★ “Jarrow is back with her fourth installment of the award-winning ‘Medical Fiascoes’ series. This time, she focuses on nine presidents who hid medical crises from the American public… The content is engaging and easy to follow, even when multiple figures are introduced. The epilogue encourages readers to consider the impact of an ailing president on the country and the role the media plays in the conversation, perhaps prompting young readers to think about media literacy. Extensive back matter offers more to explore… History lovers and budding political enthusiasts will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at presidential history.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“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?… Each subject’s interesting, easy-to-read story appears in a stand-alone chapter of approximately 20 pages… Reveals secrets and raises timely, ethical questions worthy of vigorous discussion and debate.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Well researched and succinctly written, each chapter tells a different tale based on secrets kept by presidents and those who wanted to protect them. An intriguing topic explored in compelling true stories and illustrated with period photos.” —Booklist
“Author Gail Jarrow, who has garnered numerous awards for her engaging nonfiction books for young people, has written an oh-so-timely exposé for tweens and teens about nine former presidents whose serious, often life-threatening health problems were covered up by their respective administrations, along with their physicians and families, too often with the full cooperation of the press. James Garfield, Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Joe Biden are the presidential subjects of this fascinating, well-researched, and well-documented examination of the whoppers that past administrations have told the public concerning the fitness of presidents to serve as chief executive… my vote is for adding this killer read to middle- and high school collections.” —Richie Partington, MLIS, Richie’s Picks blog
“This book is a great resource for teachers and school libraries, offering jumping-off point for discussions and debates about history, politics, health, and ethics. I give it a rating of 5 stethoscopes.”—Sue Heavenrich, Archimedes Notebook blog
“Jarrow’s latest book on medical calamities in history describes how nine U.S. Presidents were able to conceal serious medical crises during their terms in office, from James Garfield to Joseph Biden… The author’s writing style, similar to her previous book Ambushed! The Assassination Plot Against President Garfield (2021), is compelling, with just enough detail to inform and interest the reader but not overwhelm.”—Bayviews, The Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California
“Who doesn’t want to learn about presidential secrets and coverups? Gail Jarrow has written a highly engaging, fascinating look at nine presidents in history who concealed medical issues while president of the United States of America… Given that many of our politicians are hanging on to their offices well into old age, these discussions around fitness for office and ethics are highly relevant. Recommended for teens who like historical nonfiction that reveals complex, messy history and exposes the truth about historical figures.”—Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers
