Big Words Books

A stunning portrait of ambassador, activist, and beloved First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. 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 controversial–First Lady America had ever seen. Ambassador, activist, and champion of civil rights, Eleanor Roosevelt changed the soul of America forever. With her eloquent prose, Doreen Rappaport captures the essence of Eleanor’s character and the deep significance of her legacy. With beautiful paintings by Gary Kelley and selections from Eleanor’s own writings, this addition to the award-winning Big Words series is an extraordinary tribute to an extraordinary American. ★ “Once again, Rappaport celebrates a noble, heroic life in powerful, succinct prose, with prominent, well-chosen, and judiciously placed quotes that both instruct and inspire.” –School Library Journal ★ “An exciting introduction to a well-loved leader.” –Booklist ★ “Rappaport’s spare text and Kelley’s handsome paintings, evocative of WPA murals, reclaim the legendary first lady’s story for the younger set, revealing the person behind the icon.” –Publishers Weekly Don’t miss these other titles in the Big Words series! Ellen Takes Flight: The Life of Astronaut Ellen Ochoa Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Keller Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.