A Brief History of First Ladies and Their Causes

Laura Bush, 2001-2009
Soon after taking up in the White House, former librarian Laura Bush launched "Ready to Read, Ready to Learn" in an effort to prime young children for the world of literature. Laura followed in the footsteps of mother-in-law Barbara Bush, who helped pass the National Literacy Act in 1991. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy was christened in 1989 and has since helped fund more than 750 reading programs.

• Photos of Presidents and Their Children