A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin D. Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America
By Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Franklin D. Roosevelt was born into one of the wealthiest families in America, yet this rich kid grew up to do more for ordinary Americans than any other president. This picture book biography shows how, from childhood on, FDR was compassionate, cheerful, determined, and enormously likable. 6-9 years
Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt
By Judith St. George
Young Franklin Roosevelt grew up knowing the finer things in life— sailing, horseback riding, and foxhunts on his family’s large estate. Growing up wealthy meant he could live a gentleman’s life, like his beloved papa. Yet gentlemen weren’t supposed to go into politics, right? But why not? As young Franklin learns from a famous uncle and a famous mentor, there is more to the world than he thought. And about politics? Well, maybe there is more to that, too. 7-10 years
Nice Work Franklin!
By Suzanne Tripp Jurman, Illustrated by Larry Day
As one of the most inspirational and determined presidents, Franklin Roosevelt overcame his disability to lead the country out of the Great Depression.
Franklin idolized his cousin Teddy Roosevelt. He wore glasses like Teddy, he spoke like Teddy and he held the same public offices as Teddy. But then one day his life changed — he developed polio and could no longer walk. Franklin had Teddy’s determination and after physical therapy and hard work he ran for governor of New York and won. Then the Great Depression spread across the country: Banks closed and thousands of people lost their jobs. So, Franklin ran for president, won the office and helped lead America out of the depression. 5-9 years
Who Was Franklin Roosevelt?
By Margaret Frith, Illustrated by John O’Brien
Although polio left him in a wheelchair, Franklin Roosevelt took office during the Great Depression and served as president during World War II. Elected four times, he spent thirteen years in the White House leading America through tremendously difficult times. 8-12 years
Diana’s White House Garden
By Elisa Carone, Illustrated by Jen Hill
World War II is in full force across the seas. It’s 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt is in office, and Diana’s father, Harry Hopkins, is his chief adviser. Diana wants to be part of the war effort. After some well-intentioned missteps, the president requests her help with his newest plan for country’s survival: Victory Gardens! This is the true story of how Diana Hopkins started her own Victory Garden on the White House lawn under the tutelage of Eleanor Roosevelt. With dedication and patience, she showed the nation that the war effort starts first on the home front. 5-8 years
First Dog Fala
By Elizabeth Van Steenwyk, Illustrated by Michael G. Montgomery
Meet the Scottish terrier who won the hearts of a United States president and the American people in 1940. Fala came to live with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the White House. The little dog played in the grass outside the Oval Office, attended important meetings with the president’s advisers, and even dined with the president. But as America was drawn into World War II, life at the White House changed. Fala accompanied the president across the country and around the world and waited with him for the return of American servicemen and an end to a terrible war. This picture book offers young readers a glimpse into American history and the life of an American president through the story of a loyal dog. 4-8 years
Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World
By Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Barry Moser
At the height of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill held an extraordinary month-long visit. They planned the success of the Allied powers and strategized a continuing peace for the end of the war. During the Christmas holiday, they cemented a unique bond as they decided how to confront a menace that threatened all of civilization. 6-9 years
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
By Russell Freedman
Well-known author for children, Russell Freedman, traces the life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt from his birth in 1882, through his youth, early political career, and presidency to his death in Warm Springs, Georgia in 1945. Young Adult
Franklin Delano Roosevelt For Kids: His Life and Times with 21 Activities
By Richard Panchyk
Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s enduring legacy upon the history, culture, politics, and economics of the United States is introduced to children in this activity book. Kids will learn how FDR, a member of one of the founding families of America, led the nation through the darkest days of the Great Depression and World War II as president. Kids will explore Roosevelt’s entire era through such hands-on activities as staging a fireside chat, designing a WPA-style mural, sending a double encoded message, hosting a swing dance party, and participating in a political debate. 9 and up
Two Men and a Car: Franklin Roosevelt, Al Capone and a Cadillac V-8
By Michael Garland
It is December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt leads a nation in crisis. He must make a speech to a joint session of Congress that will build support for America’s entry to World War II, but to do that he needs an armored vehicle in which to make the short trip from the White House to the Capitol Building.
According to legend, the car Roosevelt rode in that day, borrowed from the FBI’s impound lot, was an armored Cadillac V-8 built for gangster Al Capone in the late 1920s to shield himself from enemies. Is the legend true, or is it an American tall tale. Either way, it’s an ideal vehicle to compare and contrast the lives of two American men who grew up within miles of one another: one a great president, the other an infamous villain. 9-12 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
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
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
