What do you think?
Rate this book
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do All the Good You Can: The Inspiring Biography of a Political Leader Who Made History for Children
An inspiring and meticulously researched middle grade biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton—First Lady, senator, secretary of state, and the first female presidential nominee in United States history. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a true leader. Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Hillary was inspired by the philosophy of John Wesley, who urged his followers to "do all the good you can." Rising to prominence in 1992 as the First Lady of the United States, Hillary captured the world's attention with her bold ideas and political forcefulness. From her time at Wellesley to her life at the White House and beyond, Hillary has been at the forefront of huge change—and despite setbacks and political scandals, she has worked for good in the world. Acclaimed author Cynthia Levinson creates a compelling and personal portrait of Hillary's historic journey from her childhood to her service as secretary of state and beyond. Includes a timeline of Hillary Rodham Clinton's life and an eight-page photo insert. "This extensively researched and comprehensive biography tells us more of the woman who is that public figure, from some of her inspirations (like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Birmingham protests) and the impact of her religious faith on her commitment to service" (Brightly.com).
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 26, 2016
10 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Read
October 31, 2016This is a pretty comprehensive biography of Hillary, and while it covers ups and downs of her career quite well, the book is undermined by incessant references to her appearance and clothing choices. It's bizarre. For a book purporting to highlight the achievements of a powerful woman, it still talks about her clothing way too much. There's little discussion of sexism or the role of institutional sexism in her career...and Levinson plays right into it with the notes on her appearance.
The ending is left open and the pacing in the latter third of the book feels rushed....when there's perhaps the most to dig into. There is a timeline and references sections for backmatter, which are nice; the side bars were well used and integrated into the text.
Writing-wise, it's serviceable.
The ending is left open and the pacing in the latter third of the book feels rushed....when there's perhaps the most to dig into. There is a timeline and references sections for backmatter, which are nice; the side bars were well used and integrated into the text.
Writing-wise, it's serviceable.
January 3, 2016
An inside look into this remarkable woman's life. From the time I began reading, I couldn't put it down. An inspiring biography from beginning to end. Stunning prose. Obviously the author researched this thoroughly because it shows in the narrative. No matter your political views, this is a biography worth reading.
July 17, 2016
In an election year, it is always important to have quality biographical materials available. However, a lot of materials published are not well-written. Thankfully, this middle-grades biography is NOT one of those. This biography chronicles the life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic Party’s presumptive nominee (at the time of this review) from her beginnings in Illinois, college and law school on the East Coast, her career as a lawyer, first lady of Arkansas and the United States, US Senator from New York, the 2008 election, and Secretary of State. While this is not just a discussion of Hillary’s accomplishments, we see behind the mask and how she has relied on her faith throughout her life. While this text does not go into lurid detail of the Monica Lewinsky scandal of her husband’s, it does explain her thoughts, feelings, and reactions of Hillary in the midst of conflicts that were often played out on the world’s stage. This text includes 8 pages of photos and is highly recommended for grades 4-8.
May 27, 2016
This book really taught me about Hillary's background and the stuff she has accomplished in her life. It is a great book for anyone who either likes Hillary and wants to learn more about what she has done or for anyone who doesn't know what she does and wants to find out. I was one of those people. It shows what kind of person she it and how she is helping the United States. I want Hillary to become our president because of all the great things she has done for our country and it would also be really cool to have a women president for once. I like how he is breaking tradition and being her own independent women.
January 23, 2016
I couldn't put this book down, mostly because on each page I discovered something new about Hillary Clinton. Despite all the press coverage of her--and despite the fact that I'm somewhat of a political junkie--Cynthia Levinson uncovered so many stories about Hillary that I'd never before heard. I loved reading about Hillary's high school and college days; I hadn't quite realized what a bad-ass she was before she ever met Bill. This is a refreshing and eye-opening account that doesn't gloss over Hillary's struggles and flaws.
December 7, 2016
Wonderfully readable biography of the woman who would have been the first female President of the United States if not for the Electoral College. Yes, Hillary has her flaws, which the author does not cover up. But Hillary has indeed tried to do good works every step along the way of her extraordinary life. The young people for whom this book is intended are likely to pay the biggest price for her not having been elected.
October 20, 2016
** I received a copy of this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway. **
I actually gave this book to an 11 year old that I know and she gave it "multiple thumbs up!" She says it has a lot of good and interesting information about Hillary and that it made her think. She said she would definitely recommend it to any of her classmates and even to some kids who are older than her if they want to learn more about Hillary Clinton. She told me that she particularly liked all the stories about Hillary and that she liked the fact that the book didn't just 'tell the good stories, it told about her mistakes too because everyone makes mistakes".
I actually gave this book to an 11 year old that I know and she gave it "multiple thumbs up!" She says it has a lot of good and interesting information about Hillary and that it made her think. She said she would definitely recommend it to any of her classmates and even to some kids who are older than her if they want to learn more about Hillary Clinton. She told me that she particularly liked all the stories about Hillary and that she liked the fact that the book didn't just 'tell the good stories, it told about her mistakes too because everyone makes mistakes".
February 2, 2016
Good book, quite candid. I'm so glad I'm doing this, getting to know the candidates- looks like I'll have plenty of time. And these books are short and easy.
I was afraid reading the candidate books would make me very wishy washy. But hey, looks like We all are. Anyway, this book gave me plenty to think about.
Pros- she's hands down the most experienced person in the history of EVER for the job, at a time when we can't afford to make a mistake. I respect her unbelievable ability to keep on keepin on.
Cons - she sometimes stretches powers of belief. Which is why everyone who runs against her toots the BELIEVE horn.
And that's not even getting into the issues. Here is my question to America: why are you afraid to look deeply into both sides? Won't it just make you better informed when the time comes to vote? Don't we owe at least that to our country? Or is it more that we "don't have time" because frankly we want constant entertainment? What could be more important?
It disturbs me. Come on people, pick up these books, they are quick and easy. Be informed. Then go vote Your own conscience (not your spouse's or parents' or boss, kids, church, friends, whatever - your own!) in the party primary and in the general election. We all have walked in our very own shoes. We all have our very own vote. How precious that is.
I was afraid reading the candidate books would make me very wishy washy. But hey, looks like We all are. Anyway, this book gave me plenty to think about.
Pros- she's hands down the most experienced person in the history of EVER for the job, at a time when we can't afford to make a mistake. I respect her unbelievable ability to keep on keepin on.
Cons - she sometimes stretches powers of belief. Which is why everyone who runs against her toots the BELIEVE horn.
And that's not even getting into the issues. Here is my question to America: why are you afraid to look deeply into both sides? Won't it just make you better informed when the time comes to vote? Don't we owe at least that to our country? Or is it more that we "don't have time" because frankly we want constant entertainment? What could be more important?
It disturbs me. Come on people, pick up these books, they are quick and easy. Be informed. Then go vote Your own conscience (not your spouse's or parents' or boss, kids, church, friends, whatever - your own!) in the party primary and in the general election. We all have walked in our very own shoes. We all have our very own vote. How precious that is.
March 22, 2016
My Review: Hillary Clinton said , you will always find her on the front lines of democracy, fighting for the future. In this book about "Do all the good you can by" by Cynthia Levinson, I discovered something new about Hillary Clinton during her high school and college days. Standing up to bullies since she was 4 years old, joining the anti-communists club in school, convincing the school to hold a mock presidential debate and many more.
Among other things she has done growing up, when Governor Jimmy Carter of Georgia ran for president, he asked Hillary to help run his campaign in Indiana. She learned practical election skills, like how to budget and get voters to the poll. She spoke about Health Care reform in 1994, spoke at the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995. Sworn in as Senator for New York in 2001. Ran for Democratic president in 2008, and made the US secretary of state.
This is a book everyone would love reading even young teens. After reading you might want to vote for her. Pick up a copy today from amazon.com
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book HarperCollins Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
Among other things she has done growing up, when Governor Jimmy Carter of Georgia ran for president, he asked Hillary to help run his campaign in Indiana. She learned practical election skills, like how to budget and get voters to the poll. She spoke about Health Care reform in 1994, spoke at the Fourth United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995. Sworn in as Senator for New York in 2001. Ran for Democratic president in 2008, and made the US secretary of state.
This is a book everyone would love reading even young teens. After reading you might want to vote for her. Pick up a copy today from amazon.com
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book HarperCollins Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
January 9, 2016
Well-written comprehensive look at one of the most important figures of our time. Levinson's thoroughly researched book (she had access to many of Hillary's college friends among others) presents a sympathetic portrait of this amazing woman without glossing over the mistakes and bad choices she has made in the course of her pretty spectacular life. Her career includes being the first Wellesley College student commencement speaker, a Yale Law graduate, part of the legal staff investigating the Watergate hearings, First Lady of Arkansas when Bill was governor, First Lady of the US when Bill was president, Senator from New York, Secretary of State, practicing lawyer, law professor, two time presidential contender, and her proudest roles - mother and grandmother. The book is rich in details and includes periodic explanations interjected into the text for clarification and added interesting related asides. Levinson succeeds in her goal of bringing to life this "warm, funny, thoughtful, and humanly flawed person" who ABSOLUTELY should be our next president! Excuse the subtle political opinion. Full disclosure: Cynthia Levinson is a friend and fellow Wellesley alum.
February 4, 2016
I think this is a great read no matter what your age or political leanings. It's important for all of us to see our leaders (whether we agree with them or not) as human beings--not gods or demons--and it's helpful to understand what informs the often complex decisions they are faced with. After reading this extensively researched biography of Hillary, I certainly feel like I know her better as a person and understand the reasons behind some of her choices, some of which perplexed me in the past. I feel like I learned a lot from this book, about Hillary as well as about myself. Plus, the writing is lively and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this peek behind the scenes at one of the most powerful women in modern world. Highly recommended!
March 29, 2016
A really wonderful overview of Clinton's life! It includes the ups and downs, the triumphs and the failures, and I definitely recommend it for young readers who are looking to know more about this presidential candidate.
Read
November 24, 2016 Young readers should get a good idea of the complexities of navigating a meaningful life. Hillary Clinton comes off as a three-dimensional human, one who makes mistakes and learns from them. We can all learn from her, and be inspired to keep up the struggle despite even very large setbacks.
Read
November 30, 2016This is a great Non-fiction book about Hillary Clinton. It gives lots of detail about her experiance in politices and the author trys to petray Hillary as a normal person, There are a couple of pictures of Hillary when she was younger.
October 5, 2023
If I’m rating this book for me, 2 stars. If I’m rating it for a young person (say, 11 and up), 4 stars. Comprehensive but superficial story of Clinton’s life, with a writing style that really grated on me (but would probably be ok for a young reader). Things that I didnt like: 1) the over-emphasis on Sen. Clinton’s hair and clothes. 2) Everyone in the book was referred to by their title and last name, except Pres. Clinton and Sec. Rodham-Clinton, who were Bill and Hillary throughout. 3) The overuse of exclamation marks, and the author’s overly familiar fan-girl approach
Again, probably good for a younger reader, but a Fail from my (allegedly) adult perspective.
Again, probably good for a younger reader, but a Fail from my (allegedly) adult perspective.
June 19, 2019
Excellent book no matter you political feelings
October 27, 2015
The first thing you should know about this is that it's very pro-Hillary Clinton. (As a liberal, this doesn't bother me at all, but if you are looking for a neutral portrait, this is not for you.)
I enjoyed this and there were a lot of things about Hillary I didn't know. (Like basically anything about her childhood.) Also, I was 12 when Bill Clinton was elected president and I didn't really develop a political interest until I was older, so I was really only dimly aware of her as first lady until his second term.
It's funny now the controversy that she caused for doing things like wanting to work and be the first lady of Arkansas and for not taking her husband's last name. (And honestly, I want to give her a high five for both those things---although now, of course, she's Hillary Clinton and not Hillary Rodham. And there's nothing wrong with compromise, so a high five for that, too.)
I haven't decided who I'm voting for for president, but this book made me like Hillary more than I did before. (And honestly, I liked her before.)
If you like badass women who get shit done, read this book. (Note: it's written for young adult audiences.)
I enjoyed this and there were a lot of things about Hillary I didn't know. (Like basically anything about her childhood.) Also, I was 12 when Bill Clinton was elected president and I didn't really develop a political interest until I was older, so I was really only dimly aware of her as first lady until his second term.
It's funny now the controversy that she caused for doing things like wanting to work and be the first lady of Arkansas and for not taking her husband's last name. (And honestly, I want to give her a high five for both those things---although now, of course, she's Hillary Clinton and not Hillary Rodham. And there's nothing wrong with compromise, so a high five for that, too.)
I haven't decided who I'm voting for for president, but this book made me like Hillary more than I did before. (And honestly, I liked her before.)
If you like badass women who get shit done, read this book. (Note: it's written for young adult audiences.)
February 18, 2016
I enjoyed this book very much. There were so many interesting stories about Hillary that I found myself repeating them to my friends. I loved how this book didn't shy away from her mistakes, her missteps, and the infamous Bill scandal. It's a really great book for teens and I passed it along to my 14-year-old. No matter what your political leanings, it's nice to see and understand the path a successful person takes. So much to learn from it. I feel as if I know more about what makes Hillary tick as a person, as well. After reading about all she's done and tried to achieve and successfully completed, as well as the mistakes she had to learn from, I feel more confident than ever in her abilities. Cynthia Levinson did a great job explaining everything in a friendly, clear tone that made the book hard to put down. One takeaway: despite the bad rap that politicians get, most of them have worked very hard to be of service to our country and deserve our respect.
October 26, 2016
Young readers will enjoy this biography of HRC. Author Cynthia Levinson captures how Clinton is so easy to relate to - for example, when her father remarked at her straight-A report card, "That must be an easy school you go to." (Sounded very much like my mother.) Levinson balances the charming recounting of Hillary meeting Bill, the love of her life, without mincing about how challenging marriage can be. Clinton's passionate dedication to her life's principle is a theme throughout the book. Hillary perseveres, inspired by John Wesley's "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." New category: FOHAB (Fan of Hillary and Bill). I, for one, hope to celebrate her victory soon!
October 22, 2016
A well-written, engaging narrative that opens a window on Clinton's backstory. Written by a college classmate, this strikes a positive tone, but still addresses the flaws and failures of one of the most powerful and recognized women in American history. The author portrays a complex human, and offers context to balance out years of scandal. It is all too easy to forget that a single person really cannot be reduced to a single moment in their life, and here the pattern of public service emerges as a strong theme, alongside a propensity to seek connection: with her constituents, with her opponents, with the American people.
March 10, 2016
Written for young adults, this biography paints a warm picture of a brilliant woman who has dedicated her life to public service and fought for justice and economic equality every step of the way. The author is forthright about Hillary Clinton’s mistakes and what she learned from them. Full disclosure: Cynthia Levinson was a classmate of mine at Wellesley, and I especially enjoyed learning more about Hillary’s time there.
June 28, 2016
This is a well written and researched, easy to read book about Hillary Clinton's personal and professional life from birth to the present. It's written for young adults and does a great job explaining the history and politics behind a lot of what it talks about. It would be a great addition to a Civics class. I also thought it was fairly balanced and showed both sides to issues to allow the reader to think what they wanted.
October 24, 2016
I picked up Cynthia Levinson's book for my 9-year-old twins so they could get a sense of who Hillary is beyond news coverage of the election. They enjoyed the tales of her growing up immensely, and I ended up reading the whole thing cover-to-cover myself. Levinson does a wonderful job of distilling Hillary's life and many different career hats into a very easy-to-understand story. I highly recommend it if you or your family are looking for a book that will introduce you to this amazing woman.
August 19, 2016
Hillary Rodham Clinton is not my candidate of choice nor do I believe she has done all the good she could unless it was for herself, however this book is well written and not too slanted in Hillary Clinton's favor. It is written in a fashion and in words that will be understood by its targeted audience (8-12 year olds).
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
March 6, 2016
umm...yeah...
June 16, 2016
This is a young adult book and pro Hillary yet still very informative. A fast read to a quick summary of a fascinating life.
October 10, 2016
An interesting read on HRC. Gives good insight into the events and people that built the person she has become.
December 18, 2016
Great biography for young readers on an amazing woman and important political and historical figure of our time.
August 13, 2018
Very clear easy to understand bio about this complex brilliant woman. I was assigned a topic in my history club, "Who is Hillary Clinton". Well, of course I know who she is but I wanted to know what shaped her and how she grew into the woman she is today.
It is difficult to find an unbiased review of Hillary not cluttered with political drama so I searched for a book that talked about her childhood and education and marriage. This book provides that quite well.
I have always thought Hillary was very smart, very capable and voted for her albeit with some reservation at times because she has an edge that has always annoyed me. After reading this book, I understand where that edge came from and how and why it continues to remain there. Great bio!
It is difficult to find an unbiased review of Hillary not cluttered with political drama so I searched for a book that talked about her childhood and education and marriage. This book provides that quite well.
I have always thought Hillary was very smart, very capable and voted for her albeit with some reservation at times because she has an edge that has always annoyed me. After reading this book, I understand where that edge came from and how and why it continues to remain there. Great bio!
October 20, 2024
This book is a biography of Hillary that highlights her Methodist faith and upbringing. This book highlights her belief that she's called to do all of the good that she can, which comes from her Methodist background and faith. It starts out with her childhood in the Midwest and goes up to the aftermath of the 2016 election. This book also hypotheses the reason for her loss in 2016. It also goes into how the religious right didn't like her starting when she was the First Lady. It goes into her accomplishments and the good that she's done in the various roles that she's held. I would recommend this book to be read by everyone to get more insight inside her views. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews