When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon

by Natasha Wing, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator)

Before she was an iconic First Lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy was a born-and-raised New Yorker. She loved everything about her city, from the natural beauty of the parks to the architectural history of the buildings. So when the owners of Grand Central wanted to build a skyscraper on top of the famous train station, Jackie knew they had to be stopped. She helped inspire thousands of people to come together and fight to protect the historic landmark. From letter-writing campaigns all the way to the Supreme Court, this little-known story celebrates winning in the face of immeasurable odds and how one person can make a big difference.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History, Childrens, Biography, Architecture, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2017

About the author

Why am I a writer? When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher. I’d line up my stuffed animals in front of a board and teach them the alphabet and how to count. In high school I wanted to be a tennis player. I was on the tennis team, and played at our neighborhood tennis club. Then in college I thought digging dinosaur bones would be a cool job. It wasn’t until I was working at my own public relations agency that I decided I really wanted to write children’s books. I was so inspired by the magic of reading a book that I wanted to see if my active imagination could create magical moments for kids all over the world. I started to write, then sent my stories to publishers, and sold my first manuscript in 1992. I’ve been writing ever since.

Why I write now.

I love the freedom of being my own boss, of coming up with ideas on my own and writing that first draft to see if my idea has any spark. I’m not so crazy about the revising process although there are thrilling moments when I figure out a better way to say something, or when I nail dialog, or work through a complicated plot line. The most exciting moment is when an editor says they want to publish my manuscript. Then I know all my hard work has paid off, and that soon, children will enter my imaginative world through a book.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

No more bites out of the Big Apple!

This was a rallying cry as people in New York City were inspired by Jackie to save Grand Central Station. Her vision and success for the White House renovation was the perfect preparation for a project like this. Landmarks like these can remain functional while also be made beautiful and showcasing their history. The illustrator made specific choices for color palette to reflect the narrative. I especially liked Jackie's red power coat and the red balloon reminding us of her fight since she was no longer with us for the dedication of the renovated station. A great way to learn about an important part of history and the role a former first lady played in shaping our attitudes and actions toward landmarks like Grand Central Station.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know this story at all. I can't imagine NYC without Grand Central station. It is a world icon. It also wasn't fully restored until 1998 which seems late to me. This book makes me want to go see the building for myself. I have seen the outside and I don't know if I've been inside. I hear they have some great restaurants inside the place. I can't believe it was almost destroyed for some ugly new building.

Another interesting point in this is that a first lady can be an asset to the country and she can get things done or she can be invisible. It's interesting. You can see the first ladies who actually did something with their spotlight. You can tell the ones you live in the shadow of their husbands and the ones with a life of their own and their own causes.

Thank goodness there are children's books about history now as it can be a great and quick way to find something interesting to wet you appetite for a subject and then you can go deeper into it.

The kids liked the ceiling in Grand central. The art was pretty for it. The kids gave this 3 stars. I added 1 more.

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find it challenging to talk with children about Jackie Kennedy because so much of her story is intertwined with a horrific bloody assassination that can feel overwhelming to them. Natasha Wing and Alexandra Boiger's lovely picture book beautifully fills the void, focusing on Jackie's love for historic building and championing of historic preservation. The story opens with her work to restore and preserve the White House, but primarily focuses on her work in the 1970s to save Grand Central. I liked that the story didn't simplify the struggle -- the fight went back and forth several times between builders and politicians before moving all the way to the Supreme Court. Wing's story isn't difficult but she also doesn't avoid precise, big terms like "cerulean" and "candelabra." I loved Boiger's beautifully symbolic use of color, with red emphasizing moments of struggle, dark grey colors at moments of sadness, struggle, and loss, and shining yellow (echoing the golden constellations on Grand Central's ceiling) highlighting the soaring emotional moments. This lovely book is a wonderful way to introduce children to Jackie Kennedy's story and to honor the importance of historic preservation. It both fills a void in both children's literature and strengthens the memory of Jackie Kennedy's significant work for historic preservation.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon is a children's picture book written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Alexandra Boiger. It is an account of the former first lady's impassioned campaign to save one of New York's iconic buildings.

Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis (née Bouvier) was an American socialite, book editor, writer, and photographer who served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

Wing's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Wing rightly acknowledges that it wasn’t just Jackie Onassis’ campaign, but here she stands at its center of the narrative to save Grand Central Station from demolition. Backmatter includes an author's and illustrator's note. Boiger depicts Kennedy rather well and positively shines in a stylish red coat that she is known for, whether fronting a protest march or striking a gracefully defiant pose before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The narrative begins with Kennedy's renovation of the White House and then following quick looks at Grand Central's history and use, describes how the prospect of that magnificent, if somewhat seedy, landmark's demolition motivated Onassis to enlist the mayor, the city, and the nation in a protracted, ultimately successful battle.

All in all, When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon is a grand biography in several ways.

[cluedupreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated, this factual story of the former First Lady campaigning to preserve Grand Central touches on her youth, White House years, and legacy, and incorporates U.S. history, politics, art, and architecture.

It skirts JFK's assasination ("After her time in Washington, D.C., ended...") and omits Jackie's marriage to Ari Onassis — and her feet.

Missing feet notwithstanding, the material is meticulously presented. The large picture book's back matter includes notes from the author (providing more depth and background information) and illustrator (explaining her use of color), and a few selected sources.

A unique and valuable addition to any upper elementary classroom, grade school library, or literacy-rich home, for its interdisciplinary use, and high engagement and re-readability factors.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subject matter grabbed me instantly. I am extremely interested in historic places, buildings, architecture etc. The fact that the magical and awe inspiring Penn Station in NY was allowed to be demolished boggles my mind. It is a cultural and artistic tragedy to say the least. My grandfather would rave about its beauty all throughout my childhood. Grand Central was set to meet the same horrific fate. Jacqueline Kennedy worked diligently to save this iconic landmark. It took a great deal of time and effort on her part. She is a true heroine for protecting Grand Central for future generations. This is an important and gorgeous book. Historic preservation is one subject not often tackled by children's authors. Yet it is imperative that today's children and the next are keenly aware of what can happen to amazing places and fight with every thing they have to protect them.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, inspirational story of a little known historical event. The amazing illustrations are indicative of NYC's and our country's diverse population, and the First Lady's grace, beauty and style. The author's note regarding the history of this event, and the illustrator's note regarding the symbolism of her pictures, are truly appreciated.
Many thanks to my Goodreads friend whose fabulous review encouraged me to read this wonderful story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Kennedy always loved the historical buildings that gave character to the places in which she knew and believed in preserving them for future generations. She had already restored the White House when she was first lady. So when Jackie heard that there was a plan to tear down Grand Central Station, she immediately set into action.

Accompanying Natasha Wing's carefully chosen text, Alexandra Boiger masterfully uses watercolor illustrations to tell the story and set the tones for various developments in the narrative with greys and muted colors in sad times, lots of red when the fight is on, and softer, more vivid pastels in happier times. I especially loved the illustration in which we are looking down at Grand Central from above as a result seeing its magnificence and size as well as the illustrations that make Jackie larger than life at times, showing all of the hard work that she did to save the station. My only (small) gripe with the illustrations was the toothpick legs on the characters with missing feet. That honestly does not detract from the story as the rest of the individual people is fleshed out. Jackie loves like Jackie with her signature sunglasses and style.

Everything works out okay in the end as anyone who has heard of or seen Grand Central will know. However, it's super bittersweet as Jackie prematurely dies before Grand Central is restored to its full glory. Wing tugs on the heartstrings with the line "Yet one person was missing." Excellent book for teaching Kennedy's contributions to preserving history and for inspiring readers to stand up for what they believe in.

As if there isn't plenty of information in the story itself, Wing also includes a comprehensive author's note that details Kennedy's other historical preservation work. Read the illustrator's note that follows to learn more about the symbolism and meaning in her illustrations. Study the front and back endpapers to get a sense of the design of the constellations on Grand Central's ceiling.

On a personal note, on my very first trip to New York City, my New Yorker friend took my now husband and I to see Grand Central Station. We walked upstairs from the subway and into Vanderbilt Hall. I was in awe of its grandeur and beauty, especially that of the bright blue ceiling with its golden constellations. While it is hard to imagine Grand Central gone, it is believable after passing through the now-underground Penn Station. Thank you, Jackie, for saving this treasure.

[Ryal Mcmurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book ever since I heard about it. I had been unfamiliar of the story, but I always like Natasha Wing's work.

This book was an excellent true story and I loved reading it. The illustrations were so stylize and gorgeous, befitting Jackie Kennedy. Natasha Wing tells the story in a way that children can not only understand, but also understand the importance of civic involvement.

A wonderful read!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy leads the charge in saving New York City's Grand Central Terminal in this engaging work of picture-book history. Always interested in art and architecture, she had used her tenure as first lady to refurbish and restore the White House, collecting artifacts and historical treasures with significance for that great building and its former residents, and bringing them together at the "People's House." After her time as first lady, when she was again living in New York, Kennedy discovered that one of the great architectural wonders of that city was in danger of being torn down. Determined to save Grand Central, which she felt should be preserved as a historical and artistic monument, she led a public relations campaign to oppose its destruction, and was instrumental in motivating important public figures to join the fight, and mount a legal challenge to the owners' decision to demolish. In the end, Jackie was successful, and although she did not live to see the fully restored Grand Central, its survival is, in part, a monument to her vision and public spirit.

A wonderful book, every bit as engaging as it is informative, When Jackie Saved Grand Central reminded me of the many times I traveled through that famous train station, during the years I commuted to work in Manhattan, and the great pleasure I always took in its beauty. How thankful I have always been, on a personal level, that I had the pleasure of passing through so majestic and uplifting a space, on a regular basis, rather than finding my way into the city through such a space as the modern Penn Station. As every New Yorker knows, the current Penn Station was built in the 1960s, and replaced a far more beautiful, and architecturally interesting train station, bearing the same name. We can thank Jackie Kennedy - and I do! - that a similar fate didn't befall Grand Central. Natasha Wing is to be commended for bringing this story to young readers, who may have never thought before about the history of the structures around them, and about the complicated decision-making process involved in either maintaining older buildings, or replacing them with newer ones. The accompanying artwork by Alexandra Boiger, done watercolor, gouache and ink, is absolutely charming, capturing Jackie's elegant personal appeal, as well as the drama of the public events in which she was involved, perfectly. There is a detailed afterword from the author, as well as a note from the illustrator, and a brief list of further reading. Highly recommended to anyone looking for history for the picture-books set, or who has a child interested in architecture, Grand Central, or Jackie Kennedy.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: When Jackie became First Lady of the United States in 1961, she moved into the White House with President John F. Kennedy and their children.

Premise/plot: In Natasha Wing's newest book, she tells the story of how Jacqueline Kennedy helped to save Grand Central Terminal when it was threatened with destruction in the late 1960s. The battle to save this oh-so-famous train station in New York City went ALL the way to the Supreme Court. It was a battle that would take over a decade! And even once the battle was won, there was a lot of work to be done to restore it. Wing writes of Kennedy's contribution, her enthusiasm, her determination. It's a lovely story.

My thoughts: Who doesn't love a good story where a woman stands strong and determined and fights for what she believes to be right? I definitely enjoyed this one. I really loved the illustrations by Alexandra Boiger. She did a great job illustrating Jackie Kennedy.

Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Total: 9 out of 10

[Gary Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know about this episode from Jackie Kennedy’s very full life. In her post-White House years, she led a successful campaign to save New York City’s Grand Central Station from destruction. I admire picture books that promote activism. This one will help young readers understand how the preservation of historical sites is frequently threatened, and how Jackie Kennedy used her celebrity and influence to make a positive difference. As author Natasha Wing writes, “The fight to save Grand Central changed how people viewed old buildings. Rather than tearing them down, preservationists now had a model for how to save historic buildings all over the country, protecting our precious heritage.” Some of the Alexandra Boiger illustrations are vivid while others are drabber; in each case, the color choices help create the mood for what is happening on the page.

[Dutchbaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a difficult time getting past the toothpick legs, but the story was interesting.

[Kristin Sager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that celebrates “old” does not mean destroy or replace. Maintaining architectural treasures and history...a story to be shared.

[Richie Partington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richie’s Picks: WHEN JACKIE SAVED GRAND CENTRAL: THE TRUE STORY OF JACQUELINE KENNEDY'S FIGHT FOR AN AMERICAN ICON by Natasha Wing and Alexandra Boiger, ill., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March 2017, 48p., ISBN: 978-0-547-44921-0

“I want to stand beneath the clock just one more time
Want to wait upon the platform for the Hudson Line
I guess you’re never really all alone
Or too far from the pull of home
And the stars upon that painted dome still shine”
-- Mary Chapin Carpenter, “Grand Central Station” (2004)

“A forest of silver struts and perforated metallic arches surrounded Peter Lake, who reclined comfortably in a bent and fruitless grove, where riveted limbs were lit here and there by the backwash of small electric lights on the floor. The floor itself was a great half-barrel, the ceiling a grid of steel. All this was warmed by nearly visible streams of air rising above the lights, which were the stars of the constellations in the great vaulted roof of Grand Central Station--recently built with the notion of installing the sky indoors to shine permanently and in green. Peter Lake was one of the few who knew that beyond the visible universe were beams and artifice, a homely support for that which seemed to float. And he had returned by craft and force to the back of the sky, where once in another life he had helped to forge the connections between the beams, to rest now amid the props of the designer’s splendid intentions. He had provided himself with a plank platform of solid oak; a soft feather bed; a makeshift kitchen neatly tucked into a corner (canned goods and biscuits were stacked among the beams); a pile of technical books for late-night reading; a little lamp that had once been a star and had then disappeared without being missed from below; and a long rope on a drum, part of an elaborate escape system worthy of Mootfowl’s best and brightest pupil.”
-- Mark Helprin, from “Winter’s Tale” (1983)

Despite having often passed through Grand Central Station as a child in New York, it was in the wake of reading Helprin’s WINTER’S TALE as an adult that I began taking the time to pause and really look around at what is one of the world’s most-visited tourist attractions.

“Jackie had taken the train countless times to and from Grand Central. It stood close to where she had grown up on Park Avenue and was at the heart of the glamorous city. After her time in Washington, D.C., ended, Jackie moved back to New York City to live among the parks, museums, and magnificent buildings she adored.
By the time Jackie returned, Grand Central had been at risk of losing its magnificence. Its owners wanted to build a skyscraper right on top of it. New Yorkers were outraged! Their historic building must be protected!”

In the midst of what became a historic, precedent-setting Supreme Court case regarding New York City’s Landmarks Law, former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy spearheaded an effort to build public support for saving and restoring New York City’s Grand Central Station to its former glory.

WHEN JACKIE SAVED GRAND CENTRAL begins with the story of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy restoring the White House, which had become quite a dump prior to the time when she and President Kennedy moved in. Many Americans first got to know Jackie Kennedy when, in 1962, she hosted a television special tour of the White House whose restoration she’d undertaken.

“‘Is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud moments, until there is nothing left of her history and beauty to inspire our children?’”
-- Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy’s successful campaign to save Grand Central is fun to read about. It involved committees and fund raising and letter writing and even a “whistle stop crusade” in which Jackie and other supporters traveled by train to Washington, D.C. where the Supreme Court was about to rule on the Station’s fate. The train trip included “mimes, musicians, clowns, and fire-eating jugglers.”

JFK’s presidency at the dawn of the 1960s, dubbed the New Frontier, marked a turning point in America. WHEN JACKIE SAVED GRAND CENTRAL is a wonderful tribute to a woman who many consider America’s last royalty, and to a pair of campaigns that significantly changed America’s attitudes about historical preservation.

Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com

[Erin Violi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about when Jacqueline Kennedy saved Grand Central Station. The owners of Grand Central Station wanted to knock down the building and build a huge skyscraper. Jackie Kennedy had grown up traveling through Grand Central and did not want this famous New York landmark to be ruined. Jackie Kennedy petitioned for Grand Central to be saved. The owners of the famous train station took this to court and won. The state of New York appealed the decision, this court action went back and forth until it finally reached the Supreme Court. After much deliberation, the Supreme Court decided that Grand Central Station should be designated as a historic landmark. After this, Jackie set out to restore Grand Central because it was not in good condition. After lots of time and money, Grand Central Station was fully restored. The old train station was now very extravagant. In 1998, Grand Station was rededicated. Jackie Kennedy had died five years prior and was not there to see all of the New Yorkers there celebrating the train station. There is a plaque dedicated to all she had done for Grand Central Station.

Lesson
Pick any historic building or site (Statue of Liberty, White House, National Mall, Mount Rushmore, etc.) write a fictional story about this historic building or site where you are rescuing it, just like Jackie did to Grand Central Station.
Address these questions within your story:
- why is this historic building or site significant to you?
- why is this historic building or site significant to the United States of America?
- why is this historic building or site in danger of being torn down?
- who are the heros of the story, who are the villians?

Wing, N., & Boiger, A. (2017). When Jackie saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for an American Icon. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

[Cynthia Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy became the First Lady of the United States in 1961 and worked tirelessely to search out the valuable treasures of the White House and restore them to their previous beauty. She located special pieces in the presidential residence and worked to change the mansion to a place that would make Americans proud. Years later she learned of another project that needed a restorative makeover and she plunged into saving Grand Central Station in New York City. Because of her great love for New York City and the times she spent spent there, she led the fight to preserve Grand Central Station for upcoming years. The city enacted a law to have a way to preserve its architecture so this famous train station. Some businessmen decided to attempt to replace Grand Central Station with a skyscraper. Jackie refused to allow the iconic train station to be replaced by a skyscraper and decided to save it from destruction. She started a committee to save Grand Central Station and was joined by many. She wanted children to enjoy the legacy of the city's historical sites and followed through all the way to the fight to the Supreme Court. She even rode a special train down the East coast where others who supported rode with her. After much work, Grand Centtral was saved, but Jackie Kennedy did not live to see the fruition of her work. Today this monument stands because of her desire to preserve history for those yet unborn. This book is beautifully done, I don't care for the toothpick legs without feet that the illustrator has given Jackie.

[Patricia Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story about how former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy led the effort to save and restore Grand Central. It’s owners wanted to build a skyscraper right on top of this historic site, which opened in 1913.  For Jackie and many others who loved this landmark, “destroying Grand Central would be architectural mutilation.”

Impeccably researched, Natasha Wing’s picture book shares a lot of detail about this little-known story for many Americans. In a last-ditch effort to gather support, Jackie and 300 supporters joined aboard the Landmark Express, and traveled from New York to Washington, D.C., to garner public support and attention for their cause before the Supreme Court. Jackie’s comment to the press upon arrival, “If Grand Central Station goes, all the landmarks in this country will go as well.”

This great classroom book that shows children how important it is to get involved in a cause they believe and connect their voices with others in order to create change in their communities and world. They too can make a difference. Alexandra Boiger’s beautiful illustrations are expressive, inspirational and highlight this important story.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wing, Natasha When Jackie Saved Grand Central Illustrated by Alexandra Boiger PICTURE BOOK Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017 $17.99 Content: G.

Jacqueline Kennedy made an impact on important historical buildings in America. While she was First Lady, she gathered memorabilia and turned the White House into a museum that American’s can visit and reflect on U.S. History. In the 1970’s she helped save Grand Central Station in New York from being bulldozed and turned into skyscrapers. The laws that were passed to save Grand Central have helped maintain many historical buildings throughout the country.

What I loved most about this book is the unique topic. I think this interesting story helps kids to think about historical buildings and items and their importance to us. As Jackie Kennedy said, “If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for her future?” There is a more comprehensive explanation at the end of the book in the author’s note.

EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE. Reviewer, C. Peterson.
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...

[Amanda Vander hyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book shows how Jackie Kennedy did so much good in her life, not just being a fashion icon of her time, but also helping preserve US history and fighting for Grand Central Station by renovating it and restoring its former beauty. This is a great way to show the First Ladies and how they are remarkably helpful to our society, even if the world seems to focus more on what the president does. Many First Ladies did things that were before their time, and it is good to show that recognition to children. The only problem with this book is that it does not go into Kennedy's assassination at all, just says that Jackie left the White House. I understand that he is not the focus of the book, but to gloss over it seems a little impractical for children and shadows a part of our history that is important to remember.


Wing, N. (2017, March 7). When Jackie Saved Grand Central. Boston, MA: HMH Books for Young Readers.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read before traveling to NYC and for all NYC lovers. Grand Central Station is one of the most beautiful buildings in NYC, thanks to Jackie Kennedy and the Supreme Court ruling. The cerulean ceiling of Grand Central Terminal is incredible. It took almost 200 million dollars and two decades to renovate Grand Central Station, but boy does it shine brightly today! Jackie Kennedy used her eloquent voice when it really mattered. This was the first time in history that the Supreme Court heard a case about historic preservation.

1871 Grand Central Depot was built by Cornelius Vanderbilt. The Depot was rebuilt in 1899 and named Grand Central Station. About 750,000 people pass through Grand Central daily. Make sure to go visit Grand Central Station on your next trip to NYC!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful art, engaging story. SLJ's review would be a good one to read through - the basic points being that there are some odd choices. Jackie Kennedy is consistently referred to as "Jackie" throughout the entire book. Not all that abnormal for children's biographies in general, of men or women. Still, illustrations of her and other women in the book are off - they have stick-like legs, which in and of itself wouldn't be too odd if illustration of men shared the characteristic (they do not). So often stories about Kennedy are defined by the assassination of her husband, and this book makes no mention of it. It's nice to see a biography so tightly focused on her.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would work well in an intermediate grade doing in-depth studies of First Ladies or historic preservation, but I can't imagine using it with lower grade students (they would probably be as distracted with her footless, stick legs as the rest of us are!).
Backmatter includes notes from the author and illustrator, and short list of selected sources. The illustrations are impressionistic, muted backgrounds, and purposeful use of blue, black, and red.
Another reason I think it would work better with older students is the reference to Andy Warhol, and this could be used as part of a study of other historical landmarks, such as statues.

[Melyssa Bladorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be a good book when talking about politics or strong women who have made a difference. I think that this book shows young girls (as well as boys) to fight for what you believe in. This book shows determination, courage, and great leadership and how valuable history is.
The books pictures did a good job depicting the station and historical places in history.
As an educator, I think that this would be a good book to steer students in the right direction to think about for a biography. I love that this focuses on Jacqueline Kennedy and told something that she cared about instead of focusing on her being just a fashion icon.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that Natasha Wing thought to write this story to introduce children to Jackie Kennedy Onassis. It is an interesting story that puts Jackie in the context of some of her own actions, not just as a President's wife. I'm less than thrilled with the illustrations, particularly the campy, weird-legged depiction of Jackie. It just seems odd and out of character.

First Line: "When Jackie became First Lady of the United States in 1961, she moved into the White House with President John F. Kennedy and their children."

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when the efforts and accomplishments of women and girls are featured in books. I also enjoy when the work of our First Ladies are honored to show they are more than arm candy for their powerful husbands. The information in this book was unknown to me. I did not realize that Jackie Kennedy took up the cause to save Grand Central Station. I often fear that we are all too quick to be out with the old and in with the new in this country. I respect when people realize history is worth preserving.

[Laura Giessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have lived during Jackie Kennedy's era, so I could more fully appreciate the impact that she had on Americans and our country. The story told in this book helps those of us who were not aware at the time of the work that Mrs. Kennedy did to preserve historical buildings and landmarks. There are a few words or terms that seem kind of "thrown in" without enough context like "architectural mutilation" and "the Beaux Arts building". But overall, I learned a lot about this influential woman.

[Alison T. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacqueline Kennedy had an eye for artistic detail, a love for historic preservation, and the will to use her powerful position to affect change. “Like a powerful locomotive, Jackie led the charge to preserve the landmark she and New York City loved.” In this endearingly illustrated picture book we learn how Jackie took up the charge to save Grand Central through true activism and determination. The illustrations bring the story to life and portray Jackie as the sophisticated, thoughtful and classy person that she was.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Kennedy aficionado, I enjoyed this little book. Although it's for children, it caught my eye in the library so I checked it out. I like the fact that they focused on her role protecting historical monuments and buildings rather than the typical fashion and association with JFK. She is in her own spotlight as she should be.
The struggle wasn't easy or glossed over either, it explained the fight to protect GCS realistically, for kids, yet not dumbed down. Jackie would have approved!

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

#action #perseverance
I originally came across the story of Grand Central on 99% invisible so was glad there is a picture book to tell the story. Living in Asia now is probably like what it was then in the USA with old landmark and historical buildings making way for "progress" so this book will be well used. Great illustrations.
Includes end note, illustrator note and bibliography.
No time line.