Madam President

Although published in 2004 (but I just discovered a revised edition was released in February 2008, which I haven't seen), this is an excellent book for girls to read in the 2008 election year. It is a collection of 23 brief biographical sketches of women who have led the fight for the right to vote, to hold either elected or appointed high offices, and to contribute to government policy making. Readers will find sketches of Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sara Bard Field, Margaret Chase Smith, and Madeleine Albright, among others. Written by Catherine Thimmesh, illustrated by Douglas B. Jones, it is a book to share with a young girl, or use as a resource while studying the election. It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2005.