Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between

October 21, 2024
Elliott (Walls) spotlights the tumultuous political and social conflicts in Washington, D.C., during Nixon’s presidency. In 1973, Illinois native Patty Appleton starts her job as a Congressional page. She spends her days on the Senate sidelines, and nights
and weekends with her godmother, Aunt Marjorie, and Marjorie’s counterculture daughter, Simone. Patty’s conservative childhood ill prepares her for how to deal with lewd comments made by male pages and frank conversations with Simone on
sex and women’s rights: “I’m not some big libber,” Patty says when questioned about being “a symbol for the women’s movement” as a female page. When the Watergate hearings begin, Patty questions her “good girl” upbringing by her Republican father and the expectations boyfriend Scott has for her as a future political wife. This expansive historical novel immerses readers in life on the Hill. While necessary background details can become overwhelming and scenes turn didactic at times, the well-paced narrative thoughtfully showcases Patty’s personal conflict in choosing which role models to follow. A generous prologue and epilogue provide a timeline of events, a who’s who of important 1970s female figures, and a bibliography. Most characters read as white. Ages 14–up. Agent: Katelyn Detweiler, Jill Grinberg Literary.

December 1, 2024

Gr 9 Up-The year is 1973, and Patty Appleton has a front-row seat to one of the most scandalous political dramas in American history. As one of the first female congressional pages, Patty not only witnesses President Nixon's dirty political tricks but also finds herself at the intersection of a divided nation. Patty's personal journey becomes a mirror of the time's ideological battles. She wrestles with opposing influences: her conservative parents, who are unshakable Nixon supporters, and her feminist friends, who challenge the era's patriarchy. As she grows increasingly troubled by Nixon's corruption and suspects her father's involvement, Patty faces the challenge of sorting through half-truths to find the reality beneath. The novel's unique storytelling format avoids the necessity of information dumps, as each chapter begins with an albumlike format that includes relevant historical clippings, political cartoons, and news photos, providing readers with immersive context around pivotal events like Watergate, the Equal Rights Amendment fight, Roe v. Wade, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The social commentary, while grounded in historical facts, resonates with contemporary readers, reflecting issues that still echo in today's social landscape. The novel's candid portrayal of sexual content and nuanced discussions around gender roles add a maturity that older readers will appreciate. Though the ending leaves some issues unresolved, this lack of closure serves as a reminder of the complexity of political life and personal growth. VERDICT The skillful blend of historical facts, relatable teen angst, and profound social commentary makes this a gripping must-read for both teens and adults.-Lynne Stover

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2024
A front-row view of the Watergate scandal, second-wave feminism, and other significant events through the eyes of a teenage congressional page in 1973. Patricia Appleton didn't become one of the first female congressional pages because she wanted to change the world--she just hoped to make her conservative parents proud and someday be the best wife to her boyfriend, Scott, who has political ambitions. However, it's hard for Patty to avoid political strife caused by the fallout of the Vietnam War, Watergate, Roe v. Wade, and the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment. Bolstered by her fashionable (and hotheaded) friend, Simone, her politically radical, loudmouth fellow page, Abe, the brave and soft-spoken House page Will, whose Marine brothers are fighting in Vietnam, and Simone's musician boyfriend, Julius, Patty is in for a year of learning. Elliott cuts no corners in teaching readers about the myriad political issues threaded throughout the narrative. Interspersed graphic interludes consisting of collages of historical photos and documents outline significant events that feature in the upcoming chapters. Despite the challenges of working so much factual content into the narrative, the likable characters will charm and engage readers. Those interested in contemporary politics will enjoy spotting historical precedents to current events. Most central characters present white; Abe is Black. A compelling work grounded in historical facts with allusions to present-day concerns. (content alert with resources, author's note, selected sources, photo credits)(Historical fiction. 14-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2025
Grades 9-12 This strong, coming-of-age historical work follows Patty, 18, as she becomes one of Washington, DC's first female congressional pages in January 1973. Her ultimate goal is to be the ideal future politician's wife for her boyfriend, Scott, back in Illinois. Patty befriends pages with diverse opinions and witnesses the Watergate hearings firsthand. Weekends with her godmother's activist daughter, Simone, 17, open Patty's eyes to the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment and the misogyny inside her own conservative Republican family. The novel begins with a lengthy nonfiction photo-essay orienting readers to the events and issues of the time, and shorter introductions open each chapter, one for each month of the year. These break the story's momentum, but its intensity is ensured by sharply drawn secondary characters, powerful mother-daughter relationships, and the relevance of the political and personal issues explored. A content alert for intimate partner violence is warranted, yet the novel ends on a hopeful note as Patty comes into her own. Extensive back matter includes brief biographies and selected sources.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.