Condoleezza Rice

February 1, 2011

Gr 7 Up-The former Secretary of State recounts her life, beginning with her family history and childhood in Birmingham, AL, during the 1950s and '60s. From extremely supportive parents she learned that she could become anything she put her mind to, despite the rampant racism that existed in the South. A 16-page insert of black-and-white and color photos adds detail, and the glossary has more information on the many political leaders whom Rice refers to in the book. This valuable memoir about breaking glass ceilings may inspire readers to test their own potential.-Stephanie Malosh, Donoghue Elementary School, Chicago, IL

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2010
Grades 7-9 This slightly distilled version of former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rices concurrently published autobiography, Extraordinary, Ordinary People: A Memoir of Family, hits all the high points of Rices life. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Rice was the daughter of parents who convinced her that, as she puts it, even if she couldnt have a hamburger at the Woolworths lunch counter, she could be president of the United States. Filled with fascinating photos, this will not only introduce young people to a groundbreaking woman but will also give them a real sense of what life was like growing up in the segregated south in the 1950s and 1960s. High-school libraries might want the adult version of the book, but this one costs 10 dollars less.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)