The Palin Myth Machine

From The Christian Science Monitor:

"Speaking Up: The Sarah Palin Story," expected in bookstores this fall, is part of the ZonderKidz biography series.

"Speaking Up," by Kim Washburn, is also cast as the story of a strong figure who struggles against the odds to reach success. The tagline on the book's jacket reads, "The story of a girl from Alaska who grew up to run for the White House."

"Speaking Up" also draws heavily on Palin's religious background, occasionally quoting from the Bible and focusing on Palin as a strongly committed Christian who refused to compromise her beliefs to suit either fellow politicians or the American public. Her insistence on speaking out about her belief in creationism, for instance, shows her standing up to Republican Party "handlers" who worried that she would alienate some voters.

Republican Party members are not necessarily heroes in this book. Palin is shown clashing more than once with members of the McCain campaign and at one point, Washburn explains, "it took a Democrat-turned-Independent politician [Joe Lieberman] to lift her spirits and restore her perspective."

And the publisher's description:

Speaking Up: The Sarah Palin Story is the latest addition to the best-selling Zonderkidz Biographies series. Noted author Kim Washburn tells the story of the woman who has captured the American attention, sparking debate and igniting imaginations around the country. From her humble beginnings in Wasilla, Alaska, to the historic 2008 election and beyond, Palin’s inspiring story of courage in the face of adversity and faith that overcame difficulties is told with honesty and insight. Kids ages 9-12 will learn why this engaging figure has become one of the most recognized faces in American politics today.