Eleanor Roosevelt: Defender of Human Rights and Democracy (People Who Have Helped the World)

Grade 5-8-- A readable chronicle of the life and many accomplishments of the former first lady. After briefly describing her childhood and adolescent years, Winner presents an in-depth account of her years after her marriage to Franklin D. Roosevelt, especially her public role as his political partner. Her newspaper column, her role as the director of the Office of Civilian Defense, and her work for the United Nations Commission on Human Rights are all detailed. The text is liberally sprinkled with quotations by the subject, prominent politicians, and historians that extend the scope and keep the tone objective. Full-color and black-and-white photographs highlight important segments of her life and career. However, the inclusion of the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its entirety and several graphic photos documenting abuses around the world are sensational and seem like filler. Although many other biographies are available, the focus here ensures that this one will be well received by recreational readers and students writing reports. --April L. Judge, Thousand Oaks Library, CA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.