Ilene Cooper: Books

Ilene Cooper

For more than twenty years, Ilene Cooper has been writing both fiction and nonfiction books for children, including The Golden Rule, Jack: The Early Years of John F. Kennedy, Absolutely Lucy and Lucy on the Loose (from the Absolutely Lucy series). She is also the children’s books editor at Booklist magazine. She lives in Highland Park, Illinois.

Praise for A Woman in the House (and Senate)

"It is no small task to create a book that summarizes over a century of U.S. history, gives a crash course in civics, and provides succinct, pithy biographies of numerous women who have served in the legislative and judicial branches of government. Cooper pulls it off. " —Kirkus Reviews, starred review.

Praise for The Golden Rule

"Teachers, parents, and religious leaders will welcome [this] as a clear introduction to an important subject." —School Library Journal.

Praise for Jake's Best Thumb

"A familiar story line becomes unexpectedly moving in the experienced hands of Cooper" —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Oprah Winfrey

"Cooper tackles one of the richest and most famous women in the world, recounting her complicated life and extraordinary history with honesty and clarity . . . sure to find a rapt audience." —Kirkus Reviews

"This well-documented, easy-to-read biography is a good resource for reports." —School Library Journal

A lively rendition of a larger-than-life woman. —Childrens Literature

Praise for Jack

"Cooper offers an engaging overview of the mischievous and often sickly boy who grew up to become president." —Publishers Weekly

Praise for Jewish Holidays

"[T]his book does an excellent job of bringing the holidays to life. The text, illustrations, and photographs work together to create an informative and enjoyable survey for Jewish collections and to round out multicultural collections." —School Library Journal

Praise for The Dead Sea Scrolls

"Cooper unravels this tangled knot of information, jumping between ancient and more recent historical references, letting readers know when there are conflicting facts, and providing back matter that further reveals the complications of this archaeological enigma." —Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Absolutely Lucy

“Bobby’s fears of new people and situations are skillfully captured, and the story is entertaining and well plotted. Bobby is an endearing character, and he and his dog are an appealing combination.”—School Library Journal

“Depicted with humor and realism. . . . The respectful attention given to their peer’s difficulties and progress will be much appreciated by newly and almost independent readers.”—The Bulletin

Praise for Angel in My Pocket

"Cooper's introspective novel gently circles around themes of overcoming pain and applying one's talents. The characters and setting are lovingly crafted, and readers will be left contemplating the roles of luck, magic, and inner strength in the kids' transformed lives." —Publishers Weekly