Eleanor

This is a book that details the childhood of Eleanor Roosevelt, a remarkable woman. Eleanor married president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She was the First Lady of the United States four times. President Roosevelt was elected president in 1932, 1936, 1940, and 1944. The book tells of her growing years, the things she was interested in, tragedies that occurred, and her ideas and opinions. Eleanor would later become a leader in the fight for the poor. It is through her revealing childhood, one sees the character of this remarkable lady. The author writes an accurate book based on the facts of Eleanor's life. The book is organized in a way so that it sequences the life of Eleanor from early to late. It is as if in the beginning, one sees the whole woman and is taken back in time to watch the unveiling. The story ends with a completed journey into her life. The "After word" goes further to tell of the accomplishments of the great woman. The book is free from stereotypes and furthers the world's view of historic women. The illustrations help to further the story. When the author discusses the beautiful dresses, summers, and adventures that Eleanor had along her growing years, the illustrations are in keeping with the words. The pictures seem real and authentic, almost as if they were snapshots taken along the way.

This 1996 book may well have been the basis for the recent PBS biography of Eleanor Roosevelt on American Experience (look for it on DVD). Barbara Cooney was a splendid, 'medaled' artist but it is interesting to read the books she also authored. Most often remembered are probably "Miss Rumphius" and "Island Boy," but her own story is told in "Hattie & the Wild Waves" and "Emma" is an unusual story of a woman who took up painting late in life. Cooney seemed to write to inspire, and she does that well in telling about the young Eleanor. From 1884 to the time of her death in 1962, Eleanor Roosevelt's life was one of pathos and disappointment against a background of privilege. This is not a sugar-coated version - - that would be insulting to young girls who need as role models persons who have risen above family or personal trauma. Eleanor was orphaned at nine, a plain and painfully introverted child who lived among domineering and mostly insensitive elders. President "Teddy" Roosevelt was an influential adult in her life; her first mentor was the headmistress of the English boarding school to which she was sent by her grandmother at age fifteen. There she began to grow in self-confidence, and this continued throughout her life of significant achievement. Barbara Cooney portrays vividly the times in which Eleanor Roosevelt lived, and her 'high society' background. Both words and paintings contribute enormously to young readers' understanding of the contrasts in Eleanor's life. She shone in her adult life among all classes; she was someone who was admired or reviled, loved, jeered, but grew to accept her own worth. She can inspire girls and young women today because she was someone whose influence for good continues in a very wide sphere. Reviewer mcHAIKU is grateful to Barbara Cooney for this sensitive portrait of a girl growing into a life of "giving back."

"From the beginning the baby was a disappointment to her mother. She was born red and wrinkled, an ugly little thing. And she was not a boy." So begins Barbara Cooney's poignant and inspirational picture book biography of Eleanor Roosevelt's unhappy childhood. Born to beautiful and gregarious parents, this plain, shy, fearful little girl was orphaned at the young age of nine, and spent a lonely and isolated childhood living in the homes of her fabulously wealthy relatives. At the age of fifteen, her grandmother sent her off to Allenswood, a boarding school in Britain, and there under the tutelage of headmistress, Mlle. Souvestre, ugly duckling Eleanor began to grow and bloom, becoming the remarkable, poised, and confident woman America loved and admired..... Ms Cooney's well researched, gentle story is both fascinating and engaging as it captures the essence of an introverted and intelligent child trying to discover her true nature and talents, and is complemented by her marvelously evocative illustrations. Each picture is filled with meticulous late-nineteenth century detail, from the period dress and grand houses with their opulent interiors, to the captivating streets and parks of New York City, and country life on Long Island. Together word and art paint an intriguing and captivating picture of both little Eleanor, and the times in which she lived. With a short afterword detailing some of Mrs Roosevelt's later accomplishments, Eleanor is a superb introduction that is sure to whet the appetite of youngsters 6-10, and send them out looking for more.

It leaves hope that a child who is rejected for being unattractive and shy can find a person who is accepting and willing to reach out to them. It also reminds me how important a teacher can be to bring out the best in a pupil and prepare them for adult life and self-acceptance.

Barbara Cooney provides a true hero for all of today's children. This beautiful story of Eleanor Roosevelt's early life will serve not only as an introduction to this important lady but also as an inspiration to achieve great things in life.