When Jackie Saved Grand Central: The True Story of Jacqueline Kennedy’s Fight for an American Icon
Natasha Wing, Author
Alexandra Boiger, Illustrator
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Narrative Nonfiction, Mar. 7, 2017
Suitable for Ages: 6-9
Themes: Jacqueline Kennedy, Grand Central Station, Conservation and Restoration, New York City
Opening: “When Jackie became First Lady of the United States in 1961, she moved into the White House and restored the dreary mansion into a stately home that made Americans proud… Fourteen years later, another famous landmark, this time in New York City, needed Jackie Kennedy’s help…”
Book Jacket Synopsis: First Lady. American legend. New Yorker.
Jacqueline Kennedy loved everything about her home city, from the beauty of the parks to the grandeur of the buildings. Grand Central Terminal was one of the grandest buildings of all — but in 1968, it was in danger of destruction. Jackie couldn’t imagine changing New York’s famous train station! So the former First Lady of the United States and other passionate Americans came together to save the iconic landmark, embarking on a journey that went all the way to the Supreme Court. And as they fought to preserve the past, those who love Grand Central made history.
Why I like this book:
Natasha Wing has skillfully written an inspiring story about how former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy led the effort to save and restore Grand Central. It’s owners wanted to build a skyscraper right on top of this historic site, which opened in 1913. For Jackie and many others who loved this landmark, “destroying Grand Central would be architectural mutilation.”
Convincingly written and impeccably researched, Wing’s picture book shares a lot of detail about this little-known story for many Americans. In a last-ditch effort to gather support, Jackie and 300 supporters joined aboard the Landmark Express, and traveled from New York to Washington, D.C., to garner public support and attention for their cause before the Supreme Court. Jackie’s comment to the press upon arrival, “If Grand Central Station goes, all the landmarks in this country will go as well.”
This book is a classroom gem that shows children how important it is to get involved in a cause they believe and connect their voices with others in order to create change in their communities and world. They too can make a difference.
Alexandra Boiger’s beautiful illustrations are expressive, inspirational and highlight this important story. Make sure you read her Illustrator’s Note at the end. Boiger shares how she uses different colors and symbols to highlight the emotional story line. For example, during the fight, Jackie wears a bright red coat which depicts her anger.
The restoration work took 20 years and Jacqueline Kennedy died four years before it was dedicated in 1998.
Resources/Activities: Encourage children to identify historic buildings in their local communities. Visit them. Have buildings been restored and taken care of? If you live in New York City visit Grand Central Station. Both Wing and Boiger urge visitors to walk into the Main Concourse and look up — where the stars shine from the cerulean ceiling. There is also a lengthy Author’s Note at the end that gives a lot more background about Jackie and the restoration work.
Natasha Wing is the author of many picture books, including an acclaimed biography of artist Josef Albers and the best-selling Night Before series. Visit Wing at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
*I was provided with a copy of this book in turn for a fair and honest review.
Children's Books Heal 
A wonderful review of a book I’m looking forward to read. I remember the old Grand Central & am so thankful for those who persisted to revitalize this old gem.
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Thank you! It was a labor of love on Jackie’s part to save this New York City treasure. This story is so well done.
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Wow! This looks like a powerful story. I love the cover – it says so much!
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Me, too! You can feel her strength and resolve.
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Excellent review! I’m on the lookout for this one.
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Thank you! It’s a powerful story because it helped in the preservation of other historic buildings!
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I loved Grand Central Station when I visited in 1987. It is so important to keep these wonderful old buildings. It is also good for children to know that they too can make a difference. By reading a book like this, the next generation will be more aware of preserving landmarks.
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It’s a sophisticated topic but I hope this book starts the conversation of preservation and activism.
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I´m sure it will Natasha. Just one book can change a child´s view! Well done.
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There are many takeaways from this grand story. But I love that the story inspires kids to make a difference in their communities.
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Fantastic cover!
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Yes, the beautiful cover really draws you to the story. Jackie looks so determined.
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I wasn’t aware of this moment in history. And thank goodness saving Grand Central Station was accomplished! It’s a tremendously beautiful piece of history and architecture. Thank you for a great review of a picture book I’m looking forward to reading.
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Grand Central was targeted after Penn Station was torn down, an even more beautiful station, so I’m glad they saved one beauty!
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Reblogged this on Natasha Wing.
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It would be fun to read the book then take your children or students on a field trip to a historic building that was saved in your community. In Denver, the Union train station was recently renovated. I haven’t seen the one in Washington, D.C. in person but in the photos it’s gorgeous.
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Yes, I agree. This is the perfect book for parents and teachers to use before a field trip.
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I also started a Face Book posted dedicated to this book to celebrate Jackie and Grand Central. I can’t get enough of either! https://www.facebook.com/jackiekennedyonassisbook/
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Joined! 🙂
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I’ve posted more photos of Jackie and Grand Central at the FB page above.
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A park ranger told me that Jackie also helped save the Mt. Vernon viewshed. The power of the pen!
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You really are full of interesting facts. I didn’t know that piece of history. Such a remarkable soul!
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Fascinating! I’m looking forward to reading this one. Such a different time in our history. Thanks for sharing.
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I think you will enjoy this story. It does show that people gathered around a cause can move mountains.
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Oh, how I love it when a NF picture book teaches me something I don’t know. I’m gonna search this one out.
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This book is skillfully written and has a lot of detail you’ll enjoy. You’ll have fun sharing it with your kids.
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And I shall.
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My writer’s antenna was buzzing when I heard that Jackie was involved with saving Grand Central. I just HAD to find out how.
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Natasha and Alexandra have created a beautiful book!
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Thanks, Julie! It was a true collaboration.
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Excellent review Patricia. I can’t wait to read this one. Thank you for featuring it.
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I do enjoy NF PBs, so I will check this one out. Sounds like the writer found an interesting focus.
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I think you’ll enjoy this one, Rosi!
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This sounds like an excellent read. I visited Grand Central in New York when we were there a few years ago. It’s a lovely building. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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Now there is a foyer dedicated to her there.
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This looks so intriguing; I can’t imagine if Grand Central Station had met a different fate. Kudos to the author and illustrator duo for bringing this story to life and thank you, Pat, for featuring it.
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It is an important story for children to know about the work Jackie led to save Grand Central Station. So many of the people who left comments didn’t know the story. I didn’t.
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Great choice. I’m not usually a fan of nonfiction, but this sounds fascinating.
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You would enjoy this beautiful story. It is more narrative nonfiction.
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I’ve heard so many good things about this book – definitely have to check it out.
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I hope you do! It’s an important story!
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Definitely looking for this one. Love history and women in history that much more. Thanks for the review!
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I love women in history, too. Mostly the little-known stories. The ones that make readers go, “I didn’t know that!” So I was thrilled to come across this story and happy that now the world is more aware of another wonderful thing Jackie did for our country.
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Working on a new one about another First Lady. Send good mojo that a publisher will contract it!
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No, I never knew this about Grand Central, or Jackie O. Looks like a fabulous book.
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Isn’t it amazing how many of us didn’t know this important story. Now children will learn about her work to save such an important landmark.
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What a great story! I also think the suggested activity is an excellent one.
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It is such an important story to share with children. It shows them that the can make a difference in their community.
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How fascinating. One of my favorite building in New York!
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It almost had a skyscraper built on top of it.
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I love picture books that are impeccably researched. I lived in NYC for years and had no idea Jackie Kennedy was so instrumental in saving Grand Central Station. Thank you for this great review.
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Thank you Joanne. I’m glad you enjoyed the Natasha’s book. It is impeccably researched. I had no idea about the role Jackie Kennedy played in this massive restoration project.
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