What To Do About Alice?

How ALICE ROOSEVELT broke THE RULES, 

charmed THE WORLD,

and drove her FATHER TEDDY CRAZY!

Bibiography

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE. Scholastic Press: New York.  ISBN 9780439922319.

Plot Summary

This biographical, picture storybook describes the colorful and exciting experiences of Theodore Roosevelt's daughter, Alice.  Whether "Running riot" or "eating up the world," Alice lived life to the fullest.  Kerley describes Alice's self schooling, political standings and even married life.  The ending Author's Note personifies the many roles of Alice, and supports the story.

Critical Analysis

Alice Roosevelt is portrayed as a so-called "problem" in a time period where children were usually seen and not hear, but Kerley makes a point to show how the problem child was truly a giver of life and excitement.  Fotheringham illustrates Alice's mischief and animated personality with brightly colored and time period appropriate art.  Kerley's depictions of Alice's childhood escapades, library explorations and diplomatic missions around the globe turn Roosevelt's problem in to a national treasure.  

"From the time she was a little girl, Alice ate up the world."   

Awards & Honors

Silbert Honor Book

Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor

Irma Black Award Honor Book

Parents Choice Award

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year
An ALA Notable Book
Capitol Choices
New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
Nominated for Young Reader awards in Texas, Illinois, Utah and Tennessee

Reviews

"With a palette that emphasizes Alice Blue, her signature color, the illustrations often match Alice's spirit with zigzag streaks, circular pieces of spot art, and slanting figures. . . ." - The Horn Book 2008 

"Kerley brings another historical figure to life."- School Library Journal 2008

"Kerley reveals the essence of Alice in an upbeat account of her life, dramatizing Alice's love of ‘eating up the world..." - New York Times Book Review 2009

Connections

• Before reading, children can learn about other U.S. Presidents' children by researching, and they can follow up by playing this fun quiz.  http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz137680fc4e88.html
• Teachers can use the free resources at Scholastic and print mazes and coloring sheets for students, to heighten their interest.  The Maze!  The Coloring Page! 
• Resources provided from the "Learning Through Listening" website are insightful for teachers.  They recommend that students read What To Do About Alice? and list the facts that they learned about the first daughter.  Then they will research another first daughter of interest, and write a new story, "What To Do About ______?"
  

The Wednesday Wars

Bibliography
Schmidt, Gary D., 2007. THE WEDNESDAY WARS. Clarion Books: New York. ISBN  978-0618724833

Summary

The Wednesday Wars takes place during 1967 amidst the Vietnam War and political unrest.  The main character, Holling Hoodhood, is sentenced to a weekly Wednesday tutorial with his teacher, because he, the lone Presbyterian, has nothing to do on those afternoons.  After learning about cleaning erasers for a while, Holling begans exploring beauty of Shakespeare.  Mrs. Baker also coaches him on running track.  Holling learns much about life and himself throughout the Wednesday Wars.  

Critical Analysis

Gary Schmidt's representation of life in the late 60s for a middle school-aged kid is spot on, and the lead character, Holling Hoodhood's traits withstand the test of time.  Schmidt incorporates the classic plays of Shakespeare in to The Wednseday Wars.  The relationship of love and war and beauty and tragedy are as relevant in the present time as the past. Holling's relationship with his teacher, family and friends may be rocky at times, but love is always a constant in life’s equation.  Parallels between Shakespearean plays and the uncertain times of the 1960s inspire Holling Hoodhood during the typical junior high experiences. 

Awarded

2008 Newbery Honor Book
ALA (American Library Assn), Notable Book for Children 2008 

ALA, Best Book for Young Adults 2008

Booklist, Editors' Choice 2007

National Parenting Publications Book Award 2007

New York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2007

Book Sense Award Finalist 2007

Reviews

  

"There are laugh-out-loud moments that leaven tie many poignant ones as Schmidt explores many important themes, not the least of which is what makes a person a hero." - School Library Journal 2007

"...one of the most endearing characters to come along in some time." - Publishers Weekly 2008

"To see if the novel would resonate as deeply with a child, I gave it to an avid but discriminating 10-year-old reader. His laughter, followed by repeated outbursts of ‘Listen to this!,’ answered my question. Best of all, he asked if I had a copy of ‘The Tempest’ he could borrow." - New York Times Book Review 2007

Connections

• The Wednesday Wars would be an excellent gateway or introduction to Shakespeare's liturature.  After reading, students can study a specific play and look for parallels in their own world
• Students can practice Reader's Theater for their favorite section of the book and act it out in groups for the class.
•  After reading each chapter (titled by the months of the year), students can keep a reading journal and practice summarizing and sharing what they have read.

The Midwife's Apprentice

Unabridged Audiobook

Bibliography

Cushman, Karen. 1995. THE MIDWIFE'S APPRENTICE. HarperCollins: New York.  ISBN 9780064406307

Summary

The story of The Midwife's Apprentice is of an obscure girl called Beetle, or Brat, who becomes a smart and lovely young woman.  With no family, no home and not even a name, she struggles through a cold homeless life.  After being taken in by a midwife named Sharp, the young girl learns of life and responsibility.  She finds a name for herself while running an errand, and becomes, Alice.  She learns to cope with failure, learns to love and how to cry, and finally Alice learns her place in the world. 

Critical Analysis

Kushman's story of the young girl, Beetle's, transformation in to Alice is brought to life by the lovely and animated narration of Jenny Sterlin.  The listener can instantly relate to the girl's compassionate and innocent feelings and her struggle to find her place in the world.  The girl names herself Alice, and is bursting with pride and love for herself.  After preforming courageous acts and overcoming her failures, Alice proclaims that she knows "her place in this world for right now."  This profound yet simple statement is an epiphany that even many adults never even realize.  The Midwife's Apprentice is a beautifully written novel, with a powerful leading character, and the unabridged recording is truly enjoyable for all ages.  

Awarded

2008 Newbery Honor Book
ALA (American Library Assn), Notable Book for Children 2008 

ALA, Best Book for Young Adults 2008

Booklist, Editors' Choice 2007

National Parenting Publications Book Award 2007

New York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2007

Book Sense Award Finalist 2007

Reviews

  

"There are laugh-out-loud moments that leaven tie many poignant ones as Schmidt explores many important themes, not the least of which is what makes a person a hero." - School Library Journal 2007

"...one of the most endearing characters to come along in some time." - Publishers Weekly 2008

"Cushman writes with a sharp simplicity and a pulsing beat. . . ." - Booklist 1995

Connections

• The Wednesday Wars would be an excellent gateway or introduction to Shakespeare's liturature.  After reading, students can study a specific play and look for parallels in their own world
• Students can practice Reader's Theater for their favorite section of the book and act it out in groups for the class.
•  After reading each chapter (titled by the months of the year), students can keep a reading journal and practice summarizing and sharing what they have read.

BONES

SKELETONS AND HOW THEY WORK

Bibiography

Jenkins, Steve. 2010. BONES: SKELETONS AND HOW THEY WORK. Scholastic Press: New York.  ISBN 9780545046510

Summary

The book explores animal and human skeletal systems, by comparing shapes and sizes to scale.  Some bones are even portrayed as the actual size.  Jenkins brings bones to life by explaining how bones grow and strengthen.  The jobs of bones are described, and different types of animals' skeletal functions are portrayed with vivid pictures and explanations. 

Critical Analysis

Bones compares the skeletal system of humans and many animals in an artful and accurate way.  Cut-outs are cleverly assembled to make realistic representations of the skeletal systems.  Children will be amazed at the vast amounts of different sized bones.  The proportionately sized skulls from the human down to that of the mouse lemur are intriguing at any age.  Animal adaptations are also shown on a skeletal level, with examples to back up each photo.  The last pages of "Fact, Stories, History, and Science" contain wonderful comparisons, diagrams and answers to age-old questions.  "What is your funny bone?" Stone answers questions like this and many more in the pages of “Bones.”  Witnessing bones in motion will teach children and adults alike of what amazing creatures we are. 

Awards

Caldecott Honor Award Winner

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Society of Illustrators Original Art Show

Reviews

"Bones contains outstanding cut-paper collages of a wide range of animal skeletons." -- Natural History. 2011

"First graders would love examining the pictures of what bones look like in living creatures and comparing their sizes and shapes." -- Science Books & Films. 2010

"From the life-sized human skull grinning out from the brick-red cover to a complete skeleton waving goodbye from a gatefold late in the book, bones are given an entertaining and fresh treatment." -- School Library Journal 2010

Connections

• The Fejee Mermaid duped the public by mixing a monkey with a fish.  There is a photo of this creature on page 58.  Students can practice their creative and artistic skills by mixing other animals and creating new creatures of the unknown.
• Teachers can help create a "readers theater" by analyzing the people of the exhibits.  Students can be delegated as reporters or chose a person from Barnum’s show.  Afterward, they can practice conducting interviews and then perform for the class.
• Fleming's official website http://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_barnum.html provides a teacher's guide for each of her books.  She recommends creating a timeline of Barnam's life, KWL activities, or holding a mini-circus for students to show off odd talents!

THE GREAT AND ONLY BARNUM

THE TREMENDOUS, STUPENDOUS LIFE OF SHOWMAN P.T. BARNUM

Bibiography

Fleming, Candace. 2009. THE GREAT AND ONLY BARNUM. Schwartz & Wade Book: New York.  ISBN 9780375841972.

Plot Summary

"The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum" is just what you will get, with Fleming's easily readable yet informative tale of "Tale" (his childhood nickname) Barnum's life.  From the farm to the three-ring circus, Barnum creates "humbuggers" and imaginative exhibits and shows.  Fleming gives accurate details of Barnum's rocky personal life, alcohol abuse and money mishaps which shadowed those of the aristocrats at times.  An extensive bibliography, website list and source notes are provided at the end to back up the bizarre and exotic aspects of the book.

Critical Analysis

Barnum's remarkable life is easy to imagine in this fantastic portrayal by Candace Fleming.  She accurately describes Barnum's childhood, heyday and the time leading up to his death like a rollercoaster ride.  From his "rag tag" band to the "hummbugger" pranks he pulled, it is easy to see why he was loved by the public.  Fleming's informative side notes add to the story by providing history, personal stories and social norms.  For example, the "Caught Looking" addendum describes how "gawking at people with disabilities" was an acceptable form of entertainment at the time.  Barnum's view described the people of the exhibits as "amazing," and the photos included in the book are, indeed, amazing.  Barnum invented the three-ring circus, and this book is an astonishing description of his legendary life.

Awards & Honors

ALA Best Books for Young Adults 2010
ALSC Notable Book 2010
Booklist Top Ten Biographies for Youth 2010
Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book 2009
New York Public Library 100 Books For Reading and Sharing Title
Publishers Weekly Best Book 2009
VOYA "Perfect Ten"
YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults 2010 (nominee)

Reviews

"This biography captures the spirit of the man and his era." -- The Horn Book

"Fleming captures Barnum's exuberant personality and describes how his gift for promotion and dedication to delivering what the public wanted made him the world's most famous showman." -- School Library Journal

"The text has a gently incantatory rhythm, while the book's twilight colors perfectly evoke the magic hour when shadows deepen even as the lights become more luminous." -- Roaring Book Press

Connections

• The Fejee Mermaid duped the public by mixing a monkey with a fish.  There is a photo of this creature on page 58.  Students can practice their creative and artistic skills by mixing other animals and creating new creatures of the unknown.
• Teachers can help create a form for "readers theater" by analyzing the people of the exhibits.  Students can be delegated as reporters or chose a person from Barnum’s show.  Afterward, they can practice conducting interviews and then perform for the class.
• Fleming's official website http://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_barnum.html provides a teacher's guide for each of her books.  She recommends creating a timeline of Barnam's life, KWL activities, or holding a mini-circus for students to show off odd talents!