This team of three once again encapsulates the life of a famous figure with a childhood view, animated text and expressive oil-and-ink illustrations (The Boy on Fairfield Street, 2004). The unbiased, straightforward account focuses on how his idol and cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt, influenced Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s life. He had a pampered, wealthy childhood—never spanked and taught at home, by age six he could write letters to his Mama in French and German. TR told FDR’s class at Groton, “Much has been given to you; therefore, we have a right to expect much from you.” At age 18, FDR told his classmates at Harvard he wanted to go into politics—and even be president! His dream became an ambition that wasn’t deterred even when he was stricken with polio at age 39. Full-page, painterly artwork evokes the times and the determination of FDR, and Krull has a knack for ferreting out interesting anecdotes that humanize the facts. Informative backmatter provides a dated list of his life and famous words and sources. Well done. (Picture book/biography. 6-10)
