No matter how the question is answered, one thing is clear: There has hardly been a life in the last century that Eleanor Roosevelt has not affected, in one way or another. From securing safe, low-cost housing for Kentucky's poor, to helping her grandchildren hang a tire swing on the White House's south lawn, to representing America as the first female delegate to the United Nations, Eleanor rarely kept a second of her life for herself — and she wouldn't have had it any other way.

In this stunning "scrapbook" biography, Candace Fleming, author of the acclaimed Ben Franklin's Almanac, turns her keen eye to our nation's premier First Lady. Filled with photographs of everything from Eleanor's speech at the 1940 Democratic National Convention to her high school report card, as well as fascinating stories about life in and out of the White House, Our Eleanor gives us a remarkable perspective on a remarkable woman, and presents to a new generation an Eleanor to call its own.

"In this standout biography, Fleming employs the scrapbook style she debuted in Benjamin Franklin's Almanac for another American icon, Eleanor Roosevelt, the 'first lady of the world,' in the words of former president Truman. Short chapters arranged into a pastiche of narratives and deftly supported by photographs, newspaper articles, letters and humorous cartoons explore how this sad 'Little Nell,' as her father called her, emerged from an unhappy albeit privileged childhood to become an indefatigable champion of the poor and powerless. So controversial that she inspired 'one of the largest FBI files in American history' (3,271 pages), Eleanor was also beloved by thousands of Americans, who wrote to her seeking advice or solace. Fleming documents many of the ways Eleanor herself evolved, such as how her prejudiced views on Jews changed over time, and some of the ways in which she remained faithful to herself even if it brought her pain. Eleanor's intellect attracted her charming and ambitious cousin Franklin, and their divergent approaches to life would divide them as a couple but also strengthen them as political partners. Fleming relies on the prolific words of Eleanor herself, family members, friends and observers to enhance this multi-faceted life story. The attractive design capitallizes on these various perspectives, often highlighted in different type treatments; yet the overall appearance is one of cohesion. With this approach, Fleming allows readers to draw their own conclusions; they will come away with an understanding of a woman who shaped her times and left a lasting imprint on the future. Ages 10-14." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"[Franklin Delano Roosevelt's] most important political asset."

-- Jim Farley, chairman of the New York State Democratic Party

"Candace Fleming's portrait bursts at the seams with energy, and makes brilliantly clear why Eleanor Roosevelt is a perfect role model for American kids, and for kids around the world. Mrs. Roosevelt wasn't the head of her time, she's the head of our time."

-- James Carville

"The best-dressed woman of 1934."

--U.S. fashion industry

"The only one who comprehends the true meaning of democracy."

-- Marian Anderson, legendary black opera singer

"Candace Fleming has chronicled the life of Eleanor Roosevelt as no other. With photographs on every page and with special attention having been given each important person, place, and project, this book provides an exciting glimpse into a remarkable life. It will appeal to young and old alike."

-- Chandler Roosevelt Lindsley and Elliott Roosevelt Jr., grandchildren of Eleanor Roosevelt

"Creating a unique form for biography — the collage — the author has given us a superbly rounded and penetrating portrait of one of our greatest women, Eleanor Roosevelt. No one can read it and not feel deeply grateful for her long service to the American people and to human rights the world round."

-- Milton Meltzer, five-time National Book Award finalist and author of There Comes a Time: The Struggle for Civil Rights

"In Our Eleanor Candace Fleming sets a new standard for the blending of an astonishing number of apt illustrations with fine writing and a strong sense of the ever-fascinating Eleanor Roosevelt."

-- Marc Aronson, author of the Sibert Award-winning Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado

"Many children's book writers have written biographies of Eleanor Roosevelt, but I don't know of any that illuminated so many different facets of this remarkable woman's life and activities."

-- James Cross Giblin, winner of the Robert F. Sibert Award and author of The Amazing Life of Benjamin Franklin