Staff Pick: America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray

To celebrate America's 250th birthday, participation in the Georgia Reads for America 250 Reading Challenge is a memorable way to start! Don't forget to sign up for the reading challenge on the Beanstack app!  

My favorite book from the adult list so far is America's First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. The two authors teamed up and thoroughly researched the background and history of Thomas Jefferson's oldest daughter and how she helped shape the history of our nation. 

Through visits to Monticello and interviews with the staff there, interviews with the descendants of Jefferson, and reading much of the correspondence written by Thomas Jefferson and his daughter, Patsy, a realistic view of life in America during the late 1700s and early 1800s is depicted by the authors. 

Excerpts from letters written by Jefferson and his daughter are printed throughout the book to support its authenticity. Actual events are supported by facts, which help the reader to understand the emotions and angst that the people from that era were subject to. 

The story is told from the viewpoint of Martha "Patsy" Jefferson Randolph. Many of the attitudes towards women and societal norms of the period are highlighted. It is amazing how much Martha Jefferson was able to accomplish in that environment! Thomas Jefferson's relationship with Sally Hemmings is also explored. 

At the end of the novel, the authors reveal any events that have been altered or timelines that have been compressed. This also helps the reader to get a true picture of the early story of our nation.

America's First Daughter is available at the library in regular print or as an eAudiobook. 

Jeanine Thompson
Outreach Specialist