A White House Diary

from “A White House Diary” by Lady Bird Johnson (Prentice Hall Book)

Page 586

1. On what date does the diary entry begin? Do you know what historical event happened on this date?

2. Who were John and Nellie Connally?

3. What does Lady Bird mistake the gunfire for at first?

4. Look at the picture on page 586. What do the people’s facial expressions reveal about their feelings in the aftermath of President Kennedy’s assassination?

Page 587

5. What does Lady Bird compare Mrs. Kennedy to as she is lying over President Kennedy’s body?

6. How does Lady Bird describe her husband’s demeanor throughout the events that transpired?

7. What does the word “tumultuous” mean? Use the word in a sentence.

8. What is Kenny O’Donnell the first person to tell Lady Bird?

Page 588

9. What is Air Force One?

10. What had the president been shot with?

11. What was Mrs. Kennedy’s dress stained with?

12. What does “poignant” mean?

13. What does Mrs. Kennedy say when asked if she wants to change her clothes?

14. How does Lady Bird describe the flight back to Washington D.C.?

15. Thematic Focus: What do you think Lady Bird Johnson discovers about life during the ordeal of the Kennedy assassination?

Exit Slip: How would you feel if you were Lady Bird Johnson and you had just witnessed the president get shot?