The book I chose is entitled Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World. Charles P. Graves is the author and Garrard Publishing Company was in charge of publishing the book. It was published in Champaign, Illinois in the year of 1966.

The book deals with the life and impact of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her childhood, teenage years and adulthood as well as the positive impact she had on America on a troubled and much needed time. The book also deals with the relationship between her and her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and the way she assumed a role of leadership within the United States as The First Lady.

Born in New York City on October 11, 1884, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt was “a shy, awkward child, starved for recognition and love,” (The White House) daughter of Anna Hall and Elliot Roosevelt. Since her early years, Eleanor was known for her compassionate heart and kind personality. In many occasions she gave her own jacket or shoes to clothe needed people. This would be a characteristic that would remain with her throughout her life and that would define her personality. Nonetheless, tragedy would come soon for Eleanor, at the age of 5 her mother became sever

In 1917, America entered WWI on the allies side and “Eleanor did a great deal of war work.” (Graves 36) She spent days in the Red Cross near the railroad station, making sandwiches and coffee to the soldiers that came through Washington. She also visited wounded soldiers at the hospitals. She would make them food and bring them presents to “cheer them up.” (Graves 37) When asked how she found time to handle her five children family, a husband and all the extra work she had been putting in, she replied: “I learned that what one has to do can be done.”

“Eleanor started to work in the women’s division of the Democratic State Committee.” (45) She brought politicians home with her to talk to Franklin. As tim3e passed, FDR became more and more interested, as did Eleanor. In 1928, Eleanor traveled to the New York State Democratic Convention. There Eleanor met with Alfred E. Smith, who was running for President. Smith wanted to persuade FDR to run for Governor of New York. Eleanor phoned FDR that same night and allowed Mr. Smith to talk to him. The next morning the papers were led by a big headline that announced FDR’s run for governor. Although the elections were close, Franklin came on top again, making him governor of the State of New York.

Throughout this time, Eleanor Roosevelt became an important figure for the American society because of her kindness and work ethic. No other First Lady has worked so closely to her husband in the common goal of helping those in need. Eleanor Roosevelt will always be remembered because of her great work both during her husband’s presidency as well as the pre and post presidency years. Her legacy is untouchable and deniably grand.

The summer after the elections, the Roosevelt’s went to Campobello Island, where FDR’s mother “had given them a summer house.” (Graves 34) The whole family went for a swim one day in the “icy water.” (Graves 43) As FDR left the water he felt a “chill” (43), the very next day his legs were paralyzed. No doctors determined what was exactly wrong with FDR. Soon after, they determined he had polio. “After he was stable, Franklin was taken to New York.” (44) There his mother wanted him to move I with her and live the rest of his life like a crippled, but Eleanor strongly refused. “He must learn to take care of himself” she said. “He can still lead a useful life. (44) Family friend Louis Howe agreed with Eleanor. FDR was discouraged and depressed so both Louis and Eleanor determined that the best way to encourage FDR

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