Short Synopsis
This outstanding, inspiring new narrative of the first woman to serve in a president's cabinet, reveals the full never-before-told story of her role in saving Jewish refugees during the Nazi regime.

Full Synopsis
She was the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, the longest-serving Labor Secretary, and an architect of the New Deal. Yet beyond these celebrated accomplishments there is another dimension to Frances Perkins's story. Without fanfare, and despite powerful opposition, Perkins helped save the lives of countless Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany.

Perkins's early experiences working in Chicago's famed Hull House and as a firsthand witness to the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist fire shaped her determination to advocate for immigrants and refugees. As Secretary of Labor, she wrestled widespread antisemitism and isolationism, finding creative ways to work around quotas and restrictive immigration laws. Diligent, resilient, empathetic, yet steadfast, she persisted on behalf of the desperate when others refused to act.

Based on extensive research, including thousands of letters housed in the National Archives, Dear Miss Perkins adds new dimension to an already extraordinary life story, revealing at last how one woman tried to steer the nation to a better, more righteous course.

"Eby's friendly voice warms the audiobook's somewhat scholastic tone, and her thoughtful pacing parses the academic writing." ---AudioFile

"A valuable exploration of one woman's stubborn crusade to save those who would otherwise have ended up in death camps." ---The Wall Street Journal