Awards/Selection Lists:
- Nonfiction titles from ALSC Notable Books lists 2002-2013
- Richie's Picks
- ALA Notable Book
- Best Book for Young Adults
- Jefferson Cup winner,Virginia Library Association
- Junior Library Guild Selection
- New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2005
- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Medal Winner
- Parent's Choice Gold Medal
- Publishers Weekly Best Book 2005
- School Library Journal Best Book 2005
Brief Summary: Most people know of Eleanor Roosevelt's generous and charitable acts, her contributions toward making the United States a better place during her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. What they may not know is that she came from an unhappy childhood, where the seeds of insecurity were planted that would haunt her the rest of her life. From a cruel mother to a drunken father, a harsh grandmother, wild and crazy aunts and uncles, Eleanor would eventually find her place in the world, and find where her true power and happiness came from, making other people's worlds better; making a difference in the lives of those who truly needed it, and it was her inspiration and intelligence that led to many of the reformations that swept the country during FDR's presidency, though after his death, she felt she could finally be her true self, and as she said "The story is over." But was it?
Personal Reaction: I've always thought of Eleanor Roosevelt as a great lady. I had heard rumor of FDR having an affair, but Eleanor's relationship with FDR always seemed so strong in everything I had read, and I do believe that he would not have been as successful a president if she had not had the strength to stay with him, though the love and trust had gone from their marriage. They truly became partners and that is a fortitude I am not sure I could have mustered. She was a lonely child and crazed attention, and I feel I can relate to her in so many ways. She wanted to be loved, she wanted to be liked, and part of that lead her to that feeling of fulfillment she finally found in helping the less fortunate who simply wanted a better life for their children. I think, in a way, Mrs. Roosevelt was working toward making sure that every child she touched had a better, more secure life, even if it was simply emotionally, than she had. We all want to provide a better world for our children, and it seems as if Mrs. Roosevelt was finally coming out of her shell and playing mother to the world. She is one of those characters from history that I wish I could have befriended. I think we would have had a lot in common.
Front/Back Matter: Title page, copyright page, acknowledgments, table of contents, foreword (a personal note), chronology, family tree, resources (More about Eleanor), picture credits, source notes.
Content Evaluation: The layout is very logical and the tone intriguing. There is a lot of information to sort through, but I found the information interesting, particularly the passages on her later life, where I saw the issues from her past being resolved in the present, through others. The sources and resources are plentiful for further exploration, and the chronology and family tree make it easy to keep things in order, and the relationship between Teddy Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt apparent. Overall, a great history of an amazing lady.
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