Overview
Young Franklin Roosevelt grew up knowing the finer things in life— sailing, horseback riding, and foxhunts on his family’s large estate. Growing up wealthy meant he could live a gentleman’s life, like his beloved papa. Yet gentlemen weren’t supposed to go into politics, right? But why not? As young Franklin learns from a famous uncle and a famous mentor, there is more to the world than he thought. And about politics? Well, maybe there is more to that, too.
Complete with lively illustrations by new illustrator Britt Spencer, this third book in Judith St. George’s Turning Point series reveals the turning point for the young man who would become one of America’s most honored presidents.
Synopsis
Young Franklin Roosevelt grew up knowing the finer things in life— sailing, horseback riding, and foxhunts on his family's large estate. Growing up wealthy meant he could live a gentleman's life, like his beloved papa. Yet gentlemen weren't supposed to go into politics, right? But why not? As young Franklin learns from a famous uncle and a famous mentor, there is more to the world than he thought. And about politics? Well, maybe there is more to that, too.
Complete with lively illustrations by new illustrator Britt Spencer, this third book in Judith St. George's Turning Point series reveals the turning point for the young man who would become one of America's most honored presidents.
Children's Literature
Roosevelt's privileged birth and childhood are presented in an engaging text with appealing illustrations. His family had three homes and moved with the seasons, fitting in frequent trips to Europe along the way. He had private tutors for the first fourteen years of his life. His father did not care much about book learning, so education was secondary to his exciting adventures of sailing, horseback riding, and sledding. At the age of five he went to the White House and met the President. Franklin's world changed completely when he turned fourteen and entered Groton, a prestigious boarding school. At first, his classmates ridiculed his European accent and his lack of ability in sports. But Franklin persevered. He especially liked the Rector's class and took his admonition to be of service to others seriously. When Theodore Roosevelt came to the school as a guest speaker, he invited Franklin to his home for a holiday. From then on Franklin aspired to become a rugged man of action like his cousin. The account ends with Franklin's graduation from Groton. The rest of his life is summarized on the last page, accompanied by a bibliography. This is part of the "Turning Point" series.
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Roosevelt's privileged birth and childhood are presented in an engaging text with appealing illustrations. His family had three homes and moved with the seasons, fitting in frequent trips to Europe along the way. He had private tutors for the first fourteen years of his life. His father did not care much about book learning, so education was secondary to his exciting adventures of sailing, horseback riding, and sledding. At the age of five he went to the White House and met the President. Franklin's world changed completely when he turned fourteen and entered Groton, a prestigious boarding school. At first, his classmates ridiculed his European accent and his lack of ability in sports. But Franklin persevered. He especially liked the Rector's class and took his admonition to be of service to others seriously. When Theodore Roosevelt came to the school as a guest speaker, he invited Franklin to his home for a holiday. From then on Franklin aspired to become a rugged man of action like his cousin. The account ends with Franklin's graduation from Groton. The rest of his life is summarized on the last page, accompanied by a bibliography. This is part of the "Turning Point" series.School Library Journal
Gr 2–5Joining the author's You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt (2004) and Take the Lead, George Washington (2005, both Philomel), this illustrated biography also explores the childhood life of a president, examining the influences that shaped Roosevelt's life with stories that will delight young readers. Born into a wealthy family, Franklin was doted on by his mother who called him "Baby," dressed him in dresses, and kept his long hair in curls. "But Franklin was definite about what he wanted…and by six he wanted the curls off. Off they came!" "He was never spanked. (Once, when he was naughty, his father said, 'Franklin, consider yourself spanked')." When he was 14 and attending boarding school for the first time, he heard the strong message "go out and serve the world" from the Rector, Reverend Endicott Peabody. Later he met his fifth cousin, Theodore, whose energetic tales of public service influenced him greatly. Throughout, Spencer's spirited watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations bring to life the culture and background of this American icon. This peek into history has great child appeal.
—Lee BockCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.