Nice Work, Franklin!

Gr 2–4—This informational picture book capsulizes the salient points of Franklin Roosevelt's four terms as president. Roosevelt is known as our country's only physically handicapped president. Nonetheless, he literally stood up to his naysayers and took the oath of office standing at the podium. Children will learn Roosevelt's most memorable quote, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," as they witness examples of his determination and spirit. The final page highlights nine programs that President Roosevelt initiated, such as Social Security and unemployment insurance. Day's attractive multicolored illustrations were created using pencil and watercolors with gouache. Active scenes from inaugural parades and food lines fill spreads and depict the enormity of the task of pulling the country out of the Depression.