Rappaport, Doreen. 2009. ELEANOR, QUIET NO MORE: THE LIFE OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. Ill. by Gary Kelley. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 9780786851416 [Suggested Grade Levels 3- 7]
REVIEW
The chronological account of Eleanor Roosevelt begins with a shy, inhibited girl who is told what to do, what to think, and even that she’s ugly. Although she felt unloved, her family’s financial privilege allowed her to travel and to receive a good education. Soon she was aware of America’s societal injustices, and she vowed to change them. Her role as wife and mother are almost a side note in this story, yet she capitalizes on being First Lady in hopes of making life better for those less fortunate. As the title suggests, once she finds her voice, she uses it to speak for the silent.
A highlighted quote from Eleanor appears on each spread, blending well with each of the rich illustrations. Together, they emphasize the dark part of the era -- child labor, poor treatment of veterans, segregation, and social class disparities. These are the issues that kindled Eleanor’s voice, and readers are left believing that she would have been a catalyst in social reforms whether or not she had married a future President.
CONNECTIONS
The quotes that appear throughout the book were thoughtfully placed. Examine them and discuss why they were included at the various points in the story. Have children find quotes from another famous person. Type the quotes into a document using various fonts, colors, and positions. Include a title that identifies the speaker. Print the document and display as collage art.
RELATED BOOKS
Other books about Eleanor Roosevelt:
Fleming, Candace. OUR ELEANOR: A SCRAPBOOK LOOK AT ELEANOR ROOSEVELT’S REMARKABLE LIFE. ISBN 9780689865442
MacLeod, Elizabeth. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: AN INSPIRING LIFE. ISBN 978155337788
By Rebecca S. McKee
No comments:
Post a Comment