Eleanor Rossevelt A Life of Discovery

Eleanor Roosevelt A Life of Discovery by Russell Freedman is a Newbery Honor Book.

This book is a biography about Eleanor Roosevelt.  Her story is very fascinating.  Eleanor started life as a fearful and shy child whose mother died when she was seven and whose father died of alcoholism two years later.  She was raised by her mother’s mother, Grandmother Hall.  The atmosphere of the house was gloomy and uncomfortable for children.  Eleanor attended classes taught by a private tutor at the home of a classmate.  She attended finishing school outside of London where Eleanor blossomed as a young woman and learned to think.  She came back to New York and made her debut with other socially prominent girls.  After her coming out debut, Eleanor volunteered and taught young immigrants until she met and married Franklin D. Roosevelt, her fifth cousin, in 1905.  Eleanor settled down and worked hard at learning how to be a wife and mother.  Franklin entered politics in 1910.  Eleanor supported her husband and listened to countless political discussions.  She volunteered for the war effort and sustained her husband in every way.  Eleanor started speaking at events and serving on committees.  When her husband became paralyzed as a result of polio, Eleanor became Franklin’s feet and went where he couldn’t and reported back to him.  She became a teacher and a reporter, by the time that Franklin was elected President, Eleanor was a world traveler, teacher, lecturer, broadcaster, and reporter.   After Franklin died, Eleanor traveled, wrote, and worked for the American Association for the United Nations.  Eleanor Roosevelt is considered America’s “Most Admired Woman”.  She feared no one and was unafraid to face new challenges.  The photos selected for this book advanced the story in many ways that words are unable to and because of them the story about Mrs. Roosvelt is richer and fuller.

I am very inspired by the dedication, hard work, compassion and volunteerism that Mrs. Roosevelt exhibited throughout her life.  Her boldness and willingness to try new experiences and to constantly further her education is truly inspirational.   

Freedman, R. (1993). Eleanor Roosevelt A Life of Discovery. New York: Scholastic Inc.