holding kelp, touching sea creatures, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Her professional activities aboard NOAA research vessels-diving in submersibles and scuba gear-are documented as is her role as National Geographic’s explorer-in-residence... engaging...”

—School Library Journal

“It is a fun classroom project when students get to think about the importance of their grandparents and their contributions to our society. Lisa Tucker McElroy has created a useful tool for such a project or classroom theme ... With interesting text and numerous photographs, we see the important work Ms. Earle does and how proud Russell is of his grandmother. Ms. McElroy effectively conveys young Russell’s words and thoughts, giving great detail regarding his grandmother’s occupation ... [the book] will definitely spark the interest of a child, and encourage them to find out more about this amazing occupation.”

—Children’s Literature

Praise for Meet My Grandmother: She’s A Children’s Book Author

“... This interesting combination of how-to and biography allows readers to learn more about Vicki Cobb while providing tips on how to become a children’s book author. Whether used on ‘Take Your Daughter to Work’ day or as part of a unit on careers, this book is a fun way to introduce children to the author of books they may read. Photographs, drawings and sample pages from Cobb’s books provide a visual feast for readers.”

—Children’s Literature

“Adopting the voice of Vicki Cobb’s real granddaughter Abigail, McElroy presents an authentic-sounding middle-grader’s-eye view of Grandma at work and at play ... Children with an interest in what other people’s grandmas are like will be fascinated by this and its sister titles in the Meet My Grandmother series.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“The writing is simple and clear. Readers find out about the process of creating, writing, and publishing children’s books. Cobb comes across as fun, interesting, and accessible.”

—School Library Journal