Though she came from a wealthy and privileged family, Eleanor Roosevelt grew up in a cheerless household that left her lonely and shy. Years passed before Eleanor began to discover in herself the qualities of intelligence, compassion, and strength that made her a remarkable woman. Barbara Cooney captures the essence of the little girl whose indomitable spirit would make her one of the greatest and most beloved first ladies of all time. 5-8 years
Eleanor, Quiet No More
By Doreen Rapport, Illustrated by Gary Kelley
Eleanor Roosevelt was raised in a privileged but stern Victorian household, with an affectionate but mostly absent father and a critical mother who made fun of her daughter’s looks. Alone and lonely for much of her childhood, Eleanor found solace in books and in the life of her lively and independent mind. Her intellectual gifts and compassionate heart won her the admiration of many friends and the love of her future husband, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While other young women of her class were spending time at dances and parties, Eleanor devoted her energies to teaching children in New York City’s poorest neighborhoods. Later, she became the most socially and politically active, and the most controversial first lady America had ever seen. Ambassador, activist, and champion of civil rights, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the soul of America forever. 5-8 years
Hot Dog! Eleanor Roosevelt Throws a Picnic
By Leslie Kimmelman, Illustrated by Victor Juhasz
In June of 1939, the United States played host to two very special guests, British King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was the first visit ever by reigning British royalty and a chance for America to build a stronger relationship with the British, especially in those challenging times. On the domestic side, many people didn’t have jobs, housing, or enough food. Internationally, Adolph Hitler, Germany’s leader, was threatening the countries around him and war loomed on the horizon. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saw the visit as an opportunity for America to set aside its cares for a while and extend a warm welcome and hand of friendship to the royal guests. As part of the festivities, Eleanor hosted an all-American picnic that included hot dogs, a menu item that seemed to shock some people. 8-11 years
Who Was Eleanor Roosevelt?
By Gare Thompson, Illustrated by Elizabeth Wolf
For a long time, the main role of first ladies was to act as hostesses of the White House…until Eleanor Roosevelt. Born in 1884, Eleanor was not satisfied to just be a glorified hostess for her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Eleanor had a voice, and she used it to speak up against poverty and racism. She had passion, energy, and a way of speaking that made people listen. Eleanor Roosevelt changed the role of the first lady forever. 8-12 years
Eleanor Roosevelt (My Itty-Bitty Biography)
By Emma E. Haldy, Illustrated by Jeff Bane
The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of Eleanor Roosevelt in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help children develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a timeline and other informative backmatter. 4-6 years
I Am Eleanor Roosevelt (Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum)
By Brooke Vitale
A leveled Reader based on an episode from the PBS KIDS animated television series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum starring Eleanor Roosevelt. Eleanor Roosevelt helps Xavier learn to take every chance he has to help others when he gets assigned the most boring job in the museum–handing out maps. 6-8 years
Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride
By Pam Munoz Ryan
Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired and respected women of all time, they were also good friends. On a brisk and cloudless evening in April 1933, Amelia and Eleanor did the unprecedented, they stole away from a White House dinner, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport plane, and took off on a glorious adventure – while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns. 7-10 years
Eleanor Everywhere
By Monica Kulling
This inspiring Step Into Reading book tells the true story of how Eleanor Roosevelt, a shy little girl was able to conquer her fears and lead a life full of adventure. From flying with Amelia Earhart and hosting her own radio show to becoming First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt did it all and became one of the most admired women in the world. 7 and up
Eleanor Roosevelt, A Photographic Story of a Life
By Kem Knapp Sawyer
DK’s biography series for young readers features one of the best-known and most inspiring women of the 20th century — Eleanor Roosevelt. This is a biography of the first lady who, despite her shyness, followed her conscience and devoted her life to helping others and working for peace. 10 and up
Our Eleanor: A Scrapbook Look at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Remarkable Life
By Candace Fleming
No matter how the question is answered, one thing is clear: there has hardly been a life in the last century that Eleanor Roosevelt has not affected. From securing safe, low-cost housing for Kentucky’s poor, to representing America as the first female delegate to the United Nations, Eleanor rarely kept a second of her life for herself — and she wouldn’t have had it any other way. Filled with photographs of everything from Eleanor’s speech at the 1940 Democratic National Convention to her high school report card, as well as fascinating stories about life in and out of the White House. Teen and YA
Eleanor Roosevelt, Fighter For Justice
By Ilene Cooper
Eleanor Roosevelt, Fighter for Justice shows young readers a different side of the former first lady. Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was a politician, activist, diplomat, and the longest-serving first lady of the United States. But she was more than that. She was a protector and advocate for those without a voice, speaking out on the labor movement and civil rights. Though now seen as a cultural icon, she was a woman who was deeply insecure about her looks and her role in the world. She recognized her own prejudices and constantly strove to overcome them. 10-14 years
The book descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
Amelia Earhart was a woman of many firsts. In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she became the first woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937 disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find her life a fascinating story. 8-12 years
Daring Amelia
By Barbara Lowell, Illustrated by Jez Tuya
Even as a kid, Amelia Earhart was always looking for adventures. She had mud ball fights, explored caves, and even built a roller coaster in her backyard. The adventures continued as she grew up.
Amelia took flying lessons and was soon performing stunts in the sky. She became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Still, Amelia wanted to achieve more. She set out to fly around the world. Tragedy struck when Amelia was unable to find the smallisland in the Pacific Ocean she needed to land on. Amelia Earhart is remembered today as a daring explorer who loved to fly. 6-8 years. Teacher Guide available at:https://barbaralowell.com/teacher-guide-2/
Trailblazers: Amelia Earhart, The First Woman Over the Atlantic
By Sally J. Morgan, Illustrated by David Shepard
On June 19, 1928, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. From building her own roller coaster as a child, to climbing to the roof of her boarding school, Amelia was a born daredevil. Find out how the girl who loved watching air shows blazed a trail in aviation! 8-12 years
Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!
By James Buckley, Jr., Illustrated by Kelly Tindall
When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932. She immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. This book is the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages. 8-12 years
It’s Her Story — Amelia Earhart, A Graphic Novel
By Kim Moldofsky, Illustrated by Alan Brown
Amelia Earhart was the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She piloted many record-breaking flights, became an author, advised engineers, taught college students, and defended women’s rights. And then somewhere in the South Pacific, she disappeared on an attempted flight around the world. This is her story. 7-10 years
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
By Pam Munoz Ryan, Illustrated by Brian Selznick
Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were birds of a feather. Not only were they two of the most admired and respected women of all time, they were also good friends.
On a brisk and cloudless evening in April 1933, Amelia and Eleanor did the unprecedented: They stole away from a White House dinner, commandeered an Eastern Air Transport jet, andtook off on a glorious adventure, while still dressed in their glamorous evening gowns. 7-10 years
Amelia Earhart: The Legend of the Lost Aviator
By Shelley Tanaka, Illustrated by David Craig
Ever since Amelia Earhart and her plane disappeared on July 2, 1937, people have wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. This book follows the charismatic aviator from her first sight of an airplane at the age of ten to the last radio transmission she made before she vanished. 8-12 years
Night Flight: Amelia Earhart Crosses the Atlantic
By Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Wendell Minor
Robert Burleigh has captured Amelia Earhart’s first solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932. She was the first woman and only the second person to do this. 4-8 years
When Amelia Earhart Build a Roller Coaster
By Mark Weakland, Illustrated by Oksana Griviana
Amelia Earhart was one of America’s most famous aviators. But do you know what she was like as a child? From running on the river bluffs and playing football to building a roller coaster, Amelia was an active and confident child. Her childhood story will help young readers connect to this historic figure and inspire them. 6-12 years
I am Unstoppable: A Little Book About Amelia Earhart
By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos
This friendly, fun biography focuses on the traits that made Amelia Earhart great—the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. In this new board book format, the very youngest readers can learn about one of America’s icons a lively, conversational way. The short text focuses on drawing inspiration from the famous pilot and includes an interactive element and factual tidbits that young kids will be able to connect with. 2-5 years
Amelia Lost
By Candace Fleming
In alternating chapters, Candace Fleming deftly moves readers back and forth between Amelia’s life, from childhood to her last flight, and the exhaustive search for Amelia and her missing plane. With photos, maps, and handwritten notes from Amelia, this book tackles everything from the history of flight to what Amelia liked to eat while flying. 8 and up
Amelia Earhart: A Photographic Story of a Life
By Tanya Lee Stone
With more than 100 full-color photographs, illustrations, and detailed sidebars, this book celebrates an aviation pioneer who changed how the world is viewed: aviatrix Amelia Earhart. 10 years and up
The descriptions used are primarily from the publishers.
If you liked this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
On Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, Marian Anderson sang before an audience of over 75,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The free concert was broadcast on the radio to millions.
Marian, a child prodigy, considered to be one of the best singers of her time, sang for audiences in America and throughout Europe. She sang for President Franklin Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House and at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. But in Washington, D.C., in 1939, it was a different story.
Marian Anderson
Howard University hoped to have Marian give a concert at Constitution Hall. The sponsors of the hall, The Daughters of the American Revolution, refused. They had instituted a whites only policy. When Americans heard about the refusal, many wrote letters to newspapers in protest, and the First Lady announced her resignation from the DAR.
Marian Anderson and Eleanor Roosevelt
When Howard University then asked an all-white school to hold the concert, they refused. Where would Marian be free to sing? According to the FDR Presidential Library, Eleanor Roosevelt worked behind the scenes to insure that the concert would go on. With President Roosevelt’s approval, Secretary of the Interior, Harold Ickes, announced that the concert would be held in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Marian Anderson
On that cold Easter Sunday,Marian sang in her clear, beautiful contralto voice. You can see her initial nervousness and then hear her sing America in the video below.
Marian Anderson sang twice more at the Lincoln Memorial, once in 1952, and again in 1963 at the March on Washington where Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. gave his I Have a Dream speech. Marian and Eleanor Roosevelt became good friends.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
