Nonfiction/Biography: FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT

Bibliography





Freedman, Russell. 1990. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-89919-379-X





Summary

In ten chapters, Freedman provides an overview of the life or Franklin Delano Roosevelt from childhood and schoolroom to politics and the White House. The biography contains pictures on nearly every page, anecdotes from those who knew the president, and background historical information. Each chapter opens with a quote from Roosevelt, or one concerning him by one of his contemporaries. The author includes a short chapter of museums and sites to visit and a photo album section. For interested readers, Freedman offers more titles covering specific topics and times of his life.

Critical Analysis

Writing a biography concerning a president that is intended for children is surely a daunting task. The author must include enough background history to present an understandable context for the actions of the subject, without writing a history text book. Russell Freedman has done just that in his biography, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He includes details of the childhood and youth of Roosevelt which will interest children: long blond curls and a dog named Monk make the grownup President Roosevelt a "real" person. Freedman explains the causes, reactions, and desperation of the Great Depression succinctly. He presents the complicated chain of events leading to World War II with clarity. This book provides an excellent introduction to Roosevelt and his era.

Freedman presents a balanced picture of Roosevelt. He gives him the political credit due him as "The Man Who Changed America" without discounting personal triumphs, for example, refusing to allow polio to thwart him. Freedman does not shy away from his mistakes--his extra-marital affair or his court-packing attempt. The author presents material about Eleanor, a historical figure in her own right, that complements the events of her husband's life.

The reader will gain great insight into the period by observing the clothing, people, and surroundings presented in the many black and white photos throughout each chapter. Even the layout and typeface has the feel of Art Deco. I enjoyed these glimpses into the life of Roosevelt and his family.

Review Excerpts

Booklist: "'The man who could not walk became the leader of a country paralyzed by uncertainty and despair'--that's the inherent drama in Freedman's immensely enjoyable photo biography. . . . As in his Newbery Award-winning photo biography, Lincoln {BRD 1988}, Freedman is candid about the president's failures and about criticism and controversy..."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books:"{This book is} profusely illustrated with photographs. . . . An impressive list of sources attests to Freedman's research; the index has been carefully compiled; a list of places to visit is included. The book should be of interest to adult as well as young adult students of history, and it gives with remarkable clarity assessments of such major events as World War II, the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the changes in social services established during Roosevelt's long tenure in the White House."

Connections



Students can take a virtual field trip to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The website offers biographical material, time lines, puzzles, teacher curriculum, and a even a copy of Roosevelt's report card! http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/educat33.html

Presidential picture books:

Piven, Hanoch. What Presidents are Made Of. ISBN-13: 978-0689868801

Harness, Cheryl. Ghosts of the White House. ISBN-13: 978-0689848926