The First Lady of World War II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back

by Shannon McKenna Schmidt

The first book to tell the full story of Eleanor Roosevelt's unprecedented and courageous trip to the Pacific Theater during World War II.

On August 27, 1943, news broke in the United States that First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was on the other side of the world. A closely guarded secret, she had left San Francisco aboard a military transport plane headed for the South Pacific to support and report the troops on WW2's front lines. 

Americans had believed she was secluded at home.

As Allied forces battled the Japanese for control of the region, Eleanor was there on the frontlines, spending five weeks traveling, on a mission as First Lady of the United States to experience what our servicemen were experiencing... and report back home.

"The most remarkable journey any president's wife has ever made."

—Washington Times-Herald, September 28, 1943

"Mrs. Roosevelt's sudden appearance in New Zealand well deserves the attention it is receiving. This is the farthest and most unexpected junket of a First Lady whose love of getting about is legendary."

—Detroit Free Press, August 28, 1943

"By a happy chance for Australia, this famous lady's taste for getting about, her habit of seeing for herself what is going on in the world, and, most of all, her deep concern for the welfare of the fighting men of her beloved country, have brought her on the longest journey of them all—across the wide, war-clouded Pacific."

—Sydney Morning Herald, September 4, 1943

"No other U.S. mother had seen so much of the panorama of the war, had been closer to the sweat and boredom, the suffering."

—Time, October 4, 1943

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, Audiobook, War, Historical

305 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Reader, writer, traveler. Shannon is the author of THE FIRST LADY OF WORLD WAR II: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back (Sourcebooks May 2, 2023). She is also the co-author of NOVEL DESTINATIONS: A Travel Guide to Literary Landmarks from Jane Austen's Bath to Ernest Hemingway's Key West, 2nd Edition and WRITERS BETWEEN THE COVERS: The Scandalous Romantic Lives of Legendary Literary Casanovas, Coquettes, and Cads. www.shannonmckennaschmidt.com

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Schmidt wrote a very detailed account of Eleanor Roosevelt’s difficult and dangerous trip to conduct inspections for the Red Cross and visit allies in the South Pacific in 1943.

I gained a new appreciation for the hard-working, determined woman she was. I especially liked the insights into what life experiences had formed Eleanor and how this journey affected her during and afterward to work for peace and to provide for the people who served in the war. – Stacy M.

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and touching biographical moment in history depicting the unselfishness of Eleanor Roosevelt's journey to the front-lines during WWII. She was a dedicated leader for her quest to a better world even if it meant risking her own life to share a "beacon of hope" to the men and women serving our country. As the Japanese dropped air bombs, she visited the Guadalcanal. She wanted to be with the ordinary boys in extraordinary circumstances. WWII revealed to us some of the bravest people.
Against the higher command, she experienced what the troops did so she could report back. She raved about the black & white serving side by side and both being well-cared for whether it was the injured or just being fed. She went on with her efforts to end segregation when she returned against society's beliefs. The leaders were hesitant to believe her trip would work, but later in awe of her compassion and impact on the wounded. She agonized with the most critical wounded and saw them not as a number but connected personally with each one she spoke with.
When the First lady came to the Christmas Islands, her leadership role was as a Representative of the Red Cross. All four sons were serving there and she understood what it was like for them to be away from family. She spent 5 weeks there as Allied forces battled the Japanese. She worked relentlessly for world peace.
This story is considered a fictional narrative, but I think it was very well researched in order to give the highlights of her meaningfulness and fearlessness. Great work for this timeless piece everyone needs to read and see what one person can do to make a difference in such a difficult time for many.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Behind every great man is a great woman', is a very apt proverb to describe Eleanor Roosevelt. 'The First Lady of World War II' is a case study on Eleanor's tireless works during the war, specifically her tour of the Pacific Islands during the late stages of the war; culminating at Guadalcanal which had been recently wrested from the Japanese, 'Eleanor was...heading deeper into a theater of war unlike any other in history - one where fighting took place across great distances on water and in places with harsh, unfamiliar surroundings.'

While the war in Europe turned towards a triumphant close, many US troops were stationed thousands of miles away, throughout the Pacific. The distance, lack of supplies, fuel, and transport, meant that troops were often stuck at their post - even on leave - for long periods. At times the war felt hopeless and the personnel waging it felt forgotten. Eleanor saw the need to be a presence and a comfort. She wanted to not only be the eyes and ears of the President but to bring hope and lift morale. The war was not over, but it was winnable.

Shannon Schmidt uses Eleanor's tour of the Pacific to not only highlight the harsh and crude conditions both she and the troops endured to get there and survive there but to also highlight the barriers, lies, and negativity she overcame in order to be there; as a woman and as the President's wife, 'More than any woman who ever lived in the White House she has succeeded in being herself despite its taboos'. As well as detailing Eleanor's island visits, Schmidt reflects on Eleanor's personality and intersperses anecdotes to exemplify Eleanor's journey in becoming the woman that she was, 'The war was my emancipation and my education'. Or, as one sergeant remarked, 'Damn, she's fine, ain't she'.

This is a good read for those interested in the war in the Pacific as well as women's history.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks (Non-Fiction) for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not many people know what a remarkable woman Eleanor Roosevelt was. This book relates a trip that forever changed her. She lost 30 pounds and had a deep depression afterwards from witnessing so much pain and suffering of our troops.

Eleanor Roosevelt did a month long tour of the Southwest Pacific from mid August to mid September of 1943. It was done in secrecy until she showed up in New Zealand. No aides, no security. Just her dressed in a Red Cross uniform. She was 59 years old when she performed this feat, leaving younger men exhausted in her wake.

Admiral Halsey wanted nothing to do with her and initially disapproved her trip to Guadalcanal. Off she went to Australia. MacArthur wanted nothing to with her as he was thought to a possible GOP candidate for president. She was what we now call an influencer publishing a column in the newspaper. She was also a lightning rod for racists and conservatives who disapproved of her ardent advocacy for equal rights for African Americans and her inability to sit at home where a woman’s place allegedly was. She was decades ahead of her time and the hateful criticism reminded me of what Hillary Clinton currently faces. Propaganda or disinformation as we now call it was rampant about her. However, she routinely disarmed and transformed critics into allies. Halsey saw her sincerity and devotion to visiting the wounded and allowed her to visit Guadalcanal and embraced her as the real deal.

Lots of good came from her visit. Just the communication and networking she performed with service men and their families was one. However, the GI Bill is another. Truman appointed her to the United Nations where she served two terms.

A short and well written read of a trip that too few people know about and that had far reaching consequences for post war America.

[Yelda Basar Moers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Review to come!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Lady of World War II Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Journey to the Frontlines and Back by Shannon McKenna Schmidt is an excellent nonfiction and biographical account of the former First Lady and her actions, encounters, and experiences when she traveled to the Pacific during WWII.

This was utterly fascinating. Being able to learn so much and delve into the extensive trip that Eleanor Roosevelt participated in as First Lady during 1943 was wonderful. I did not know very much about these excursions and the logistics behind such an ambitious and potentially risky undertaking.

This was presented well and impressively researched…even though it was nonfiction, it read as a fictional narrative. I learned a lot and enjoyed myself in the process. It was great from beginning to end. Highly recommend.


5/5 stars


Thank you NG and Sourcebooks for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 5/2/23.

[The History Mom]

We all know Eleanor Roosevelt was a trail-blazing first lady who dared to do things no other first lady had done. However, did you know that she flew into a heated war zone during WWII to visit with soldiers and reassure our allies? This was no luxury trip; she didn’t mind the mire and muck that our soldiers were living in, enduring harsh conditions and coming near enemy fire.

The author uses a plethora of primary sources to recreate Eleanor’s daring trip one day at a time while teaching the reader about the history behind each battle and war zone. It’s a fascinating look at the often forgotten Pacific theater of WWII.

[SarahO · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War II is a subject covered by hordes of books and movies, fiction and nonfiction. This book tells a small but significant part of that conflict, drawing in close to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's trip to the South Pacific. Each chapter covers a particular island, the history of the conflict up to that point, and Roosevelt's journey and reception.

This was a very fast paced and accessible read. I was drawn in from the first page and never wanted to put it down--but, alas, life. I have always been interested in Eleanor Roosevelt and this story of her courage, compassion, strength, and energy made me wish we had more women like her. I think it is good to remember, however, that these women are usually not born this way. Roosevelt, after surviving a rough childhood, went off to school and had teachers who encouraged her and gave her a new way of thinking about the world. She was also a member of a political dynasty, and was active in helping the poor and the underdog. Her husband taught her how to observe and inspect. His advisor taught her how to speak to the press and use her platform to reach the country. Through all this, she became the woman this country needed. One who could speak for the people and the soldier, who lead by example, and used her platform for the good of the country.

If my knowledge of WWII is lacking, my knowledge of the conflict in the South Pacific was non-existent. The horror of jungle warfare, as well as all the diseases, was terrible to read about. I can't imagine how it would have been to observe it like Roosevelt did. The way that just her presence boosted the morale of the men over there made me tear up many times. This leads me to one of this things that surprised me the most: the vitriol that the First Lady received at the hands of politicians and the press. Calling her trip a publicity stunt, saying she needs to stay in the home, etc. This was a woman who was either loved or hated, and the Axis powers used that to their advantage. They knew that this one woman had the capacity to do great things so they used their propaganda against her. However, to the soldiers she visited she was a word from home, a mother, someone who spoke to them, listened, and cared. Even those who didn't like her politics warmed up to her when they witnessed her earnest interest and care.

I was so moved by Roosevelt in this book and I can't wait to read her "My Day" column and her radio addresses. Eleanor Roosevelt, my favorite First Lady, and a woman for such a time as she was born to.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

All credit to my friend Kristen for recommending this brilliant book to me.

Do not pass this book by unless you wish to avoid a great read, full of interesting information, and a great education on the Pacific front of World War II.

This is not a typical First Lady book, and Eleanor Roosevelt is not a typical First Lady. After a month-long trip to Europe, she left for the Pacific for a 5-week journey. She took only scheduled flights; the military flights were the "milk runs" (delivering mail, supplies, etc.) Her military flights were in a converted bomber, with plywood over the bomb bay so they could attach a chair for the first lady. No pressured aircraft or heat, so she wrapped herself in blankets. She traveled alone (no security or companion) and lightly packed, with her main wardrobe being a standard Red Cross uniform.

The connections, diplomacy, and respect she achieved are impossible to give her enough credit for. She insisted on meeting enlisted men, women workers, the injured, and anyone who could keep up with her or get her attention. This is a book with Eleanor Roosevelt as the lead, but this is more about what she saw/did.

I highlighted so much in this book and could have highlighted so much more. Here are a few fun facts:

Fighter jets had to be crated and shipped because they could not travel the distance to the Pacific
Military jeeps were sent in kits to be assembled on site
For the first time, the USA and the world had a more accurate picture of weather with stations all over the world to track it in real time to schedule safer flights
Christmas Island got it's name because Explorer James Cook arrived on Christmas Day

[Gilion Dumas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new book about Eleanor Roosevelt's personal involvement WWII reads like the most entertaining historical fiction but is a nonfiction biography. Author Shannon McKenna Schmidt did her research. The book comes to life through the primary sources she dug up and weaves throughout the text. The First Lady of World War II is an engaging and inspiring book about a little-known piece of American history.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Roosevelt was much more than the First Lady. She redefined the role and became a world leader based on her own merits. This history describes her tour of pacific sites during WWII. I learned so much about Mrs. Roosevelt from this book, which gave the reader a real sense of her personality and her thoughts. It was the perfect book to kick off Women's History month!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true story of Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to the troops fighting in the South Pacific during World War II. This detailed account is fascinating and the book is well-written. Her story is told in an intimate way that portrays her determination and humanity. I’m not a history buff, but I really enjoyed this book.

[Kim McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if you think you know all about First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt I can guarantee that you will come away from this book with a better understanding and appreciation for the undercover public relations work as well as being the feet on the ground for her husband. At the height of wartime she traveled all around the pacific islands from Australia/New Zealand to single airstrip islands, hospitals and to the heart of enemy territory. She did this in the face of criticism at home, her own comfort and safety and at her own expense. The one place she wanted to visit was Guadalcanal which was the most dangerous of all her stops as the Japanese were close by and any hint of the island's VIP visitor would have put all of them at risk. She visited soldiers and Red Cross staff to offer support and thanks for all they were doing - she even delivered mail for a lucky few to family back in the states. She did all this without ever complaining of the rough conditions, constant heat, humidity and bugs not to mention cold showers and army cots. Shannon McKenna Schmidt gives us a stunning portrayal of an American heroine whose public relations, humanitarian and political skills were not fully recognized until much later.
Can you imagine pulling off a mission as secret as this in the days of social media and drones! This story will appeal to readers interested in Eleanor Roosevelt but also those who follow the war in the Pacific. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

[Murphy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor Roosevelt was a bad ass. There is a clear reason why she consistently dominates the rankings for best First Lady in U.S. history.

[Julieann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book is a little misleading. It isn't the story of Eleanor Roosevelt's journeys to all the front line of WWII. It's about her journey to and assessment of Guadalcanal. That was a very important battle, partly because of its military importance and partly because of the impact it had on people back in the States. It was particularly important to families who had sons serving in the South Pacific (like mine did).

For many people it seemed as if all the news focused on the war in Europe and North Africa. Even though the U.S. entered WWII because of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor - meaning the initial theater of war was the South Pacific - no one seemed interested. As a side note, this meant that Australia and New Zealand felt more isolated than ever. Mrs. Roosevelt was acting as both her husband's representative to our allies and as an important source of information back to him.

It wasn't easy to get to visit the island. Of course, that was partly because of concerns about Japanese attacks and the very recent battles for this and the chain of islands. Those worries were real. There was also a lingering belief that "women" weren't supposed to go places like this or do things like this.
Admiral Halsey was a key part of this initial refusal to let her go to Guadalcanal. He did change his mind, after seeing her interaction with both the governments and with troops. Her interactions with wounded men was particularly important. Mrs. Roosevelt - the President's wife - made a point of visiting every wounded man in all the hospitals & talking to them.

This book covers her journey from the initial discussions between Eleanor and FDR about why she wanted to go to the South Pacific and what she hoped to accomplish and how this could be done. It wraps up with her return to Washington.

Guadalcanal - the battle - along with important naval victories was a real moral booster. It was also, though perhaps not as understood at the time, a foretaste of how difficult the battles for the South Pacific would be. It shows how (even though her visit was supposed to be personal and informal) how vital the U.S.'s communications with Australia and New Zealand were.

The book is well-written. It's easy to read which is nice. Eleanor Roosevelt was an activist for her own interests and for her husband. This isn't a well known as it ought to be. The book also gives us a little insight - a little quietly - about the interactions and frustrations of the senior American military commanders. It gives us extensive lists of reference materials. (the photographs in the book are great.)

[BOOKLOVER EB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shannon McKenna Smith, in her extraordinary work of non-fiction, "The First Lady of World War II," reveals that in 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt—who at the time was America's First Lady—traveled approximately twenty-five thousand miles to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the South Pacific. She did so with little fanfare, and when word of her activities reached the public, she was praised by some but derided by others who disapproved of her mission. Many wondered why she refused to stay in the White House instead of flying to remote battlefields.

In this meticulously researched book, the author points out that Eleanor had been a social activist for years. She wrote a popular syndicated newspaper column and had crisscrossed the country, advocating for the rights of women, people of color, and the underprivileged. Mrs. Roosevelt firmly believed that young men sent to remote locations to preserve democracy deserved more than lip service. During her travels, she asked for no special accommodations. When she arrived at her destination, she often ate in the mess hall with the enlisted men, conversed with the soldiers about their concerns, and visited the sick and wounded. Wherever she went, she impressed her audiences with her inspiring and eloquent comments; after much practice, she had become an accomplished public speaker. When she finally finished her odyssey, Eleanor returned to the United States deeply saddened by the high toll that this brutal war was taking on GIs and their families.

Ms. Smith writes in detail, not just about Eleanor's efforts to boost morale abroad, but also about America's valiant struggle to stop the Japanese onslaught. We learn about the horrendous carnage at Pearl Harbor and Guadalcanal, as well as other tropical islands where our soldiers fought fiercely while facing bouts of malaria, enduring stifling heat and humidity, and navigating dense jungles. This is an impressive account of the courage, tenacity, and compassion that Eleanor Roosevelt displayed during her remarkable and perilous trip to the Pacific theater during the Second World War.

[Fran Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Add one more accomplishment to Eleanor Roosevelt's amazing roster of activism, achievement, courage, and "firsts": For five weeks during the height of World War II, she traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, and other key spots in the war's Pacific theater, eating in the mess halls with the troops, visiting hospitals, talking to some of the military women behind the scenes, and in her spare moments smoothing a few diplomatic feathers. I'm not sure any nonmilitary person has ever undertaken such a thorough, immersive journey in a war zone.

Author Shannon McKenna Schmidt uncovered this little-known bit of history by digging into the archives at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, NY, among other impressive research. And she tells the story in a style as approachable, warm, and human as Eleanor herself.

By following Eleanor's footsteps and her actual words (in her letters to her close friend Tommy, her "My Day" syndicated column, and elsewhere), this book makes the iconic First Lady into a real person -- a mom and working woman who truly connected with the people she met and felt their grief.

Moreover, the book expands beyond the particulars of the journey to explore the broader historical and social context, including the significance and progress of many of the Pacific battles, and the home-front misogyny that Eleanor had to combat. It sometimes seems that every footstep forward required Eleanor to push aside some four-star general or political critic who grumbled that her plan wasn't safe, or she'd be a nuisance, or why wasn't she home knitting socks?

The one aspect I would have liked the author to explore further is how this journey affected the Roosevelt marriage. This book shows more warmth and love between Eleanor and Franklin than I'd expected, and I wonder if the "common knowledge" of the supposed coldness in their relationship is exaggerated?

Overall, this book is an important -- and lively -- addition to the history shelves.

[Sharon Dene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book about she was amazing how she went to all these different islands in the middle of war to help the service man who Who were hurting battle. Eleanor was amazing 1st lady. She cared about people and she talked to people and this really helped them out. She worked closely with the red cross as well so they could get Letters out to people and care packages to the men who are hurt In battle. They're families. Boy was dying and she was talking to him and she You must get better and I will come and see your family in new york. The boy lived and they all met up eventually at the end of the war. What went on in the pacific war with japan was amazing how everybody pulled together. Even the maui's were involved in new zealand they also went out to To fight as well. She even went to Australia To see the boys over there as well. This took a lot of courage for a woman to do all this especially. And first Lady. Nothing would stop her even going to christmas island. I like this book because Show the history of The war in the Pacific. And how eleanor went there to give boys some morale to keep on fighting. I think people should always look at every side of a war because there's always somebody who's doing something really well. I cannot imagine flying to these places in the middle of a war zone. Dollar was very brave to do this and I think we need to know more About her history.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book should be required reading in every high school! So much has changed in the last 80 years AND so much has not, in terms of how we respect and treat people who are different from us, have different customs or an accent or different faith. Eleanor was an inspiration to everyone she all along the route. Generals who thought visit a waste of fuel or just political, quickly changed their minds after seeing her speaking with every wounded man in each hospital and eating meals with the ordinary soldiers, not the officiers.
Eleanor undertook a month-long highly ambitious, difficult, and dangerous trip to the south Pacific one year into World War II for her husband President Roosevelt. She went as a Red Cross volunteer to help document all the amazing helpful work that Red Cross staff were doing to help soldiers and sailors overseas. I had no idea how much the Red Cross staff helped during the war in such diverse ways.
I have flown in numorous amphibitious planes in Alaska and know how cold and noisy they are. I cannot imagine enduring the cold and noise for the length of flights that took Eleanor throughout the Pacific islands. She seldom had more than 6 hours sleep on cots in tents, yet managed to bring a smile to everyone she touched. For the men, it was like their Mom had come for a visit and more amazing is she wrote to every mother or wife of the men she saw in hospital!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

as interested in this book because one of my relatives actually saw Eleanor speak when she visited Australia during the war. I enjoyed it very much, and highly recommend it to readers interested in the Roosevelts, or the Second World War.

Eleanor Roosevelt didn't want to be a First Lady who greeted guests, and presided over official dinners. She wanted to make a role for herself, and did just that by travelling the country giving speeches, and inspecting New Deal initiatives. Her husband found her work so impressive that he suggested that she travel to the Pacific to see the American armed forces there. She undertook a gruelling tour living in harsh conditions in the tropics, talking to the Americans there, seeing their circumstances for herself, and telling the people at home about her experiences. She even visited Guidalcanal in the middle of an especially dangerous time. At first, Admiral Halsey was against this, but he was extremely impressed by the way that she uncomplainingly lived in severe conditions, tirelessly visited hospitals, and boosted morale.He said that she did more good than anyone else who visited his area.

Schmidt did a huge amount of research for this fascinating account.

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading anything about Eleanor Roosevelt and this recent book is a real treat. It covers one very small period of her life. For one month in 1943 (mid-August through mid-September), she traveled to the Pacific theater and came back 30 lbs lighter and depressed. Depressed over the loss and injury of many young men. But she left behind, on those many Pacific islands and in Australia and New Zealand, a ray of hope and smiles and caring. For the entire time, she wore her Red Cross uniform (she also checked out the many Red Cross facilities). She asked for no special favors (but she WAS the First Lady and that brought with it some measure of security for her safety) and visited hospital after hospital. Not for her was walking down the middle of a ward aisle. Instead, she visited each man in every bed; took time to know their name and home town and if she could let family back home know about that individual. Many people in the Pacific (Adm. Halsey included) were NOT thrilled with her travel, feeling she was taking aviation fuel, a plane, a crew, and time away from fighting men. But she won over Halsey because of her hospital visits and wonderful attitude toward the sailors, soldiers, and Marines she encountered. This was a great book and a quick read!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting account of a journey taken by Eleanor Roosevelt to the Pacific theater during WWII. Her trek to various islands including Guadalcanal, Christmas Island and New Caledonia was made not via luxury transport but military planes shuttling in the Pacific in cold, harsh conditions. Going days with few if any conveniences and making numerous stops to meet not only the generals but the enlisted men as well, her message of the importance of their work raised morale wherever she went.

This was an important journey, one suggested by Eleanor herself and ultimately supported by her husband. It was highly cloaked in secrecy to maintain her safety, applauded by many and disparaged by others. For those who encountered her directly, any previous misgivings about her purpose were promptly dismissed.

Much of the book consists of background about the places and some individuals she visited. Although this was all interesting it seems to me that it watered down the core of the story. Perhaps there is not enough information specifically about the trip itself to fill out an entire book. I think an agenda at the end of the book to indicate where she was day by day would go a long way to demonstrate how arduous the trip was.

[Albrother1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do what you say! A look at Eleanor without the prism of Franklin.

Eleanor worked tireless to advance the rights of women to work, to have a career, to be recognized for their achievements. The book chronicles the many ways Eleanor Roosevelt helped to shed light on the work women do outside of the home. For example, as early as 1933, when newswomen were barred from press conferences and were delegated to writing about home and hearth, she began holding press conferences for women only.

The book follows Eleanor across the U.S. and across the South Pacific stopping at islands where U.S. troops were stationed. She toured hospitals, spoke with servicemen, took notes and addresses for family members back home some of which were delivered in person. The book also describes the contribution of the Australian and New Zealand people who were hosting our troops and assisting the war effort in countless ways.

Eleanor wrote of her travels in her "My Day" column describing the difficulties of the war on our troops and bolstering the efforts of the people back home who were also making sacrifices for the war effort especially the women who were working outside of the home.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent book of the seldom told story of Eleanor Roosevelt's ground breaking trip to the frontlines of the Pacific fronts WWII.

I have always been a great fan of Eleanor for her changes from a shy girl(like me) to the powerful woman she became. The young men who fought the jungle battles on many so pacific island and women as nurses caring for the wounded loved her motherly style. I also never realized, but not surprised, that ER was untirelessly constantly connecting with everyone involved stopping at hospital bedsides talking to the"boys" as she called them.

She was warmly welcomed in New Zealand and Australia, and followed around by crowds of people everywhere she went while receiving many negative comments from white men and women in newspapers and speeches about how she should stay home and take care of her children when at that time they were all grown and several served in the armed forces around the world during the war. Shannon McKenna Schmidt did marvelous deep research for this book. I read all the footnotes and about several more books I have on my 'want to read' list.

[Jennifer B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The First Lady of World War II
By: Shannon McKenna Schmidt
Review Score: 4 Stars

Five Key Feels
-It was so cool to learn how ground breaking Eleanor was!

-I liked learning about air travel at that time, and how the Roosevelt family really encouraged it.

-Her visit to New Zealand was so interesting, as she was the first ever First Lady to visit.

-You could feel the tension as she visited Guadalcanal.

-Her visit to Pearl Harbor was so moving.

———

The First Lady of World War II was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Sourcebooks. Thank you for allowing me to read this wonderful book!

Release Date: Out Now!

This was SUCH an interesting book. I know that Eleanor Roosevelt was an amazing woman, but I had no idea how much of a trail blazer she really was.

Her visits through the Pacific Front were so interesting and, at times, incredibly moving.

I learned so much more about World War 2, as well as Eleanor’s role in it.


#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #nonfiction #arcreview #netgalley #thefirstladyofworldwar2 #shannonmckennaschmidt #worldwar2 #eleanorroosevelt

[Natalie Snedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book! I'm a huge fan of Eleanor Roosevelt but never knew about this trip she took to the Pacific theater. It doesn't gloss over painful moments like when she found out her husband was cheating on her but it shows her real courage in dedication to her role as first lady. It was really cool to hear how her affection and attention to the troops in these remote areas of the fight, were affected. The book goes into great detail about the difficulties that these troops were facing but also their courage. Eleanor Roosevelt had a real effect on these "boys" as the book calls them and not just in the moments but even after she returned, she was dedicated to making sure legislation was passed to support them, once the war was over. The story details her work at the UN, to ensure that countries could work out their difficulties through peaceful means. Sure, there was a lot of idealism that looking at where we are today in the world, it's tempting to be skeptical about her work but honestly, it just makes me wish that we someone like Eleanor around today.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a teenager I wanted to learn how to knit sox because the woman who embodied the United Nations to me and others was often pictured knitting sox while waiting for whatever came next.
This book does justice to that woman and how she faced down the malignant racism and misogyny in the militaries of more than just the USA as well as the foolish back home. But not those who cared about the men in their command, like Adm. Halsey and others. Or the men she spoke with under rigorous conditions of war in the tropics.
The author has taken a massive amount of research materials and formed all that into a very readable accounting of Eleanor's time in the Pacific in 1943 as she herself reported it to the general public via radio and newspapers as well as the reports that she sent back to the President.
I was disappointed that the e-book did not have the photos that were credited at the end.
I requested and received an EARC from Sourcebooks via NetGalley. Thank you

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

an inspirational tale of Eleanor Roosevelt

I have always admired Eleanor but never knew about her trip to South Pacific Islands during WWII. This report of her long arduous journey touched me deeply.
She traveled everywhere in her Red Cross uniform (no fancy clothing) and compiled the name and address of every soldier, marine, and sailor she met in the hospitals. She did so much to buoy the spirits of every one she met. She traveled without an aide or security personnel and on air force planes with no heat or bed or windows (not the more comfortable passenger planes). (That way she could not be criticized for costing our government money). All four of Eleanor’s sons were serving in the military: Army, Navy and Marines during WWII!
I will recommend this very touching nonfiction book to my book groups and hopefully we can discuss it.

[Kelsey Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time reading anything by Schmidt, but I look forward to my next! I knew very little about the battles that took place in the South Pacific during World War II due to most of my previous reading being primarily focused in Europe or post war in the United States. Schmidt did a tremendous job of providing detailed accounts and background of the prime battlegrounds/bases while recalling Eleanor’s wildly fast paced trip to so many in such a short span of time. It was very inspiring to read about the huge impact her presence had on the soldiers, whether on the frontlines or recovering from injury, along with her continued efforts for equality and peace upon her return from the tour. Eleanor was beyond her time and used her platform in a very heroic manner towards societal issues that are still being debated/threatened today.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that centers only on a specific time period in Eleanor Roosevelt's life as First Lady. This particular period was when she journeyed to the frontlines of the war while most of the world thought she was at home. She was an amazing woman who used her time to support others around her. I liked the details in this book and thought the author did a fantastic job relaying how important her impact was on those around her. I enjoyed the book and if you like to read about women in history and their influence on world events, you will like the book too.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Sourcebooks, for the temporary digital ARC that I read and gave my honest opinion of.