The First Ladies. 2 DVDs. 7 hrs. PBS Dist. 2012. ISBN 978-1-60883-724-3. $34.99.
Gr 7 Up–Five of the most influential and controversial First Ladies are profiled in this production. The segments on Dolley Madison and Eleanor Roosevelt feature narration accompanied by photographs and re-enactments of historic events. The biographies of Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, and Nancy Reagan are principally first person narratives that also incorporate commentary by historians, relatives, and friends with video footage of the time. Dolley Madison is considered our nation’s first First Lady because she was the first of the presidents’ wives to play a role in the politics of the time and formed alliances to help her husband’s political agenda. Eleanor Roosevelt, both admired and controversial, was considered the most powerful woman in America. She advocated for the disadvantaged and influenced America’s social policies. Lady Bird Johnson called her husband’s attention to the marginalized in our country and was influential in advocating for civil rights. Betty Ford was always honest, especially when it came to sharing her battles with breast cancer and substance abuse. Nancy Reagan added strength to the role of First Lady and was a gatekeeper for her husband and his closest confident. Students will learn about the events, attitudes, and politics of the times through the lives of women who made a difference. An excellent choice for American history classes.–Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA
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