Wallkill teacher and historian publishes children’s book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Adam J. Schenkman’s passion for writing has always been deeply rooted in history. As a teacher, author and historian, he has written on a wide range of topics, from infamous Ulster County murders and women’s involvement in the Civil War to the legacy of the Wallkill Schools.
For his latest work, Schenkman, 55, of New Paltz, was inspired by history and his own fond memories of a family tradition in the Hudson Valley to create his first children’s book, “Franklin’s Trees.”
The book centers on the life of Franklin D. Roosevelt and introduces children to his love of trees. It is complemented by illustrations by Lauren Reese that capture his home in Hyde Park and the surrounding nature.
Roosevelt, who, according to Schenkman, always described himself as a tree grower as president, wrote in 1944: “Everything in me cries out to return to my home on the Hudson River.”
Schenkman’s seventh book: “Franklin’s Trees”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s home and Eleanor Roosevelt’s estate in Val-Kill became a comfort zone for Schenkman and his wife, and he wanted to give back in the way he knows best.
“‘Franklin’s Tree’ just came to me like a stream of consciousness,” he said.
The book was released on July 2. It is aimed at children ages 5 to 10 and is Schenkman’s first attempt at writing about a well-known figure. His six previous stories have focused on those who have never had a voice in our country’s history.
Schenkman’s appreciation for Roosevelt’s house, however, goes back decades. Schenkman has lived in the Hudson Valley for over 20 years and grew up in Kew Garden Hills, Queens. Starting at age 10, his father would regularly visit him at the mansion and camp at Nori State Park and get ice cream at the Dairy Queen in town.
“I just have such wonderful memories of being there with my dad,” he said.
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About the author
Schenkman lives in New Paltz with his wife, young son, a golden retriever, three cats and two guinea pigs. “They were all rescued, except the child and my wife,” he laughed. “I think my wife rescued me.”
He said his wife has always been part of his writing career and helped him launch it, as she used to work at the publishing house Simon & Schuster, and he has always enjoyed her professional input.
Many of the ideas for his books actually come from his job and are prompted by the questions his students ask. Schenkman teaches seventh-grade social studies at John G. Borden Middle School in the hamlet of Wallkill.
He also worked at the Washington headquarters in Newburgh, where he got the ideas for two of his books.
Schenkman previously held positions at the Astor Home for Children and the Anderson Center for Autism, as well as a magazine and newspaper writer, first responder, interior firefighter, and consulting historian for Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz.
Today, in addition to his work as a teacher, he also works as Gardiner’s town historian, but lately he has devoted more time to what he always wanted to do: writing.
Where can you buy “Franklin’s Trees”?
Franklin’s Trees is available in print or as an e-book wherever books are sold, as well as at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Gift Shop.
On Friday, July 12, Schenkman will be at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., signing books. On Saturday, July 20, he will be at the Hyde Park Library from 11 a.m. to noon, giving a reading to children.
You can find more from Schenkman on TikTok, @authoraj, his website ajschenkman.com, or his blog historymadeseamless.wordpress.com.
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About The Author
