Illustrator Gary Kelley said it well when he said that this book about Eleanor Roosevelt, “In this age of celebrities and politicians in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, [is] not only refreshing but essential”. This book about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life is not only a biography but a book of life lessons and things Eleanor Roosevelt strongly believed in. Throughout the story of her life told in this book there are many inspiring quotes from her about life, being a good person, and believing in oneself. Some examples of quotes throughout the book include “You must do the things we cannot do” (19), “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” (34), “I have never felt that anything really mattered but knowing that you stood for the things in which you believed and had done the very best you could” (37), and “We must cherish and honor the word ‘free'” (back cover). I felt that this book not only talked about Eleanor Roosevelt’s life but had another purpose in helping students to understand how important it is to appreciate freedom and the idea of being a citizen in this country.I also liked that the book had a timeline of important dates in Eleanor’s life for student’s to look at.
Curriculum Connections
This book can be used in the classroom during talk of the first world war as well as to show Eleanor Roosevelt’s role in history as a strong woman. Specifically, this book could be used with SOL USII.5 while students are studying WWI and discussing Franklin Roosevelt.
Additional Resources
- This website had a lot of good ideas for ways to incorporate Eleanor Roosevelt activities into the classroom, such as drawing pictures of her or findings pictures of her helping people and hanging them up in the classroom to remind students that being a good citizen is important.
- I felt the activity on this page entitled “Special Activities for Children” could be a great way for older students in elementary school classrooms to write about Eleanor Roosevelt with some friendly competition involved as well. This would encourage them to write well as well as learn more about this important figure.
- Lastly, students can find out more interesting facts about Eleanor Roosevelt on this facts page.
Book: Eleanor Roosevelt: Quiet No More. The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt
Author: Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Gary Kelley
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 37
Grade Range: Grades 3-5
ISBN: 978-0-7868-5141-6