Ladies First: 5 Books About Our Favorite Women of the White House

Before becoming the 43rd First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush was a librarian in the great state of Texas. A voracious reader, Bush is candid, brave, and reverent in her tales of early life through her days living on Pennsylvania Avenue. Here she goes into detail about her experiences of 9/11 and of standing by her husband during the war. She also offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be married to someone in the highest office in the land. From an oftentimes maddening spotlight to decorating a home for her family to find solitude in, Bush is a delightful storyteller who invites you to sit with her for a few hours while she ruminates on an impressive life lived.

Written during her time as First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton released a call to arms for all Americans to do right by our children. She made children her passion during the Clinton Administration and it is clear in this rally cry to us all. We need to raise children up and give them the best shot at life we possibly can. Rereleased during her historic run for president of the United States, this anniversary edition contains a new introduction and photographs. You can also find a children's picture book version illustrated by the incredibly talented Marla Frazee. Now you can pass along this story of diversity and harmony. Because at the end of the day we are all still stronger together.

Ever heard the phrase that behind every strong man there's a strong woman? Well, that is more than true for President Lyndon Johnson. In this comprehensive biography of Lady Bird Johnson, Jan Jarboe Russell combines thorough research and countless interviews she conducted with those closest to the Johnsons to bring the former First Lady out of the shadows. She shows the businesswoman who was critical in the financial management of her husband's campaign, the peacemaker who managed her husband's legendary mood swings, and the passionate conservationist who fought to save wildflowers in our country.

Kathy McKeon was at Jackie Kennedy's side for 13 years. An immigrant from Ireland, she was hired to be the personal assistant to the First Lady. Whilst in her employ, she saw Kennedy through her time in the White House and her assimilation back into private life after her husband's assassination. JACKIE'S GIRL is chock-full of anecdotes and stories of Kennedy's life at home. From her passion for clothes and decorating, to her love and devotion to her two children, readers will get a very personal glimpse into the lives of the Kennedys told by someone who knew them best.

At the time of our nation's creation, Abigail Adams stood by the side of one of its most influential and historic figures. Award-winning historian Woody Holton uses correspondence and original sources to construct a vivid and detailed look at the inner circle of the Adams family. He keeps a keen eye on Abigail, who was possibly much more charismatic and had greater influence on the nation's second president than previously thought. Once ignored by Congress when pushing for women to inherit their husband's fortunes after death (rather than the first son inheriting it), she struck out and made a fortune all her own. She was complicated, opinionated, gritty, and—in Holton's hands—completely mesmerizing.