Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery

by Russell Freedman

Overview

A 1994 Newbery Honor Book 

The intriguing story of Eleanor Roosevelt traces the life of the former First Lady from her early childhood through the tumultuous years in the White House to her active role in the founding of the United Nations after World War II. A Newberry Honor Book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780395845202
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	04/14/1997
Series:	Clarion Nonfiction
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	426,552
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.54(d)
Lexile:	1100L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Russell Freedman (1929-2018) received the Newbery Medal for Lincoln: A Photobiography. He was the recipient of three Newbery Honors, a National Humanities Medal, the Sibert Medal, the Orbis Pictus Award, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and was selected to give the 2006 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture. Mr. Freedman lived in New York City and traveled widely to research his books.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Freedman has created a sensitive biography of Eleanor Roosevelt—certainly sympathetic but not overly adulatory; it captures her spirit. The beautifully crafted text flows smoothly and is accompanied by over one hundred black-and-white photographs portraying Roosevelt at every age. Young readers will find inspiration, hope, and guidance in the life of the outstanding woman. Bib., ind."—Copyright © 1994 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Horn Book

"Freedman at his best: a splendid achievement." Kirkus Reviews with Pointers

Editorial Reviews

"Freedman has created a sensitive biography of Eleanor Roosevelt — certainly sympathetic but not overly adulatory; it captures her spirit. The beautifully crafted text flows smoothly and is accompanied by over one hundred black-and-white photographs portraying Roosevelt at every age. Young readers will find inspiration, hope, and guidance in the life of the outstanding woman. Bib., ind." — Copyright © 1994 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Horn Book

"Freedman at his best: a splendid achievement." Kirkus Reviews with Pointers —

From the Publisher

A natural follow-up to Freedman's biography of FDR, this impeccably researched, highly readable study of one of this country's greatest First Ladies is nonfiction at its best. As a role model for girls and an inspiration to both genders, Eleanor Roosevelt remains unsurpassed. Freedman relates how she transcended both an unhappy childhood (her parents separated when she was six; her mother died when Eleanor was eight, and her father, an alcoholic, died two years later) and a timid nature to become one of the most outspoken, vigorous, highly regarded women in history. The vast range of her interests and activities--journalism, politics and social activism--becomes even more remarkable as the author deftly considers Eleanor Roosevelt's times and her social milieu. Approximately 140 well-chosen black-and-white photos amplify the text. Freedman writes both authoritatively and compellingly, and the Eleanor that emerges is a complex, flesh-and-blood individual, not a dull heroine of textbook history. He also deals plainly with some of the more sordid aspects of the Roosevelts' married life (namely FDR's infidelity), but he never sensationalizes, and his honesty and candor signal his respect for his subject and for his readers. This biography cannot be recommended highly enough. Ages 9-up. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Although written for young adults, this biography has much to offer "older" adults who are interested in a broad brush portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt. Barbara Caruso's clear, straightforward narration introduces the listener to a young woman fraught with insecurities and shyness who went on to live a most extraordinary life as the "First Lady of the World." Caruso reflects Roosevelt's reserved affection for her friends, family and her colleagues and the quiet but firm resolve with which she undertook challenges and opportunities to serve. Roosevelt's fears and disappointments are presented with the same calm composure as her accomplishments, reinforcing the impression of a woman of great fortitude and quiet preserverance. J.E.M. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FEB/MAR 99 - AudioFile