The President Is Ailing

Tales of Medical Crises in the White House

Discover the shocking, yet true, stories of presidential illnesses and medical crises from the 18th to the 21st century—the latest thrilling title in award-winning author Gail Jarrow’s Medical Fiascoes series for readers ages 10 and up.

George Washington almost died from an infection just a few weeks after becoming the first president. Two later presidents suddenly succumbed to disease within nine years of each other, shocking the country. In this riveting companion book to her 2025 White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups, Gail Jarrow investigates life-threatening illnesses and severe injuries suffered by U.S. presidents from the 18th to 21st century. Because medical care was often ineffective and even harmful, several of them did not survive. As the fifth book in the Medical Fiascoes series, The President Is Ailing reveals little-known stories of chief executives whose medical conditions created national crises.
Gail Jarrow is the author of nonfiction books and novels for readers ages 8–18. Her nonfiction books have earned the Sibert Honor, the Orbis Pictus Honor, the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, YALSA Finalist, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Outstanding Science Trade Book, a NSTA Best STEM book, the Jefferson Cup Award, the Eureka! Gold Award, as well as Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions. You can find her at gailjarrow.com. View titles by Gail Jarrow

About

Discover the shocking, yet true, stories of presidential illnesses and medical crises from the 18th to the 21st century—the latest thrilling title in award-winning author Gail Jarrow’s Medical Fiascoes series for readers ages 10 and up.

George Washington almost died from an infection just a few weeks after becoming the first president. Two later presidents suddenly succumbed to disease within nine years of each other, shocking the country. In this riveting companion book to her 2025 White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups, Gail Jarrow investigates life-threatening illnesses and severe injuries suffered by U.S. presidents from the 18th to 21st century. Because medical care was often ineffective and even harmful, several of them did not survive. As the fifth book in the Medical Fiascoes series, The President Is Ailing reveals little-known stories of chief executives whose medical conditions created national crises.

Author

Gail Jarrow is the author of nonfiction books and novels for readers ages 8–18. Her nonfiction books have earned the Sibert Honor, the Orbis Pictus Honor, the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, YALSA Finalist, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book, Outstanding Science Trade Book, a NSTA Best STEM book, the Jefferson Cup Award, the Eureka! Gold Award, as well as Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and School Library Journal Best Books and VOYA Honor Book distinctions. You can find her at gailjarrow.com. View titles by Gail Jarrow

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