Alfred E. Smith and the American Dream by Joanne Reitano

Alfred E. Smith was a legend in his own time but is largely forgotten today. He is worth remembering. This clear, short, engaging historical biography uses 48 images to revive his story. Smith personified the American Dream. A poor Irish Catholic boy from NYC's Lower East Side, he began working full time at age 12 after his father died. Amazingly, he rose to become the Democratic leader of the New York State Assembly, four-term governor, and candidate for US president. In addition to having a soft spot for children and animals, he was a skillful politician, a successful reformer, a dynamic public speaker, a champion of civil liberties, cities, immigrants, and the poor.

Smith's American Dream was challenged by religious prejudice during the 1928 presidential election. Defeat was devastating and temporarily embittered him. Fortunately, his fighting spirit, sense of humor, and devoted wife enabled him to rebound from every adversity. Smith's sincerity, integrity, warmth and commitment to "the human side of government" made him "the best known and best loved man in America." This is a heart-warming story of a politician who truly cared about the people and dedicated his life to making their American Dreams come true.