Chasing Eleanor

by Kerry Chaput, Em Eldridge (reader)

Newly orphaned Magnolia Parker must protect her sick little brothers, but when the authorities send the boys to an unknown orphan asylum, Magnolia calls on her unwavering grit to bring them home. She's lost everything but still has a secret weapon—a promise from Eleanor Roosevelt, the most famous woman in America. Setting out on a cross country quest, she befriends two unlikely travelers: Hop, a migrant worker with a big heart, and Red, a young girl traumatized into silence. Hunger and dust storms aren't the only dangers this found family faces on the rails. After an assault, they're forced to outrun the police, all while trying to track down the First Lady. But time is running out and Magnolia's chance to reunite her siblings depends on one thing—finding Eleanor.

Award-winning historical author Kerry Chaput is back with a touching story of loss and survival set in America's Great Depression. With vivid details and unforgettable characters, Chasing Eleanor takes readers on an adventure of the heart, where a young woman finds hope in the most unlikely places. A touching tribute to the great Eleanor Roosevelt, this adventure- filled story will entertain and inspire all ages.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Coming Of Age, Audiobook

Audio CD

First published June 15, 2023

About the author

Kerry Chaput is a multi-award-winning historical fiction author who writes of daring women with loads of adventure and a splash of magic. Born in California, she now calls the Pacific Northwest home, where she spends her days hitting the trails, chasing historical rabbit holes, and feeding her addiction to espresso and doggy cuddles. Explore her books at www.kerrywrites.com.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up, seeing it as not as dreadful as it appears, discovering that we have the strength to stare it down.”

Chasing Eleanor, a young adult novel written by Kerry Chaput, was inspired by the words of Eleanor Roosevelt and explores found family, struggles, forgiveness, trust, and hope. One need only look at the juxtaposition in the cover to know that opposites will play a large part in the narrative. I loved the image of the children walking together toward the light. Chaput’s theme of opposites is carried on through her heartfelt story. You’ll read about the Great Depression (vividly described) and orphaned children against a message of hope. The raw vulnerability in this novel will speak to your heart and you’ll be cheering for the characters as they navigate each hurdle that comes their way.

Chaput has given voice to a desperate young girl, Magnolia Parker, and shown us the benefits of passing the torch to encourage those following behind. I love how Chaput used the power of an encouraging first lady to not only guide an orphan struggling to see light but to also use her power for good. Can Magnolia Parker use Eleanor Roosevelt’s words as a catalyst to heal the loss of a fractured family and get back on the rails again? Can she find forgiveness and trust along the way?

I’m naturally drawn toward historical fiction and love this author’s Canadian historical fiction novels. This one shows readers Chaput’s talent to write to a different audience while maintaining high interest, regardless of readers’ age. I will be recommending this one to my high school social studies students.

Full of vivid descriptions and tapping into characters' emotions, Chaput's novel shows readers what it was like for a child during the Depression era. More than that, Chaput spotlights a young girl's desire to be something better and to have something more in life. Her message of overcoming is one we should be sharing with others.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction novel which is set during the Great Depression. It depicts a young woman's remarkable journey to find Eleanor Roosevelt, and how she discovers herself along the way. The sympathetic female protagonist suffers tragedy and loss, depends on the kindness of strangers, and finds supportive friends throughout her quest. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Em Eldridge, who has a captivating voice, does an outstanding job voicing the characters. I especially enjoyed hearing Ms. Roosevelt's quotes.

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This book packs a punch. Heart-rending historical fiction, set in the time of the Great Depression. The author did a great job of depicting what life was like during this troubled time in our country.
Y.A. is the intended audience, but there are some very adult themes that might need adult guidance.

[Nicole Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brimming with hope and heart, and set against the vivid backdrop of America’s Great Depression, Chasing Eleanor is the story of a young girl’s journey to uncovering the true meaning of family. Readers of historical fiction won’t want to miss this gem of a book. I loved every page!

[Janis Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Chaput is quickly earning acclaim, and rightfully so, as a writer who brings young female protagonists to center stage, fraught with flaws and filled with hope. Magnolia Parker is her newest heroine in Chasing Eleanor. Set during the Great Depression, a chance fictionalized encounter with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, sets Magnolia on a quest to reclaim her family. From Bend, Oregon to Warm Springs, Georgia to the forgotten, wind-blown farmlands of the Midwest, Magnolia’s journey comes alive in her zig-zag trek as she hops trains, finding a new definition of family along the way. Chaput’s ability to craft scarred characters who never give up their fight shines on every page. Using a real event of Eleanor Roosevelt’s stop in Bend to speak and inspire the down-trodden of the Depression anchors the book in the time-period when darkness and despair gripped the country. Action and adventure fill each chapter. I enjoyed meeting a young heroine at the center of that action, taking control of her life and step-by-step letting go of the past to embrace her future.

[Tracey Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a captivating novel full of complex characters and fascinating history. I was rooting for Magnolia from page one, and my heart went out to her as she fought so hard to save the people she loved. A strong exploration of the importance of trust and forgiveness, and the power of women supporting each other through one of the toughest times in our country’s history.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of "Chasing Eleanor" from Netgalley. The book starts out during the great Depression. Magnolia who goes by the nickname Maggie is seventeen years old. She is newly orphaned and has two younger brothers left in her care. She tries to take care of the boys but one brother has mental issues and her other brother has physical issues. she tries to work at a hotel where she meets Eleanor Roosevelt. she gets to spend a couple hours with the first lady who offers Maggie emotional support. When Maggie is injured by her brother the kids up in hospital care. The boys are taken and transported states away. Maggie tries her best to travel across the USA to find her brothers. Along the way she makes friends with Hop a migrant worker. And Red a young teen who is on the run after being accused of murder. Over the next year the trio travels to protect Red and find Maggie's brothers. Maggie is also convinced if she can meet up with Eleanor Roosevelt the first lady will help her. along the way the trio meet their share of bad people who are out to hurt them and some good people who do help. A good read. I found myself rooting for Maggie and her friends for a good ending to their stories.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaput delivers a powerful tale of resilience and hope, set during the hardships of the Great Depression. Magnolia "Maggie" Parker's family disintegrates after one tragedy too many. A meeting with the First Lady inspires Maggie and puts her on a dangerous and heart-wrenching journey to find her brothers. With poignant characters and hard-scrabble historical detail, Chaput's tale is a tribute to the strength of friendships founded in the harshest of conditions--and the enduring impact of one extraordinary woman.

[Caitlin Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Women have always been a tremendous power in the destiny of the world."

It is very rare for an author to take a time in history and drop readers directly into it without bogging it down with details and facts to make it authentic to the setting. But Kerry Chaput has mastered the ability to do just that. By the first page, readers will be fully immersed in Magnolia's life set during the Great Depression, and by page two their hearts will be aching and their fingers itching to turn page after page.

Cunning, fast-paced, and original, Chasing Eleanor is a touching story about survival and finding your family against all odds.

If you love stories by Kristin Hannah, then this is the author for you!

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there a better way to spend a solitary Saturday morning than with coffee and a tremendous book?

I have just finished "Chasing Eleanor" by Kerry Chaput. I now sit here with tears on my face, and that feeling of experience gained and full-heartedness that you can only get from a great book.

The book tells the story of Maggie, a poverty-stricken teenager during the Great Depression. She is left to care for her younger brothers after their father leaves and their mother dies. When her brothers are taken, she seeks the help of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She meets two other hard-scrabble teenagers and together they cross the country in search of their goals.

The book is almost Outlander-ish, with the historical setting and non-stop, action-packed twists and turns. But the message is undeniably Female-centered.

This is a story of hardship, resilience, kinship, finding one's people, hope, healing, and forgiveness. It was hard for me to put the book down, as the story is adventurous and action-packed.

But what will stay for me for a long time is how Maggie found hope and strength in the women she met, who recognized her strength and struggles, and helped her in their own ways. Then, how ultimately Maggie had to decide to risk opening her heart to truly heal the shame and despair that she- and to some degree, all of us- carried inside.

This is a great book for anyone but especially women. It joins "The Change" by Kristen Miller among the best women-centered books that I've read. I will be passing this one on to family and friends.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew! Talk about nailing the “journey, not destination” trope! Good book, took a looooong time to get there, wherever where needed to be. And just like that, I’m off historical fiction for a bit-I’m exhausted!

[Judy Zell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three homeless teenagers, who did not even know each other at first, traveled from Oregon to Warm Springs, GA, to try to see Eleanor Roosevelt, hoping that she would help them find their families. The youngest, a 14-yr.-old red-headed girl, was wanted for murder, so the other two helped keep her hidden. First they hopped freight trains, then got rides in the back of farmers' pick-up trucks, and sometimes they walked, always relying on the kindness of strangers. Then they traveled back west to Wyoming, where they spent the winter and finally split up. It's a sad story about trust and the need to forgive our parents and ourselves. Also contains a lot of information about Eleanor Roosevelt, so it is a good complement to First Ladies, about Mrs. Roosevelt and Dr. Mary Bethune.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

These pages rake through hopeless situations and seemingly endless stumbling blocks in a fight of determination and a sibling love, which inspires.

Magnolia does the best she can to keep her two brothers, dying mother, and herself fed. While they have a type of roof of their heads, she knows they're hanging on by a last, frayed thread. With the mother's death comes, at least, the chance for Magnolia to land a job. Not that it really pays the bills, but work of any kind is a blessing and rarity. A miraculous twist of fate brings her face to face with her idol, Eleanor Roosevelt, who promises to help her if ever the need. But the moment Mrs. Roosevelt travels to the next town, disaster strikes in all the worst ways. Magnolia finds herself with nothing. Even her two brothers have been taken away, but she's not about to give up and sets out on a journey to get her brothers back...if there's even the slim chance she can.

This tale is set during the Great Depression and begins in a small town, where poverty is ruining many lives. There is nothing happy about the beginning situation as Magnolia struggles to keep everyone alive. This hits with grit as she faces a verbally abusive, dying mother while trying to help two younger brothers, who aren't in a great place themselves. Plus, it sets the tone for the rest of the read, one which holds raw moments and tough paths. The reader can't help by root for Magnolia as she fights at every turn, and her mistrust toward others is more than understandable. This isn't a sunshine read, but rather drags through the dark corners of poverty and greed. Still, there are moments of light, and that's what helps Magnolia (as well as the reader) pull through.

While the plot has Magnolia in more than a few rough places, there's a constant message of inspiration and encouragement. Especially Eleanor Roosevelt's quotes push Magnolia forward and help her grasp the inspiration to continue through even the most desperate moments. The same ideals Eleanor Roosevelt publicly supported carry through the adventure and show how far women in society have come and what battles. It also promotes support for children and those less fortunate. It's a message, which urges people to continue forward and find the strength to carry on. And of course, it addresses more than a few problems, details, and personalities of that time frame, making it a rich historical journey as well.
I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a very inspiring read.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Story of Heartache, Darkness Despair Love and Hope
Chasing Eleanor is a heart wrenching Historical Fiction book by author Kerry Chaput and the book was inspired by the words of Eleanor Roosevelt. 
The book is set during the Great Depression in the1930s, during a time when much of the world was struggling with, unemployment, malnutrition, and loss of income. Magnolia Parker is seventeen years old and finds she grows up quickly during these challenging times as she witnesses her drunken father leaving home and her mother's devastation after this as she takes to her bed. She is so angry that spits vemon at Magnolia Day and night. Magnolia does her best to take care of both her two younger brothers and her mother. When her mother dies Magnolia finds that her two your brothers are now left in her care.
Magnolia gets a job as a housekeeper in a hotel to try and support them and whist there she meets Eleanor Roosevelt whom Maggie adores and follows through newspapers. After taking Eleanor Rosavelt a cup of tea, she is shocked to find Eleanor Roosevelt has asked to speak with her after dinner. After their discussion Maggie is given a letter to say if she is ever desperate all she must do is write to her and she will help in whatever way she can. But when Maggie returns home that night late there is a fire and Maggie desperately tries to protect both her brothers. Suddenly by the next day she discovers that both brothers were taken into care.
Life changes quickly for Maggie as her mistrust toward others is more than understandable. She goes on to fights at every turn, trying to find her brothers as her fierce love she feels for them both means she will stop at nothing until she finds them. Maggie never gives up, and her faith is strengthened by the young friends she meets along the way.
The author has done a wonderful job of depicting what life was like during these troubled times and Maggie and her friends will take you on an adventure full of, heartache, darkness despair love and hope never giving up during some very harrowing times. A very professionally written book and the story was depictured beautifully in the era in which it was written. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Roosevelt makes a brief appearance at the beginning and the end, but it is not about her except for her ideals and ideas, the desire to instill hope for the future for the poor and downtrodden, and equal rights, especially for women, messages carried across the country during her whistlestop tour during the Great Depression Era.

This book is a quest, a dangerous, heart wrenching great adventure for Magnolia to find and regain custody of her little brothers. She had lost them and everything else at 17 when they wandered away when she was late coming home from work one day. Thus begins riding the rails in boxcars when she meets the most important person in her life, an Italian boy named Hop, then a red-haired girl who doesn't speak. This trio had never known parental love (particularly from a mother, same as Eleanor R). Magnolia has her letter from Mrs. Roosevelt she received earlier the evening she lost the boys and pins her hopes on finding her to help them. They later meet a black man who proves to be of great help to them along the way. Then we meet a tough Colorado farm woman alone who makes moonshine and a madam--These two bestow motherly love and impart wisdom of the ages.

Hop is willing to give his life to make Magnolia learn to feel worthy to accept love. She now finds herself alone and it is Hop who needs rescue; she realizes that it is she who must solve her own problems. She has learned to read people and gets a piece of secret info from a woman in an Oklahoma homeless camp (who happens to be named Eleanor). There is a cop she knows she can trust with this info and works her magic to expand upon it and use it. See what happens as she boldly moves forward!

No matter what we think may have been hardships to overcome in our lives, we have to take a look again at our real story. Most of us have never known a day when we did not know whether we could get something to eat, or find shelter, get medical care, or talk to smeone about what we were thinking or feeling. So many are challenged by wars, tornados, fires, abuse, fear, other disasters. Please, God, that they find relief from suffering.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @suzyspprovedbooktours and @kerrywrites for my gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.

This beautiful story captured my attention from the beginning. The author’s vivid descriptions took me to the 1930s, during a time when much of the world was struggling with loss of income, unemployment, and even malnutrition. This well-researched story especially emphasized hardships on women, children, and African Americans. I noticed two themes that ran throughout:

“That’s the thing about the Great Depression. Living with nothing forced us all to find out who we were on the raw, fleshy inside.” p. 212

And:

“The less people have, the more they want to give.”
p.147

Above all, this is a coming of age story! The main character, 17 year-old Magnolia, struggles with many issues but she ultimately gains valuable life knowledge and in the end she makes a difficult decision. This one brought tears!

Read this if you enjoy:
*colorful characters
*vivid descriptions that take you to another time
*coming of age tales, and
*life lessons

Here are more beautiful quotes that I highlighted in the book:

“You have to accept whatever comes, and the only important thing is that you meet it with the best you have to give.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Then you’ll come out stronger on the other side. As long as you believe in the beauty of your dreams.”

“The one thing that holds you back is forgiveness. For others, but mostly for yourself. I’ve been where you are. The anger, the unrelenting pain. I know that somewhere in your future you will have a moment. A reckoning, when all your fight shows itself for the fragile veil it is.”

“For everything your family stole from you, let people like us give a little back.”

“Letting him go was the most loving, motherly thing I could have done. And it hurt like hell.”

“The people I met along the way taught me to love, to hope, to face my fears.”

“Turns out that falling apart is how we rearrange the pieces how they should have been from the start.”

Thank you Kerry Chaput for such stunning writing!

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kerry Chaput is a virtuoso when it comes to crafting captivating characters who boil beneath the surface with unrelenting simmering rage. An anger that both defines and drives her female protagonists with such force they charge through the pages, prepared to mow down every obstacle attempting to rear its head. In her latest book, CHASING ELEANOR, Chaput is at her best. In this engrossing story, 17-year-old heroine Magnolia’s anger stems from a deep inner wound. Abandoned by her father and ridiculed by a cruel bedridden mother, she fiercely accepts the responsibility to provide and care for her two younger brothers–a near impossible task during the Depression when millions searched for work and Magnolia and the boys live in extreme poverty.. When Magnolia finds a job, the brief reprieve backfires for it’s discovered her brothers are unsupervised and sent away to an orphan asylum. Hellbent on reuniting with them, she begins a high-stakes cross-country search, encountering new friends and kind strangers but also violence and murder. The Depression period’s extreme homelessness gives the story a desperate edge as Magnolia and her travel companions face gnawing hunger and dangerous men. Enter Eleanor Roosevelt, whose real life mission was to encourage and support people during those despairing times. She becomes Magnolia’s focal point to answer her yearning for beneath her anger is the longing to be seen, to be found worthy and loved.

At times, Magnolia’s relentless pursuit brought tears to my eyes. This story may take place in the 1930’s but it’s a current reality today too for she reminded me of the 200,000-plus unaccompanied immigrant children in the US who, like Magnolia, want to find a better life for themselves and families. CHASING ELEANOR is a tour de force. Bravo Kerry Chaput.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Seems everyone is fighting to let go of something awful. And trying to grasp onto something good."

-------------------

Magnolia is a teenager living with her mother and two brothers in poverty. Her father, a drunk, ran off and left her as the one responsible for her mentally ill mother and the boys. They have barely enough food to eat and when things go from bad to worse and their mother dies, Magnolia must find a way for them to survive. She has the will and resilience inspired in her by reading the writings of Eleanor Roosevelt. She has the opportunity to meet her just as her life has hit its worst. When her family is split up, she undertakes a dangerous journey across the country to try to cross paths with her idol and hopeful savior again. She finds herself riding the rails with a migrant worker and a young girl on the run. Over and over she faces danger and will stop at nothing to reunite her family. She learns a lot of lessons along the way about the world, what family means and what she is truly capable of.

I’d say this one is The Lincoln Highway meets The Four Winds, both five star reads for me, so I really enjoyed how this story unravelled. There were so many developments that I hadn't expected and while I felt bad for all of the strife that Magnolia dealt with, I appreciated her arc as a character. The glimpses of Eleanor and the idea of what she may have meant to young women at the time. But what I liked the most was the adventure of it all, we got so many vignettes of life during the Great Depression, how it impacted so many lives and how different people found different ways to survive. Truly a lovely historical fiction novel.

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Historical Fiction author Kerry Chaput was thrilled to discover that her idol Eleanor Roosevelt had visited the setting for her new novel set during the Depression. Chasing Eleanor is imbued with Eleanor Roosevelt’s writing and philosophy from her newspaper column “My Day”.

In 1935, Magnolia struggles to care for her younger brothers. Their father has abandoned them, and their mother is mentally unbalanced and bedridden. Maggie has no faith in herself, and still she has stepped up to care for the family. She is devastated when she is unable to save a sister who dies, and after the mother’s death, she is unable to protect her brothers.

Maggie sets off to reclaim her brothers from institutions. And when she fails, she believes that only Eleanor Roosevelt can help her. She sets off to cross the country to find her.

Maggie’s journey takes us into Hoovervilles and jumping onto trains, with threats all around. She also finds a make-shift family, a girl on the run, accused of murdering a man, and a orphan boy who protects them. Along the way, they discover those who help them and care for them, and dangerous men who threaten them.

On her journey, Maggie discovers love. And she discovers the most important lessons in life: how to forgive oneself and learning how to trust.

It is a gritty story with a large cast of characters that illuminate the spectrum of the Depression Era experience, but also a story with a message important to young people across any time period.

I received a free book from the author.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 3 Words: Poignant, Inspirational, Adventure

Fave Quote: There's a difference between reacting to life and fighting for it

I was not expecting that opening. It was surprisingly violent, but it prepared me for the darker themes of this book in a good way. Kerry has a beautifully descriptive style, which drew me in even when I was repulsed by the action. Magnolia had a terrible family life, but when she was separated from her brothers it became clear how dedicated she was to them. She illegally jumps onto freight trains to get them back, chasing Eleanor Roosevelt (who was portrayed very well) all over the US for her help. It's an adventure which teaches her a lot about herself and how to love, and I really enjoyed meeting the friends who helped her along the way. The results were a little predictable, but I enjoyed the journey. And the final chapter felt like an epilogue that was worth the wait

Magnolia's mum was cruelly unfair to her, and it was a shame it took almost the whole book for Magnolia to realise it. It truly showed the depth of the damage. I was heartbroken when she had to leave Oscar behind and I feel like he deserved better justice, more like Johnny's happy adoption. It was the perfect end to Magnolia's quest when she found another Eleanor, but I'm very glad she finally reunited with her idol in the end, even if it wasn't how she intended

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Eleanor on the outside seems to be a story about chasing a dream, but it's really a story of discovery.

Taking place during the Great Depression, Magnolia Parker is taking care of her brothers and invalid mother well after her father has left the home. Due to her mother's condition, Magnolia (Maggie) is the sole responsible person in the household. Suddenly, Maggie's mother passes away and she finds she has the ability to do the things her mother and her mother's illness would not let her do - like work. And during this time, she found inspiration in everything she read about and written by Eleanor Roosevelt.

Maggie does get a job and does get to meet her idol and speak to her. However she loses the job, but does receive a letter from her that gives hope. However, things go from bad to worse due to an unexpected incident - the family get split up.

After she's able, Maggie uses her letter from Eleanor Roosevelt to search for her brothers. We then go from there and learn everything - from where she came from all the way to what becomes of her.

I found this to be a poignant coming to age story happening through a period of great diversity where a simple letter (directed to Maggie) along with words from one woman, not directed specifically to Maggie, keeps a young woman fighting when others give up. But, is she fighting more than one thing, and if so, are both worth fighting for?

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are young and left with your own devises to survive, and provide for yourself and your remaining family, do you have the strength to rise to the occasion in a harsh world? This is the basis of the story that unfolds. The people you meet along the way engulf you from the moment you meet them. Kerry Chaput has a way of taking you on a journey, wrapping you up into the young characters as if you were right there with them experiencing the struggles, hardships and tragedies. You don't want to step away from reading for fear of missing something. Her descriptions of the people and towns during the depression and dust bowl are heart breaking. People being pushed to their limits. Yet, there is this underlying desperation and hunger for hope of finding what you are looking for, of something better out there. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Eleanor Roosevelt. She gave such hope to people by listening and using her wise words and actions to fight for the common people. She gave the main character Magnolia the belief she needed to make it through life with the strength and comradery of other women. To rise up and make it better for yourself and other people. A book you won't be able to put down if you like historical fiction. I want to thank NetGalley for an advance electronic copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her mama dies, Magnolia is an orphan trying to care for her two sick little brothers. But stricken by poverty and the hard times of the Great Depression in 1935, the authorities take her brothers and send them away to an asylum.

After a chance encounter with the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, Magnolia is determined to find her brothers. She embarks on what will become a cross-country journey.

Along the way, Magnolia, or Maggie, picks up two travel companions: Hops, a young migrant worker, and Red, a young girl suffering from a traumatic past. Together, they weather storms, suffer through hunger and thirst, and must defend themselves against an attack that leaves them on the wrong side of the law.

Through it all, Maggie tries to chase down the First Lady again, seeking her help, promises, and strength.

The author did a fabulous job of making you feel like you were walking alongside Maggie. My heart went out to Maggie - all of the characters, really, for they had such brutal pasts and hard choices to make. It really came down to survival - you did what you had to.

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story, but I felt it was a fantastic coming-of-age story and a suspenseful found family adventure too.


Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kerrywrites for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Chasing Eleanor” by Kerry Chaput is set in the years of the Great Depression and describes how one plucky 17-year-old, Magnolia Parker, not only survives, but thrives. Life handed her a great big bowl of lemons. An alcoholic father, an emotionally abusive mother, extreme poverty, and a system that removed her two brothers from her after they were orphaned. But she finds hope in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, even before she had the chance to meet her when she was a maid at the inn Eleanor was staying. Believing that Eleanor is the person who will help her get her brothers back, she hops on trains and travels the countryside, trying to see her once again. Along the way, Magnolia meets some people who will have a profound impact on her life and she learns what is ultimately the most important things.

“Chasing Eleanor” is a wonderful book, and I believe it is best described as a YA novel. Some of the themes may be a bit mature for younger readers, but it offers hope and for anyone who may be suffering from personal difficulties. I’m sure I won’t be the only reader who needs to study more about Eleanor Roosevelt after reading this book.

Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of this novel. My opinions are my own.

[H.H. Rune · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read very much. Magnolia, a seventeen year old girl in rural Bend Oregon is caring for her incapacitated mother and two small brothers. As many things that could go wrong- do and her dedication to her brothers never waivers. Riding the rails and searching for Eleanor Roosevelt after a happenstance meeting, she believes that the First Lady can help her reunite with her long lost brothers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of place and time and felt the despair that was everywhere at that time in U.S. history.
Packed with historical leanings, female fierceness and Eleanor Roosevelt, what is not to like? As someone who feels that American's of my generation were not taught as much American History as we could have been, I appreciated knowing more about Eleanor Roosevelt's role and passions during the Great Depression. I mean- aren't we all a little sick of George Washington and Lincoln getting all the class time?
Kerry Chaput's mission to put real and inspirational women into the limelight is one I will be supporting.
We need to know, hear about and celebrate women's impact in the world around us.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful historical fiction novel that blends family loyalty and found family with a cross country search for Eleanor Roosevelt.

It is a coming of age story for the main character, Magnolia, as she is trying to find her two brothers that have been sent away. In Magnolia’s quest she meets two friends, Hop and Red. Hop is searching and Red is running. These three stick together as they cross paths with good people and not so good people.

The book is set in 1935 and times are still hard. Magnolia meets Eleanor Roosevelt while Magnolia is working as a cleaner in a hotel. Magnolia finds herself in a desperate search for Eleanor because she feels like Eleanor can help her get her brothers back.

I really enjoyed not only Magnolia’s story, but the details and accomplishments that are shared about Eleanor Roosevelt.

I think the cross country aspect of this book is also interesting because as a reader I could feel the atmosphere of each city that Magnolia was in.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Eleanor by Kerry Chaput is an excellent, well written historical fiction novel.

The story is set in the 1930's during the depression. My nana's name was Eleanor and she used to tell me stories of the Depression. This novel really brought back those memories to me of an incredibly difficult time in our country's history.

My favorite quote from the book is:

“The less people have, the more they want to give.”

This quote sums up many of the themes in this book. It was a time where people tried to help other people.

The protagonist, Manolia who is 17 years old is the center of this beautiful coming of age story.

The characters are well written, complex, complicated and well fleshed out.

The story was captivating with great descriptions of the time period.

Highly recommend!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention from the beginning till the end. Magnolia goes through a lot to keep her family together. She first hears about Eleanor Roosevelt’s travels and gets to meet her. After a terrible accident Magnolia loses her brothers to the state and she goes to find them. On the way she meets Hop and Red. Through her travels trying to locate her brothers and chasing Eleanor Roosevelt throughout the states, she finds the best in herself. This was a book that made you wonder about the depression and all the things that happened during the bad times. I was happy when they found Mary and she helps them. The best part was when Magnolia fights for Hop and saves him. This was a really good book and I would recommend it. I received a free book from Net Galley and the views and opinions are my own.

[Julee Balko · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the vibes of a Young Adult version of Kristin Hannah's Four Winds, Kerry Chaput brings emotion and depth to historical fiction.

Chasing Eleanor delivers an action-packed on-the-road story as well as an internal on-the-inside story that is beautifully crafted. The main character Magnolia is one you will be rooting for in every chapter. Add in a dose of inspiration from Eleanor Roosevelt and trying times, and it’s no wonder I didn’t want this book to end.

Forgiveness, family, hardship, and loss – this novel packs a punch. But it also packs a hug. It’s a satisfying story that stays with you. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next. I’ve so thankful I received an ARC of this book. It was truly inspiring.

[Jennifer Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing Eleanor is historical fiction as well as an inspiring tale of overcoming trauma and hardship. I felt like I was there with Magnolia as she navigated her stressful teenage life during the Depression years. Chaput’s prose, “different shades of despair” beautifully described the hopelessness felt during the Depression-era and Magnolia’s childhood traumas. The story of Eleanor Roosevelt was a theme throughout the book that turned into a metaphor, as Magnolia learned to find her inner “Eleanor.” Chaput’s story illustrates that trauma inhibits believing Eleanor’s inspiration that “Everything that happens to us teaches us to be strong.” Magnolia’s story is one many survivors of trauma will identify with and be inspired by.