With an American presidential history that includes eight deaths while in office, and a third of incumbents experiencing serious illness during their terms, there is plenty of material to draw on for this chronological account of commanders-in-chief with ill health and the cover-ups that often accompanied it. The first chapter highlights James Garfield, shot in 1881 just a few months after taking office. Garfield lingered for 80 days before succumbing to an injury that may have been survivable if the wound hadn’t been contaminated by doctors’ dirty hands and unclean instruments and their unwillingness to consider antiseptic medical practice, which was widely accepted by other physicians of the time. Morning newspaper medical bulletins painted an optimistic picture for weeks while Garfield’s condition deteriorated. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan are among other presidents included, and the final chapter, titled “The Disastrous Debate,” highlights Joe Biden. An Epilogue summarizes why presidents chose to hide medical problems, often because they saw it as being in the country’s best interest. Others may have done so to help win an election, maintain power, or simply protect their reputation. Spouses, aides, and physicians were commonly instrumental in maintaining the cover-ups. The well-designed volume includes photos, newspaper headlines, and other images, as well as a timeline, glossary, and link to additional sources.

Finalist, 2026 YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults
A School Library Journal Best Book
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List 2025
CCBC Choices 2026

Here are the shocking, yet true, stories of presidential medical cover-ups from the 19th to the 21st century—the latest thrilling title in award-winning author Gail Jarrow’s Medical Fiascoes series for readers ages 10 and up.

Did you know President Woodrow Wilson suffered a paralyzing stroke that his wife and doctors concealed for months? Or that Mrs. Wilson took total charge of his presidential duties? Neither did the American public. Did you know President John F. Kennedy suffered from Addison’s disease and was heavily medicated for years? Neither did most people. Too often when a president is sick or dying, he and the people around him have hidden his condition from the public, wanting to project an image of strength and power.

In this fascinating and provocative new installment in her acclaimed Medical Fiascoes series, author Gail Jarrow explores presidential cover-ups from the 19th to the 21st century—from James Garfield to Joe Biden. White House Secrets provides the historical context to help young readers understand issues of media literacy and presidential candor that are more relevant than ever in the 21st century.