Nice Work, Franklin!

November 1, 2015
The 32nd president faced many challenges, including enduring and overcoming a difficult illness and helping to cure an economic sickness of the nation. Spanning her subject's childhood through his first term as president, Jurmain takes a close look at an indomitable Franklin D. Roosevelt. Young FDR very much admired his older cousin Ted (who just happened to be president). At one point, Franklin grew a distinctive Ted-like mustache and profusely used the term "DEE-lighted." But he also worked very hard to climb the political ladder. Suddenly, his privileged life took a turn when his legs became paralyzed from polio. Jurmain describes the fierce determination of a man who believed, "Above all, TRY SOMETHING." Despite disability--perhaps spurred on by such hardship--he became governor of New York, and soon thereafter, when the country itself became paralyzed from the Great Depression, he became president. Feisty text sprinkled with amusing anecdotes enlivens this tale of serious events. Day meets Jurmain with lively pencil, watercolor, and gouache illustrations that take advantage of opportunities for lightness (a picture of Franklin in the bath will give readers cause to snicker) while sounding appropriately somber notes when called for. A solid, immensely readable introduction to a complex man, in a complex time of history. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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January 1, 2016

Gr 2-4-This informational picture book capsulizes the salient points of Franklin Roosevelt's four terms as president. Roosevelt is known as our country's only physically handicapped president. Nonetheless, he literally stood up to his naysayers and took the oath of office standing at the podium. Children will learn Roosevelt's most memorable quote, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," as they witness examples of his determination and spirit. The final page highlights nine programs that President Roosevelt initiated, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance. Day's attractive multicolored illustrations were created using pencil and watercolors with gouache. Active scenes from inaugural parades and food lines fill spreads and depict the enormity of the task of pulling the country out of the Depression. VERDICT This upbeat and inspirational yet brief summary of Roosevelt's accomplishments will augment social studies lessons about this time period.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2016
Grades 2-4 In their third picture book about U.S. presidents, the creators of George Did It (2005) and Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and the True Story of an American Feud (2011) introduce Franklin Roosevelt, beginning in his youth and ending after his second inauguration as president in 1936. The text focuses on how Roosevelt faced two great challenges: coping with the paralysis of his legs and, as president, finding ways to help people during the Great Depression. Created with pencil, watercolor, and gouache, the illustrations are detailed, imaginative, and (in the first third of the story) often comical. But the book's jaunty tone establishes an expectation in the audience that is hard to suddenly shift, which is problematic when the subject matter turns serious. Still, there's plenty to like here: information on a period seldom represented in picture books, the portrayal of the president as an individual who faced troubles bravely, and the admission that he wasn't universally beloved. An unusual introduction to FDR and the Depression.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)