Eleanor Quiet No More

Eleanor, Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A higher level book for older readers, not great for kindergarten- 1st grade.

A wonderful read about Eleanor Roosevelt and her life. A great book to use during March and Women's history month.

Loved this book for older students! Thanks to Judy Debusk for sharing it. I plan to get this one for the library. I had not seen it tell I read it for BMJ.

Booklist starred (November 1, 2008 (Vol. 105, No. 5))

Grades 2-5. Even familiar political figures can get bold new treatments, as this dramatic picture-book biography shows. The wordless cover, featuring only the face of Eleanor Roosevelt, her expression one of hope mixed with purpose, immediately captures attention. Before the story begins, a double-page spread is offered with just the quote, “Do something every day that scares you.” The book then opens with glimpses of Eleanor’s early life: her mother thought her ugly, too serious, and called her Granny. After her parents’ death, she moved in with her grandmother, who “did everything she thought was right for a little girl except hug and kiss her.” The narrative moves swiftly through the important moments in Roosevelt’s life, including marriage and family, but along with accomplishments, Rappaport does something more subtle—she shows the way Eleanor grew into herself. Crisp sentences focus the narrative and are bolstered by the quotes that end each page. If the text has a smart spareness to it, the accompanying art is composed of rich, beautifully crafted paintings that also catch Roosevelt’s growing sense of purpose. There are a few quibbles—the quotes could have been more clearly sourced, and there’s no mention of FDR’s affairs, an important reason for Eleanor’s growth—but overall, this is an exciting introduction to a well-loved leader.

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