Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World
Illustrator: Barbara Schulz , Gordon Purcell
Nonfiction Graphic Novel Series
For ages 8 to 10
Capstone Press, 2005 ISBN: 978-0736849692
As a child Eleanor was a very shy little girl who doted on her father. She had a special relationship with him and was heartbroken when he died when she was still a child. Later, as a young woman, she took solace in helping others. Her commitment to help others became Eleanor’s main goal in life. Once her husband became the United States President in 1933 she was able to do more than ever, traveling all over the country to visit people affected by the Great Depression. Eleanor would come home to the White House and she would tell her husband what she had seen, asking him to help her improve the situations of the people whom she had met.
Often Eleanor’s humanitarian activities angered members of the public. She was not afraid to speak out about her disapproval of the way African Americans were treated and she did her best to show the world that racism was not acceptable. When WWII broke out Eleanor traveled all over the world to visit soldiers. Her kind words and numerous speeches made the soldiers feel cared for and appreciated.
After Eleanor was widowed in 1945 she did not give up her work. At the request of President Truman Eleanor became the American delegate to the newly formed United Nations. Now she was truly a woman of the world, an advocate for all the people of the world.
In this excellent account of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt young readers will gain a real appreciation for this special woman who dedicated so much of her life to working towards improving the lives of others. Before her time in the White House first ladies did not participate much in public life. Eleanor changed that and she proved to everyone that a woman could be a wonderful advocate, diplomat, and politician.
