Experience the compelling sto- ry of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, who decided to run for president in 1964. The author uses a timeline of key events in history and important in- formation about our nation to make connections to this woman’s passions and accomplishments. Author’s Notes.

I love this book. I think Margaret's story is amazing, and I am seriously shocked that I haven't heard of her before now. She seemed like such a boss lady until the very end. She had so much drive and passion for what she did, I can only hope to be the same kind of woman when I grow up. I think Margaret should have been our first female president, I think things would be a WHOLE lot different in 2020 if she had been. I think every child should have to know about her, she is apart of american history. She did so many unconventional things that were so unexpected of women in her time. This woman is monumental and I wish I could have been her friend. ( )

The first page of this book states why Margaret Smith ran for president. It was because of all the reasons that other people thought she couldn't. This shows readers that there may be many obstacles, hardships, or People in your way but you can still work hard for something and try to overcome them. Smith was a woman Senator for many years who defied the odds. Though she did not win the Presidency she made many differences in history for women. On almost every page there is a sentence at the bottom that gives a poetic sentiment of her character that is described on each page. Every page also has a timeline at the bottom that outlines the events that caused a bigger event that affected Smith or that she was a part of creating. ( )

Lynn Plourde has more than one vested interest in writing Margaret Smith’s biography. Besides the fact she is also a woman, the author is from the same small town in Maine and grew up learning about the courageous Margaret Smith. It is clear through her writing that Lynn Plourde has a sincere affinity for Mrs. Smith. The author writes “Perhaps the object that best symbolized Margaret was the rose . . . just like those rose petals, (she) always demonstrated uncommon grace, poise, and beauty. Margaret, just like thorny rose stems, also showed incredible strength, vigor, and toughness.”
The author tells the story in linear terms and uses simple language that young readers will be able to comprehend. The bibliography sources contain more than half of their volume from scholarly sources and government websites.
The author included some interesting and relevant timelines to coincide with the story she is telling like the “right to vote” timeline, the “US Women in Congress” timeline and “The life of Margaret Chase Smith.” My only critique is that I would have preferred to see real photographs instead of the illustrations used throughout the entire book. In the Author's Note section, there is one photograph. Perhaps the author's intent was to prompt readers to look up Mrs. Smith on the internet for more information.
A must-read for anyone honoring Women’s History Month. ( )

This book retells the life of Margaret Chase Smith. This book shows how women are just as powerful and important as men. The social justice issues addressed in this book are sexism and classism. ( )