SHANNON McKENNA SCHMIDT
Writer & Traveler
PRESS, PRAISE & REVIEWS​
Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Eleanor's Pacific trip, co-host Mika Brzezinski, co-anchor Willie Geist, and Mike Barnicle guided a great interview that highlighted the significance of this daring undertaking.
"As A Matter of Fact... with Andrew Cuomo"
We covered a lot of ground in our discussion about Eleanor, how she upended the role of First Lady, her relationship with FDR, and the importance of her Pacific trek.
"Deeply researched and full of vivid detail, The First Lady of World War II captures the dramatic significance of Eleanor Roosevelt’s five weeks in the South Pacific." —Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College
"Incredible .... with much new information."
—Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of Eleanor Roosevelt, Vols. 1-3
"This action-packed and suspenseful wartime drama vividly captures the selfless grit and tenderness of Eleanor Roosevelt’s battle-zone leadership." —David Michaelis, author of Eleanor
A conversation with Andreas Copes,
Studio 2 producer and an ardent Eleanor Roosevelt admirer. Listen in to also hear from the First Lady herself.
Ernie Pyle WWII Museum Podcast
A conversation with Doug Hess
New York Public Library Research Spotlight
Q&A with Elizabeth Rutigliano, Librarian II
"The author’s ability to combine place with subject is unsurpassed here.... While the work centers on Eleanor’s travels and contributions, it also serves as a mini-history of this theater of World War II.... This work provides numerous details and the context needed to understand the trials and difficulties of Eleanor Roosevelt’s historic undertaking. Readers interested in World War II or women’s roles in the war effort will likely appreciate this enjoyable read."
—Maria Ashton-Stebbings, Library Journal
"Shannon McKenna Schmidt's detail-rich and revealing The First Lady of World War II follows Eleanor Roosevelt on her perilous journey to visit troops in the South Pacific." —BookPage
"Captivating.... Relying on such sources as contemporary news reports and commentary, letters, reminiscences by soldiers, Eleanor's diary, and her regular newspaper column, "My Day," McKenna Schmidt puts the trip in context and provides a lively account of an often overlooked, inspiring journey."
—John Mutter, editor-in-chief, Shelf Awareness
"Captures the appeal of a pathbreaking first lady."
—Publishers Weekly
"Highly recommended.... I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this remarkable woman, friend of the downtrodden and celebrated, alike (one best friend was Amelia Earhart)." —Alana White, Historical Novel Society
"Recommended... Roosevelt's legacy of activism and mettle continue to inspire."
—Booklist
"This fascinating account sheds light on a fascinating moment in the life of an already fascinating woman."
—BookBub, These 10 Nonfiction Books Will Teach You Something New
"Using many new sources, Schmidt tells a travel story, taking a new approach and making it a lively saga."
—Wilford Kale, Daily Press
A conversation with Jordy Macbeth
History.com: Eleanor Roosevelt's Daring Trip to WWII's South Pacific War Zone
by Shannon McKenna Schmidt
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History professor Jane Scimeca and I had a terrific talk about the First Lady's trip, why I connected with Eleanor the traveler, and much more.
A conversation with Scott Rank
Here's Where It Gets Interesting
A conversation with Sharon McMahon
Historian Deborah Gardner and I joined hosts Alan Winson and Rebecca McKean at Gebhard's Beer Culture to discuss lifelong New Yorker Eleanor Roosevelt and her far-reaching impact.
That Time Eleanor Roosevelt Disappeared for 10 Days
Q&A with Sarah Durn / "She Was There" Series
Travel Was a Driver of Eleanor Roosevelt's Leadership
by Shannon McKenna Schmidt