Page 9 - 50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet (2nd Revised Edition)

Eleanor’s life reflected her DIVE IN! Internet to research First Ladies
commitment to public service The Roosevelts: An Intimate of the last fifty years. What were
in our country and throughout History by Geoffrey C. Ward their interests and concerns?
the world. As FDR’s wife, she (Alfred A. Knopf, 2014), How did they draw attention to
energized and transformed the 503 pages. important issues of the day, such
role of First Lady. Later, as his as literacy, the war on drugs,
widow, she served as a delegate historic preservation, and the
to the United Nations and kept on with her beautification of the United States?
humanitarian work: always fighting racial What do you think today’s First Lady should
injustice, working tirelessly for social reform— work on? As you read about the 50 amazing
and earning the title “First Lady of the World.” people in this book, a particular idea or cause
At the time of her death, the shy, lonely, connected with one of these heroes may catch
scared little girl was the most recognized your attention. Should today’s First Lady
individual in the world. promote Roberto Clemente’s program for young
athletes? Or support Alex’s Lemonade Stand
EXPLORE! Foundation by setting up a lemonade stand
While our Constitution doesn’t even mention at the White House? Tell her what you think!
the role of a president’s spouse, we are always Contact her at
interested in the chief executive’s family. The
First Lady, in particular, can draw a lot of The White House
attention to a special cause. Eleanor Roosevelt 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
transformed the role of First Lady by using her Washington, DC 20500
position to embrace the world. Have others www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady
followed in her footsteps? Use your library or the email: first.lady@whitehouse.gov

POWER WORDS!

“No one can make

you feel inferior

without your

consent.”

—Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt (left) appears with
singer Marian Anderson at a ceremony
honoring Anderson on July 2, 1939.
Roosevelt was a longtime supporter
of Anderson and fought against
discriminatory laws.

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