Heroes - Lives to Learn From
May
Hope Wonder Joy
May
Hope Wonder Joy
Wonder and Joy - Jane Goodall (1934)
Can a toy portend the future? Jane Goodall, the world's leading expert on chimpanzees might say "yes." As a child in London, Jane received not a teddy bear, but a stuffed chimpanzee from her parents. "Jubilee" (pictured here) evoked in her both wonder and joy. She developed a strong curiosity about animals and Africa, and in 1957 headed off to Kenya to learn more about both. Befriended by archaeologist Louis Leakey and supported by her mother, young Jane went on to Tanzania (Gombe Stream National Park) to study chimpanzees in the wild. She observed their human-like behavior, documenting their social bonds, emotions and personalities, and doing enough path-breaking research to earn her a slot in a Ph.D. program at Cambridge University in the heavily male field of primatology. Jane Goodall has returned to Africa to study time and again. Her wonder and open-mindedness have allowed her to assess aspects of chimp behavior never before revealed (for example, how chimps do armed conflict....). She has spent the last sixty years helping human beings learn about the surprising social and family life of our primate cousins. And through it all, Dr. Goodall has been (to co-opt C.S. Lewis) surprised by joy. Her profound love of learning and love of life shines through in every interview. Below we feature some excellent children's books introducing them to this gentle but fearless trail-blazer in primatology and anthropology.
With Love. Jane Goodall. Illustrated by Alan Marks. Mineditions, 2014. (K-2)
Beautifully illustrated stories of individual chimps and how they interact with the family group. 
The Chimpanzee Family Book. Jane Goodall. Photos by Michael Neugebauer. Simon and Schuster, 1989. (3-4)
Beautiful photos of Jane Goodall’s family of Chimps. She shares her observations of daily life and the role of different family members in a very engaging way. 
DK Life Stories: Jane Goodall. Libby Romero. Illustrated by Charlotte Ager.
DK Children, 2019. (2-6) 126 pgs. 
Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall. Anita Silvey. Nat’l Geo Kids. 2015. (3-6)
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Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees. Sarah Albee. Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali. Harper Collins, 2020. (K-3)
The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for Young Readers. Susan B. Katz. Rockridge Press, 2020. (3-4) This biography follows Jane from her love of animals at an early age to finding her calling in Africa, working with chimpanzees. It shows Jane still pursuing her love of animals at age 85, by lecturing and fund raising for their habitats.
My Life with the Chimpanzees. Jane Goodall. Aladdin, 1996 (3-6) 160pgs.
Autobiography for youngsters detailing Jane Goodall’s extraordinary career. 
Girls Who Looked Under Rocks. Jeannine Atkins. Illustrated by Paula Conner. Dawn Publications, 2011. (5-6) The stories of 6 pioneering women scientists, including Jane Goodall.
Available on Epic! |
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Heroes of Hope
This month, as we fight our own battle against the pandemic that imprisons many of us in our homes, let's turn for inspiration to two great icons of hope: Great Britain's Winston Churchill and America's Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Leaders during World War II, our last great, high-stakes battle against a seemingly insuperable foe, they kept the flame of hope alive for their countrymen and indeed, for a groaning world. |
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Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of Great Britain at an age when most men would be retiring. His long study and deep understanding of history, his engagement in the political life of his nation, and his extraordinary facility with words made him Britain's irreplaceable man in World War II. When England stood alone against Hitler, he was at his most eloquent, calling for sacrifice, perseverance and hope.
Children's authors: we are still waiting for a WONDERFUL (picture book) biography of Winston Churchill. The pickins' are slim! 
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt really was raised with a silver spoon in his mouth. Born to one of America's most affluent and prestigious families (a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt), the handsome, Harvard-educated FDR ended up fighting his own battle with polio early in his career, remaining crippled for life, but not allowing his disability to define his destiny. Known for his cocky "Happy Days Are Here Again" campaign during the Great Depression, he experimented with new ideas, was the nation's reassurance in radio Fireside Chats and a beacon of hope for the U.S. and the world in World War II.
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Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that Changed the World. Douglas Wood. Illustrated by Barry Moser. Candlewick, 2011. (3-6) Hope, Justice, Friendship
This extraordinary picture book chronicles a friendship that (as the title indicates) changed the world, and much for the better. Two men of hope, courage and action, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill embodied the best of their nations. This unusual dual biography recounts British Prime Minister Churchill's December 1942 crossing of the Atlantic to strategize with his American counterpart and soon-to-be friend, President Franklin Roosevelt. Churchill's mother was American, and he had a special fondness for the nation he was about to visit, but it was Franklin's spark, savvy and his shared commitment to international liberty that cemented the friendship. Together they not only inspired their citizens, but forged the greatest military alliance in history, drew up a charter for a new United Nations, appointed joint Chiefs for operations, and planned for the liberation of more than 30 nations under the yoke of tyranny. Because of the subject matter and amount of text, this is an older children's picture book.
This extraordinary picture book chronicles a friendship that (as the title indicates) changed the world, and much for the better. Two men of hope, courage and action, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill embodied the best of their nations. This unusual dual biography recounts British Prime Minister Churchill's December 1942 crossing of the Atlantic to strategize with his American counterpart and soon-to-be friend, President Franklin Roosevelt. Churchill's mother was American, and he had a special fondness for the nation he was about to visit, but it was Franklin's spark, savvy and his shared commitment to international liberty that cemented the friendship. Together they not only inspired their citizens, but forged the greatest military alliance in history, drew up a charter for a new United Nations, appointed joint Chiefs for operations, and planned for the liberation of more than 30 nations under the yoke of tyranny. Because of the subject matter and amount of text, this is an older children's picture book.
Who Was Winston Churchill? Ellen Labrecque. Penguin, 2015. (2-6) Hope, Courage
This is a fine (112 page) introduction to Churchill for older children, written with verve energy and intelligence. The "Who Was" series is uneven in its quality: this book is not. It captures Churchill's privileged youth, his struggles in school, his late-life political rise, and the many exploits that prepared Winston Churchill for the mission of his life: defeating Nazism and tyranny. |
Who Was Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Margaret Frith. Illustrated by John O'Brien. Turtleback, 2010. (2-6) Hope
A slender readable chapter book that provides a comprehensive introduction to FDR, which also places strong emphasis on his relationship with Winston Churchill. Complemented by an excellent timeline. |
War Dogs: Churchill & Rufus. Charlesbridge, 2016. Kathryn Selbert. (1-4) Hope, Friendship
Meet Winston Churchill through the eyes of his dog Rufus. Often compared to a bull dog himself and dubbed "Pug" by his wife, the British Prime Minister's chosen companion was a brown poodle named Rufus. Rufus leads us through Churchill's routine in the dark days of World War II and makes the leader accessible to young children. The work is charmingly illustrated and amply complemented by quotations from Churchill's own correspondence. |
First Dog Fala. * Elizabeth Van Steenwyk. Illustrated by Michael Montgomery. Peachtree Publishing, 2008. (K-3) Friendship, Hope, Loyalty
FDR's constant companion in the 1940s was "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill," nicknamed "Fala." Fala gets first billing in this book, and dog-lovers won't be disappointed, but this is a wonderful picture book introduction to wartime president Franklin Delano Roosevelt with vibrant illustrations that echo the work of Thomas Hart Benton. The story captures the joy of their friendship and the high stakes world of FDR and all America at that time.*Available on Epic! |
A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin Delano Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America. Kathleen Krull. Illustrated by Steve Johnson. Knopf, 2013. (1-5) Hope, Compassion
This short chapter book provides an inspiring introduction to the President who led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Krull focuses on FDR's privileged boyhood (his high spirits and cheerful disposition), early career and moves on to his battle with polio, and how it prepared him to confront hardship. It stops short of the Depression and World War II years but clearly portrays our only four-term president as a man of compassion and hope.
This short chapter book provides an inspiring introduction to the President who led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Krull focuses on FDR's privileged boyhood (his high spirits and cheerful disposition), early career and moves on to his battle with polio, and how it prepared him to confront hardship. It stops short of the Depression and World War II years but clearly portrays our only four-term president as a man of compassion and hope.
Nice Work, Franklin! Suzanne Tripp Jurmain. Illustrated by Larry Day. Dial Books, 2016. (2-5) Hope, Courage
A buoyant and uplifting biography of the man who inspired his fellow countrymen while he led them through hard times. Jurmain, the author of Worst of Friends (about Adams and Jefferson) delivers a tour de force for Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- a man who man who overcame personal tragedy (polio), a crippling disability, and never lost heart. He led America through the Great Depression and World War II with his signature "Happy Days Are Here Again" approach. The illustrations are lively if not always true to life...
A buoyant and uplifting biography of the man who inspired his fellow countrymen while he led them through hard times. Jurmain, the author of Worst of Friends (about Adams and Jefferson) delivers a tour de force for Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- a man who man who overcame personal tragedy (polio), a crippling disability, and never lost heart. He led America through the Great Depression and World War II with his signature "Happy Days Are Here Again" approach. The illustrations are lively if not always true to life...
The True Story of Fala. Margaret Suckley and Alice Dalgliesh. Black Dome Press, 2015. (3-8) Friendship, Hope, Loyalty
A reissue of the classic that introduced young readers to "a dog and his president." "Daisy" (Margaret) Suckley, friend and cousin of Franklin Roosevelt, gave him the Scottish terrier in 1940, and he became a constant companion and most photographed dog in America during World War II. FDR named him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor, a name quickly shortened to "Fala." Daisy authored the text in the 1940s and Alice Dalgliesh's charming illustrations captured the dog's hi-jinks along with photos of the time. An accessible way for children to look behind the scenes of the presidency during dark days, and to grow in admiration for the man whose hope and optimism was admired not just by humans, but by one special canine!
A reissue of the classic that introduced young readers to "a dog and his president." "Daisy" (Margaret) Suckley, friend and cousin of Franklin Roosevelt, gave him the Scottish terrier in 1940, and he became a constant companion and most photographed dog in America during World War II. FDR named him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor, a name quickly shortened to "Fala." Daisy authored the text in the 1940s and Alice Dalgliesh's charming illustrations captured the dog's hi-jinks along with photos of the time. An accessible way for children to look behind the scenes of the presidency during dark days, and to grow in admiration for the man whose hope and optimism was admired not just by humans, but by one special canine!
Hope - Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Eleanor Roosevelt was no starry-eyed optimist, but the virtue of hope and an ethos of courage ruled her life. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” was her advice to the timid. Though she was born into a world of wealth and privilege, little Eleanor was shy and painfully conscious of “my lack of beauty.” She compensated for her shortcomings through diligent study, a keen interest in the life of her nation, and an eager will to be useful by improving the lot of the less fortunate. Eleanor was initially thrust into public life when she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt (first governor of New York and then President of the United States). As First Lady, she championed working women, wrote a weekly column advocating for the neglected, and after her husband’s death chaired the U.N. Committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She maintained a steadfast hope in the future and in the progress of her nation’s ideals. Two splendid books for children chronicle the life of this witness to hope. The first is a stunningly illustrated biography for young children, and the second, a nuanced, warmly told portrayal of this extraordinary woman.
Eleanor Roosevelt was no starry-eyed optimist, but the virtue of hope and an ethos of courage ruled her life. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” was her advice to the timid. Though she was born into a world of wealth and privilege, little Eleanor was shy and painfully conscious of “my lack of beauty.” She compensated for her shortcomings through diligent study, a keen interest in the life of her nation, and an eager will to be useful by improving the lot of the less fortunate. Eleanor was initially thrust into public life when she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt (first governor of New York and then President of the United States). As First Lady, she championed working women, wrote a weekly column advocating for the neglected, and after her husband’s death chaired the U.N. Committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She maintained a steadfast hope in the future and in the progress of her nation’s ideals. Two splendid books for children chronicle the life of this witness to hope. The first is a stunningly illustrated biography for young children, and the second, a nuanced, warmly told portrayal of this extraordinary woman.
A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt. David Adler Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday, 1995. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography for young children of one of America’s most active and intelligent first ladies. 
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Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride. Pam Munoz Ryan.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (K-3)Lives to Learn From Determination, mettle, and true grit characterize both Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, who were good friends. One night the nation’s First Lady invited the First Lady of the Skies to dinner at the White House. This is the true story of their thrilling after-dinner getaway. 
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