WHITE HOUSE SECRETS

The latest from Jarrow, an acclaimed author of nonfiction for young readers, unveils medical issues that have affected sitting presidents through the centuries.

This work, a strong choice for young readers and adults alike, raises the question: What’s the best way to balance presidents’ right to medical privacy with their responsibility to govern the nation? Although a number of U.S. presidents have experienced health problems while in office, the nine profiled in this book chose to hide them from the general public and, sometimes, their own staff for varied reasons: James Garfield, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Joseph Biden. Each subject’s interesting, easy-to-read story appears in a stand-alone chapter of approximately 20 pages. The entries open with a portrait and quick list of biographical details. The book is liberally illustrated with period photos and reproductions of newspaper articles and political cartoons. One section provides a detailed explanation of how the process of choosing the next in line for the presidency has changed over time. Extensive backmatter—a timeline, glossary of medical terms, additional resources, research notes, source notes, bibliography, and index—add to the value of this account. The epilogue challenges journalists to engage in “accurate and impartial reporting” to help counter disinformation.

Reveals secrets and raises timely, ethical questions worthy of vigorous discussion and debate.