Lexile Measure: AD810L (What's this?)
Series: Picture Puffin Books
Paperback: 40 pages
Publisher: Puffin Books; 1st Scholastic edition (September 1, 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0439137365
ISBN-13: 978-0439137362
ASIN: 0140555838
Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.2 x 11 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #147,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #58 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > U. S. Presidents & First Ladies #143 in Books > Children's Books > Biographies > Women
Age Range: 5 - 8 years
Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3
"From the beginning the baby was a disappointment to her mother. She was born red and wrinkled, an ugly little thing. And she was not a boy." So begins Barbara Cooney's poignant and inspirational picture book biography of Eleanor Roosevelt's unhappy childhood. Born to beautiful and gregarious parents, this plain, shy, fearful little girl was orphaned at the young age of nine, and spent a lonely and isolated childhood living in the homes of her fabulously wealthy relatives. At the age of fifteen, her grandmother sent her off to Allenswood, a boarding school in Britain, and there under the tutelage of headmistress, Mlle. Souvestre, ugly duckling Eleanor began to grow and bloom, becoming the remarkable, poised, and confident woman America loved and admired..... Ms Cooney's well researched, gentle story is both fascinating and engaging as it captures the essence of an introverted and intelligent child trying to discover her true nature and talents, and is complemented by her marvelously evocative illustrations. Each picture is filled with meticulous late-nineteenth century detail, from the period dress and grand houses with their opulent interiors, to the captivating streets and parks of New York City, and country life on Long Island. Together word and art paint an intriguing and captivating picture of both little Eleanor, and the times in which she lived. With a short afterword detailing some of Mrs Roosevelt's later accomplishments, Eleanor is a superb introduction that is sure to whet the appetite of youngsters 6-10, and send them out looking for more.
Barbara Cooney provides a true hero for all of today's children. This beautiful story of Eleanor Roosevelt's early life will serve not only as an introduction to this important lady but also as an inspiration to achieve great things in life.
Got this book primarily because our daughter's name is Eleanor. The story is very depressing and not at all suited for my child at this time. Ten years from now, we may try again but for now "Eleanor" is shelved.
It leaves hope that a child who is rejected for being unattractive and shy can find a person who is accepting and willing to reach out to them. It also reminds me how important a teacher can be to bring out the best in a pupil and prepare them for adult life and self-acceptance.
This 1996 book may well have been the basis for the recent PBS biography of Eleanor Roosevelt on American Experience (look for it on DVD). Barbara Cooney was a splendid, 'medaled' artist but it is interesting to read the books she also authored. Most often remembered are probably "Miss Rumphius" and "Island Boy," but her own story is told in "Hattie & the Wild Waves" and "Emma" is an unusual story of a woman who took up painting late in life. Cooney seemed to write to inspire, and she does that well in telling about the young Eleanor.From 1884 to the time of her death in 1962, Eleanor Roosevelt's life was one of pathos and disappointment against a background of privilege. This is not a sugar-coated version - - that would be insulting to young girls who need as role models persons who have risen above family or personal trauma. Eleanor was orphaned at nine, a plain and painfully introverted child who lived among domineering and mostly insensitive elders. President "Teddy" Roosevelt was an influential adult in her life; her first mentor was the headmistress of the English boarding school to which she was sent by her grandmother at age fifteen. There she began to grow in self-confidence, and this continued throughout her life of significant achievement.Barbara Cooney portrays vividly the times in which Eleanor Roosevelt lived, and her 'high society' background. Both words and paintings contribute enormously to young readers' understanding of the contrasts in Eleanor's life. She shone in her adult life among all classes; she was someone who was admired or reviled, loved, jeered, but grew to accept her own worth. She can inspire girls and young women today because she was someone whose influence for good continues in a very wide sphere. Reviewer mcHAIKU is grateful to Barbara Cooney for this sensitive portrait of a girl growing into a life of "giving back."
What a nicely illustrated and written children's book about Eleanor's childhood and young adulthood. Entrancing for young and old alike. Children will be able to imagine a time gone by, and their imaginations will be stirred about this wondrous woman. I bought the book for my elderly mother, as Eleanor Roosevelt is one of her top heroes. She loved it.
This is my childhood book. My favorite book ever! And yes, I'm 20, in college and I decided to buy this book as my inspiration because life is so hard. I look up to Eleanor Roosevelt because she was so strong. Through everything she endured, she kept going through her life and helped so many others in the process. This book is beautiful and will remind your child that no matter what others may see in them or how they treat them, they're still someone great, even when the odds are stacked against them.
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