A Boy Named FDR

Gr 3—5—This handsome picture-book biography explains how a pampered, privileged child grew up to be our 32nd president, serving longer than any other president in U.S. history. Krull tells readers, "He had long blond curls and wore dresses with fancy lace collars till he was almost six." His parents indulged his every wish and were quick to forgive any mischief, yet instilled a social conscience in their golden boy from an early age, urging him to "Help the helpless!" After a sheltered childhood of homeschooling, Franklin left for boarding school at age 14. Despite his parents' plans for him to be a gentleman like his father, he was inspired to enter the world of politics by the headmaster at Groton; his cousin Teddy; and his future wife, Eleanor. Stricken with polio at 39, Franklin struggled to regain his strength, reentering the political arena three years later. An epilogue explains the stock market crash, Great Depression, New Deal, fireside chats, and World War II. Filled with anecdotes and quotes, the text is concise and engaging, working well as a read-aloud or for independent reading. The rich, impressionistic oil and ink illustrations capture the spirit of the man and his time. Less wordy and more attractive than Judith St. George and Britt Spencer's Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt (Philomel. 2007), this offering also covers more of the subject's life. Famous quotations are appended.—Barbara Auerbach, PS 217, Brooklyn, NY