A Boy Named FDR

November 29, 2010
Krull (Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything) details how "the ultimate rich kid," who could have had a life of luxurious ease, grew up to become one of America's most renowned 20th-century leaders. The doted-upon only child of a wealthy New York couple, Franklin Delano Roosevelt—at one point Krull calls him "Fancy FDR"—had it all: "nurses, private teachers, butlers, cooks, housekeepers.... all he had to say was that he wanted something and it was given to him." Krull explains how Roosevelt's family, schools, spouse, struggle with polio, and famous cousin Teddy all influenced his concern for those less fortunate, with
vignettes picturing a young Roosevelt passing out Christmas gifts to servants' children and working as a camp counselor for poor youth. Johnson and Fancher's (Sunday Is for God) full-page ink and oils radiate an almost Rockwellian nostalgia. Muted hues and soft edges, found even in a dynamic painting of Roosevelt sailing off the Maine coast, complement FDR's image as a warm and caring individual. Krull concludes with a time line of his life, augmented by quotations from Roo-sevelt himself. Ages 6–10.

February 1, 2011

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

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2011
Grades 3-5 Echoing the overall theme and presenting, by and large, the same material, this purposeful picture-book biography follows Judith St. Georges Make Your Mark, Franklin Roosevelt (2007) in tracing FDRs path from birth (All children like to think theyre the center of their universe. But a boy named FDR really was) and schooling (When he was put in charge of a dorm, he was a good leader, compassionate toward the new boysthe way he wished hed been treated) into public life. Awarding nods to the early influences of parents, a particular tutor, a schoolmaster, and cousin Teddys zesty leadership, Krull closes with FDRs triumphant 1924 return to public life after being stricken with polio, summarizes the accomplishments of his later presidency, and ends with a combined list of dates and quotations. The figures in the large illustrations have a staid look, but FDR strikes appropriately heroic poses, and his outsize personality comes through clearly. Despite being a little loose in its chronology, this makes an acceptable introduction to our longest-serving president.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)