Sunday, October 11, 2009

Reference Sunday: Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan Illus by Brian Selznick


Today is the 125th Anniversary of the birth of Eleanor Roosevelt. She is one of our most celebrated first ladies having been first lady from 1933 to 1945. She was a courageous and strong woman who's life is still an inspiration.


If I were in the bookstore and a customer came in looking for books on Eleanor Roosevelt I could show them a multitude of books about her life. There are many biographies for children on Eleanor Roosevelt and any of them would do for a child to read about and/or do a report on. That being said I would also show the customer this wonderful picture book based on a true incident in Eleanor Roosevelt's life.
It happened in 1933. Mrs Roosevelt had invited her friend, the celebrated aviatrix Amelia Earhart, to dinner at the White House. This story tells of how the two women decided to have some fun and go for a plane ride around Washington DC. Again, it is a true story. At the end of the book, there is an author's note explaining the actual event because some details were changed for the story.
Brian Selznick's wonderful illustrations enhance this special tale by his warm black & white sketches of the time. This is truly a beautiful book about two incredible women.
Happy Birthday Eleanor!

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