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Who Was . . . ? Series
Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy?
Through this engaging Who Was? biography, kids will discover the woman behind the sunglasses.Private and bookish, Jackie Kennedy found herself thrust into the world spotlight as the young and glamorous wife of the President John F. Kennedy. As First Lady she restored the once neglected rooms of the White House to their former glory, and through her charm and elegance became a style icon whose influence is still felt even today. Kids will be fascinated to read about a First Family whose youth, intelligence, and good looks captivated America in the early 1960s.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 1, 2017
Classy first lady
The life of this graceful, beautiful, and classy lady was a big bonus for America's image. She was a busy woman/first lady that worked hard for the public.
The life of this graceful, beautiful, and classy lady was a big bonus for America's image. She was a busy woman/first lady that worked hard for the public.
June 5, 2026
Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy? – a world famous fashion figure and a beloved First Lady of the United States.
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929-1994) was born in Southampton, New York, to the wealthy family. However, the 1929 stock market crash reduced family’s wealth substantially.
From childhood, she loved reading. She was more like her mother, shy and loved horses. Her younger sister was more like her father, outgoing and daring. Their parents split when the girls were still very young, and mother remarried in 1942.
Throughout her young years, Jackie continued to withdraw. She preferred reading and writing poetry over socializing with friends.
At boarding school, she became editor of the school newspaper.
She wasn’t interested in becoming a housewife. She continued her education at Vassar College. After her freshman year, she took a trip to Paris during the summer time. She fell in love with Paris so much that she returned to Paris to study there during her junior year.
In order to be close to her family, she spent her final year of college at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
After college, Jackie was determined to find an interesting job. Her first job was at the Washington-Times-Herald newspaper answering phones and filing papers. Then, she became an Inquiring Photographer.
At a dinner party, she met John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a congressman from Massachusetts. When he proposed, she wasn’t sure if she should say yes as they both were very independent. He was twelve years older. She didn’t want her life to be taken over by politics. Eventually, they got married in 1953.
She wanted to be a supportive wife. Thus, she took a course in American history at university. She helped him in preparing speeches. But with time, she realized that this wasn’t her passion. She loved culture and arts. Jack’s passion was only politics. They started growing apart.
However, when he ran for presidency, she was very involved. The crowds loved her. When Jack won, she was only thirty-one years old.
She accompanied the new president on trips to many countries. The crowds were wowed by her elegance, beauty and intelligence. She proved to be an excellent First Lady and becoming a superstar.
As a lover of art, Jackie convinced the government to make the White House a national museum. She studied the building’s history and found treasures in dusty closets, attic and basement. She persuaded famous artists to donate paintings and worked with a gardener to redesign the Rose Garden. To help with the upkeep, she wrote a book and the money goes to the fund she set up.
She had an even bigger dream to create a cultural center in the capital. Again, she raised money and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened in September 8, 1971.
She also focused on her children. She wanted Caroline and John to have a normal childhood as possible.
After assassination of Jack in 1963, she moved to New York City where she helped her brother-in-law, Bobby Kennedy run for a Senate seat and he won the election.
Meanwhile, she became close with Aristotle Onassis whom she had met a few years earlier. He was twenty years older. Her family objected to this union. However, after Bobby Kennedy was shot, Jackie turned to Onassis who provided her with security.
They married in 1968 on his private island in Greece. Many objected to this marriage including his two children from his previous marriage who didn’t attend the wedding. It was a short marriage and not a happy one. Ari died in 1975.
In 1975, she became an editor and it was a position she loved.
In 1994, she died of cancer.
This biography exemplifies a woman who loved her independence as much as she loved arts and culture. She didn’t follow the cultural norms of her time. But when she decided to get married, she put her best effort to support her husband. In doing so, she realized that she also had to stay true to herself and went back to what she loved the most, arts and culture. She learned that she could do both follow her passion and serve the humanity along her husband’s mission.
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929-1994) was born in Southampton, New York, to the wealthy family. However, the 1929 stock market crash reduced family’s wealth substantially.
From childhood, she loved reading. She was more like her mother, shy and loved horses. Her younger sister was more like her father, outgoing and daring. Their parents split when the girls were still very young, and mother remarried in 1942.
Throughout her young years, Jackie continued to withdraw. She preferred reading and writing poetry over socializing with friends.
At boarding school, she became editor of the school newspaper.
She wasn’t interested in becoming a housewife. She continued her education at Vassar College. After her freshman year, she took a trip to Paris during the summer time. She fell in love with Paris so much that she returned to Paris to study there during her junior year.
In order to be close to her family, she spent her final year of college at George Washington University in Washington, DC.
After college, Jackie was determined to find an interesting job. Her first job was at the Washington-Times-Herald newspaper answering phones and filing papers. Then, she became an Inquiring Photographer.
At a dinner party, she met John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a congressman from Massachusetts. When he proposed, she wasn’t sure if she should say yes as they both were very independent. He was twelve years older. She didn’t want her life to be taken over by politics. Eventually, they got married in 1953.
She wanted to be a supportive wife. Thus, she took a course in American history at university. She helped him in preparing speeches. But with time, she realized that this wasn’t her passion. She loved culture and arts. Jack’s passion was only politics. They started growing apart.
However, when he ran for presidency, she was very involved. The crowds loved her. When Jack won, she was only thirty-one years old.
She accompanied the new president on trips to many countries. The crowds were wowed by her elegance, beauty and intelligence. She proved to be an excellent First Lady and becoming a superstar.
As a lover of art, Jackie convinced the government to make the White House a national museum. She studied the building’s history and found treasures in dusty closets, attic and basement. She persuaded famous artists to donate paintings and worked with a gardener to redesign the Rose Garden. To help with the upkeep, she wrote a book and the money goes to the fund she set up.
She had an even bigger dream to create a cultural center in the capital. Again, she raised money and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts opened in September 8, 1971.
She also focused on her children. She wanted Caroline and John to have a normal childhood as possible.
After assassination of Jack in 1963, she moved to New York City where she helped her brother-in-law, Bobby Kennedy run for a Senate seat and he won the election.
Meanwhile, she became close with Aristotle Onassis whom she had met a few years earlier. He was twenty years older. Her family objected to this union. However, after Bobby Kennedy was shot, Jackie turned to Onassis who provided her with security.
They married in 1968 on his private island in Greece. Many objected to this marriage including his two children from his previous marriage who didn’t attend the wedding. It was a short marriage and not a happy one. Ari died in 1975.
In 1975, she became an editor and it was a position she loved.
In 1994, she died of cancer.
This biography exemplifies a woman who loved her independence as much as she loved arts and culture. She didn’t follow the cultural norms of her time. But when she decided to get married, she put her best effort to support her husband. In doing so, she realized that she also had to stay true to herself and went back to what she loved the most, arts and culture. She learned that she could do both follow her passion and serve the humanity along her husband’s mission.
November 11, 2019
She helped Senator JFK write 'Profiles in Courage' about his favourite Senators. Who knew?! She truly was the woman behind the man.
February 25, 2019
This book is part of the popular "Who was" series. These books are a great way to incorporate biographies into an elementary classroom. This book is meant for higher level grades (3-5). Some of the language and topics may be difficult for some younger readers, but it gives a full summary of Jacqueline Kennedy's life. These books included many different aspects of the persons personal and professional lives.
IN THE CLASSROOM: Since these books are for older grades I think a great way to use this book in the classroom would be for a writing assignment. The first thing I would do would be to read the book aloud to the students. After reading, I would have the students write what they thought the most interesting part of Jackie's life was or something they would like to learn more about in her life. Have them share out what they wrote in small groups. The second activity I would do would be, a mini wax museum. Get a class set of the "Who Was" series and give each student a biography. Have the students complete a project where the students become their person and use facts from the book to give summaries of their life to the class. This way every student is able to learn about the lives of many influential people, without having to read every book.
WOW BOOK: This was a WOW book for me because it was so interesting. I normally do not like learning about history or politics, but this book had a way of connecting the reader to Jacqueline Kennedy. It was interesting to learn how influential she was on JFK and how incredible she was even if she hadn't married him. She was a huge influencer on the American people and even people in other countries. For once, I couldn't wait to learn more about the history of someone else's life.
IN THE CLASSROOM: Since these books are for older grades I think a great way to use this book in the classroom would be for a writing assignment. The first thing I would do would be to read the book aloud to the students. After reading, I would have the students write what they thought the most interesting part of Jackie's life was or something they would like to learn more about in her life. Have them share out what they wrote in small groups. The second activity I would do would be, a mini wax museum. Get a class set of the "Who Was" series and give each student a biography. Have the students complete a project where the students become their person and use facts from the book to give summaries of their life to the class. This way every student is able to learn about the lives of many influential people, without having to read every book.
WOW BOOK: This was a WOW book for me because it was so interesting. I normally do not like learning about history or politics, but this book had a way of connecting the reader to Jacqueline Kennedy. It was interesting to learn how influential she was on JFK and how incredible she was even if she hadn't married him. She was a huge influencer on the American people and even people in other countries. For once, I couldn't wait to learn more about the history of someone else's life.
January 16, 2019
Jackie Kennedy, admired and beloved by many, was a private person who yearned for knowledge and adventure at a time when women were expected to become housewives and put family first. She was thrust into the global spotlight when her husband John 'Jack' Kennedy became President of the United States.
Viewed as a trendsetter and a visionary, Jackie excelled in her role as First Lady, restoring the White House and setting many precedents that are still intact today.
Viewed as a trendsetter and a visionary, Jackie excelled in her role as First Lady, restoring the White House and setting many precedents that are still intact today.
May 13, 2020
This book is all about the life of Jacqueline Kennedy. It describes what her younger life was like, things that she did growing up and then leads into her life after meeting John F. Kennedy. Jacqueline Kennedy was loved by everyone and this book does a great job of pointing that out, she attended many events with JFK and when she was there the crowd was always larger. Everyone loved her, she was a hard worker and a lovely person full of grace and charm. After her husbands death she eventually went back to work and remarried, she dies of cancer as a widow once again in 1994.
I really like this book. I learned a lot about Jacqueline Kennedy that I did not know before, the book does a great job describing worldly and political events, throughout the book there are excerpts that describe what something means or certain facts about a time like the great depression. I found this interesting and useful. I would recommend this book.
I think this book would be very useful in a unit about presidents and first ladies, I also think this book could be very useful in the classroom for a project that students are doing, this book would be great for research.
I really like this book. I learned a lot about Jacqueline Kennedy that I did not know before, the book does a great job describing worldly and political events, throughout the book there are excerpts that describe what something means or certain facts about a time like the great depression. I found this interesting and useful. I would recommend this book.
I think this book would be very useful in a unit about presidents and first ladies, I also think this book could be very useful in the classroom for a project that students are doing, this book would be great for research.
April 22, 2020
I've always been a huge fan of Cleopatra and her ardent defender.
It makes me crazy when people just focus on her sexuality and totally ignore how completely brilliant she was. She was educated, smart, and kept her country out of war when everyone around them was falling to pieces. I adore her.
After reading my book I was ashamed because I realized I had been doing the same thing with Jackie. I consider myself fairly well informed about history, at least in the most basic context, but I had totally disregarded Jackie because all they teach us about is how "stylish" she was. So in my mind, I see a fancy-pants woman who grew up spoiled and rich. From this little book, I learned that I was completely missing the bigger picture.
So, here we go, let me tell you why Jackie Kennedy Onassis was actually pretty kickass in her own right.
*Jackie loved reading. She often spent her time alone reading and writing as opposed to going out. (Okay, already a girl after my own heart.)
*She loved France. She even did a study abroad there. (My motto: Oui, oui to Paris!)
*She was smart, a great writer, and could speak a couple languages.
*She helped edit JFK's Pulitzer prize winning Profiles in Courage and even helped convince him to write it.
*She renovated the White House and created the White House Museum. She went digging through dusty closets, attics and basements searching for artifacts she could put in the museum.
*She is the one that ran the fundraiser for the Kennedy Center.
*She won over the Russian president by asking about a dog they sent to space. The pres sent her said dog's puppy as a gift.
*She loved her kids and tried to give them as normal a life as possible.
*After her husband passed away she worked as an editor for 19 years. She didn't have too, but she found the work fulfilling.
I left with this love for this quiet, elegant woman. I think she was pretty darn awesome and I'd love to learn more about her.
It makes me crazy when people just focus on her sexuality and totally ignore how completely brilliant she was. She was educated, smart, and kept her country out of war when everyone around them was falling to pieces. I adore her.
After reading my book I was ashamed because I realized I had been doing the same thing with Jackie. I consider myself fairly well informed about history, at least in the most basic context, but I had totally disregarded Jackie because all they teach us about is how "stylish" she was. So in my mind, I see a fancy-pants woman who grew up spoiled and rich. From this little book, I learned that I was completely missing the bigger picture.
So, here we go, let me tell you why Jackie Kennedy Onassis was actually pretty kickass in her own right.
*Jackie loved reading. She often spent her time alone reading and writing as opposed to going out. (Okay, already a girl after my own heart.)
*She loved France. She even did a study abroad there. (My motto: Oui, oui to Paris!)
*She was smart, a great writer, and could speak a couple languages.
*She helped edit JFK's Pulitzer prize winning Profiles in Courage and even helped convince him to write it.
*She renovated the White House and created the White House Museum. She went digging through dusty closets, attics and basements searching for artifacts she could put in the museum.
*She is the one that ran the fundraiser for the Kennedy Center.
*She won over the Russian president by asking about a dog they sent to space. The pres sent her said dog's puppy as a gift.
*She loved her kids and tried to give them as normal a life as possible.
*After her husband passed away she worked as an editor for 19 years. She didn't have too, but she found the work fulfilling.
I left with this love for this quiet, elegant woman. I think she was pretty darn awesome and I'd love to learn more about her.
September 13, 2018
Another great biography that is short but still contains a lot of information. Jacqueline Kennedy lived a very unique life. When she was younger, her parents divorced and the Great Depression hit. Her family was hit by the Depression, but not as bad as the rest of the country. Jackie attended Vassar College and transferred to Georgetown University her senior year. She worked at different magazines and enjoyed editing books. Jackie married John F. Kennedy in 1953 - she was 12 years younger than him! Jackie and John had two children, Caroline and John F. Kennedy Jr. Jackie also lost two children, one was stillborn and the other one was premature and did not make it. In 1961, John F. Kennedy was elected as the 35th President and he was the youngest president elected at that time. Jackie Kennedy spent a lot of money and time redoing the White House to make it into a historical site. In 1963, John F. Kennedy and Jackie traveled to Texas to make some appearances. Many people in the south were not fond of JFK with his stance on Civil Rights. When they were traveling through Houston, JFK was assassinated. Jackie was devastated and moved her family out of the white house. Over the years, Jackie remarried an older man and he died. Jackie was again a widow. In 1994, Jackie fell ill and was diagnosed with cancer. There was nothing that the doctors could do for her, and she died on May 19, 1994, in her home in New York City, surrounded by her family.
August 29, 2019
It was a perfectly fine biography of Jacquie but I did rather question the title being “Who was Jacqueline Kennedy?”. Unless she chose to use the name Kennedy, her last name was Onassis. She might have chosen the Kennedy name since she had children whose last name was Kennedy. As the book notes, Ari Onassis didn’t treat her very well later on in the marriage. I like the fact that some controversies were mentioned such as many on both sides being against the Onassis marriage. Otherwise, I found this a very serviceable title. The bibliography notes several titles are for youth with a couple of adult titles as well. This biography series is maintaining its very good quality for youth. I’m very glad they are now publishing in library binding again!
December 29, 2016
This title is a good introduction to Jacqueline Kennedy. It begins with her childhood and education and includes information on her family. The book covers her life before, during and after her term as first lady. The illustrations, many based on photographs, help bring her story to life. As with the other titles in the series, there are also boxes of information on related topics. These include: “The Crash of 1929,” “What Is a Senator?” and “The Cold War,” as well as information on her two children, Caroline and John Jr. The book includes a Timeline of her life and a short Bibliography.
January 17, 2017
The Who Was... series continues to present a balanced and detailed portrait of the subject. The illustrations enhance instead of distracting, and the information is presented in an easy to understand and relatable way. Children in Elementary and Middle School can enjoy and learn from this series. Bader presents Mrs. Kennedy-Onassis as more than just a wife and mother. She was also an internationally admired First Lady who helped her husband to improve diplomatic relationships with France, and even Russia. In addition to a timeline, this book concludes with brief characterizations of the Kennedy children.
December 17, 2016
"Who Was Jacqueline Kennedy?" is a really easy read for children to learn fast facts about the former First Lady. Also, between chapters it gives insight to what is a Senator, The Cold War and other facts about politics and what took place during that era, that reflected upon Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis life. I enjoyed reading this book which lead to the interest in more biographies on Jackie Kennedy. This whole series on historical figures is a great read to introduce children into history.
November 15, 2022
I'll be honest, I did not know that much about the Kennedys before reading this, but I have always been interested in the person of Jackie. Her life really was quite tragic, and I didn't realize that even after JFK was shot the tragedies that occurred in her life and even her kids' lives.
Reminded me a bit of how much Eleanor Roosevelt was a driving force in her husband's political life, and so was Jackie.
Reminded me a bit of how much Eleanor Roosevelt was a driving force in her husband's political life, and so was Jackie.
November 12, 2024
This biography tells the story of Jackie Kennedy's life. I think most people think of JFK when they hear Jackie Kennedy but I think her story is very interesting. She was more than just the First Lady of the United States she was an individual who loved horses, was an advocate for the arts, and shared a love of history with JFK. I think that this series would be good in a classroom library so students would be able to independently explore individuals they are interested in.
January 3, 2019
I especially found this short-read interesting since I just visited the grave site of Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy this past week at the Arlington Cemetery. Its full of information and yet written in a way that all ages will find it fun to read!
September 8, 2020
Jacqueline Kennedy is always a captivating subject. This is a good condensed biography, lightly skimming the peaks and valleys of her life, highlighting her accomplishments, and the classy, intelligent, graceful woman she was.
"Throughout the day of (JFK's) funeral, Jackie remained strong and composed. A British journalist wrote, "Jacqueline Kennedy has today given her country the one thing it has always lacked, and that's majesty.""
Well written by Bonnie Bader.
Excellent portrait illustrations by Joseph J. M. Qiu.
"Throughout the day of (JFK's) funeral, Jackie remained strong and composed. A British journalist wrote, "Jacqueline Kennedy has today given her country the one thing it has always lacked, and that's majesty.""
Well written by Bonnie Bader.
Excellent portrait illustrations by Joseph J. M. Qiu.
May 21, 2026
Informative biography on the greatest First Lady of the United States. Her influence in popular culture, architecture, books and fashion are still felt today. One of the most influential woman of the last century. Very easy and enjoyable biography.
July 20, 2017
Great read for kids!!!
November 8, 2017
the books had a lot of facts about her.
January 18, 2018
I like this book
March 25, 2018
Nice background information. I appreciated how some of her decisions in her life weren't always painted in a positive light.
April 10, 2018
I just know if we had known each other we would have been friends.
June 28, 2018
Another good read of a popular historical First Lady. I think the people made her popular. It is rather sad that so many tragic deaths in her family.
July 11, 2018
My daughter loved it. She is going into 1st grade but we read these at night. I read a chapter each night.
July 20, 2018
This woman was amazing!! I admire her so much.
November 7, 2018
I liked this book a lot but it was very sad a lot of people in Jacqueline's life.
January 15, 2019
I remember hearing this about Jackie O has a kid. Loved learning more about her.
April 20, 2019
Good starting overview. I would have liked to hear more about her social outreach and poetry. Good overview of the kids too.
August 14, 2019
Great, inspirational woman.
March 22, 2020
I liked it because it was easy to read. It tells a lot about other people which I didn't like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews