Based on a true story, Diana’s White
House Garden is an engaging look at the homefront during the stressful days
of World War II. Diana was the daughter of Harry Hopkins, chief advisor to
President Franklin Roosevelt from 1940 to 1943. As the only child living in the
White House, Diana occasionally got into some mischief. Well, the president
himself had an idea: help us plant a Victory Garden! With the decision to
commit much of America’s transportation and other resources to the war effort,
families across the nation were encouraged to grow their own food to supplement
their rations. The White House led with its own Victory Garden, and Diana began
one on the south lawn under the guidance of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Indeed, Diana became a poster child of sorts for this worthy and important
project, featured in magazines and newspapers across the country. Springing up
in yards and vacant lots everywhere, Victory Gardens were a great success and a
truly valuable way for citizens to support themselves and the war effort. As
part of her research for this book, author Elisa Carbone interviewed Diana
Hopkins Halsted. Her fond memories of days in the White House included playing
with Fala, the Roosevelts’ terrier, and certainly the garden. Jen Hill’s
descriptive illustrations (which capture well the feel of the era and the
venue) are an inviting complement to this upbeat story. Ages 5-8.
