Genre #6 (Graphic Novel)

LUNCH LADY: AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA

Bibliography:

Krosoczka, Jarrett. LUNCH LADY: AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA. Ill. by Jarrett Krosoczka. New York: Random House Children's Books, 2009. ISBN: 9780375860942

Plot Summary: 

The LUNCH LADY: AND THE AUTHOR VISIT VENDETTA is a charming graphic novel about a heroic lunch lady. This is not your stereotypical lunch lady, this lunch lady has special gadgets and devices to help her save the day time and time again. In this particular episode the lunch lady is solving the mystery of the missing gym coach. While the lunch lady is the main character she has supporting cast of students that lead her through the mysteries without them ever knowing she's spying on them. Throughout the story the lunch lady has classic pitfalls, but they ultimately leave her the victor. 

Critical Analysis: 

Krosoczka has created an adventurous caricature that happens to be the school spy and Lunch Lady. The unnamed Lunch Lady seeks adventure in the intent of solving mysteries; she even has a sidekick Betty, who creates clever food related contraptions that help the Lunch Lady to solve the current novels mysteries. As the story develops the reader gets the feeling that the honorable Lunch Lady can be a stern right-fighter. She is the defender of all students equally, and the students respect that quality. Lunch Lady is a classic school figure with a need for superhero voyages. The other characters in the adorable graphic novel include a group of students, a gym teacher, and the partially evil guest villain, Mr. Scribson. While the rest of the cast is considered a supporting cast, Krosoczka is skilled in creating characters through detailed facially expressions and conversational dialogue bubbles.      

LUNCH LADY...VENDETTA opens with what feels like the end of the previous story. Then we flash to the next episode or "Later that morning" where a group of students are preparing for their famous visitor. As the story builds the reader flashes to different events happening at the school and different characters thoughts and feelings. We learn that the author is kind of a snob, sidekick Betty has built new spying gear, and there is a missing coach. It is through the drawings that we discover one of Lunch Lady's superpowers is eavesdropping, and that is how she learns of the fishy story of the missing coach. Lunch Lady demands that something is done, and gets her sidekick Betty on board to further investigate the missing coach and the famous author. The plot moves quickly with plenty of comedic blunders that make the reader chuckle. While the ridiculousness of bunnies attacking is clearly  an dramatization, the reader gladly accepts this conundrum. The playful, preposterous story is fun for the reader, and the plots keep the reader in the series.

The primary setting of LUNCH LADY...VENDETTA is a school building. The classification of the school is left out, so that readers of varying ages can identify with the book, clever move on Krosoczka's part. Because the setting is adaptable to any school the reader can envision their own experiences as they read the novel. While the setting is necessary because of the nature of the series, it is not an integral part of the novel.

Krosoczka's adventurous tail of the Lunch Lady does not have a deep and life changing theme, yet it stays playful and makes the reader laugh. A possible theme of the novel is the idea of pursuing wrong doers, and trusting your instincts. The Lunch Lady is an incredible demonstration of this theme and creates a unique role model for readers. 

Krosoczka's writes a classic graphic novel using drawing, word bubbles, third person point of view, and time of day labels. He keeps the tone of the novel numerous in a suspenseful way. He uses playful language and keeps the reader turning the pages. I found myself not just reading, but also examining the pictures and laughing at those as well. Overall, this graphic novel is a timeless piece for all ages. 

Review Excerpts

• One has to wonder if author Kroscozka is indulging in some personal fantasies through these books- Children's Literature 
• The illustrator uses a fine line of pen and ink with touches of yellow. Balloon call-outs are large and clear and work well for beginning readers and those new to the graphic-novel format- School Library Journal 
• Krosoczka has created a clever diversion this round, with appeal not just for kids but also for other children’s authors.- Booklist 

Connections

(http://www.lunchladycomics.com/ 

Genre #6 (Newbery Award)

THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

Bibliography

Gaiman, Neil. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. Ill. by Dave Mckean. New York: Harper Collins, 2008. ISBN  978-0060530945

Plot Summary: 

The Graveyard Book is a quaint novel about a young boy that goes by Bod, short for Nobody Owens. Bod was brought to the graveyard on a dark and scary night when he was unknowingly escaping his family's murderer. As the story opens with a eerie scene of the man Jack killing off baby Bod's family. Drenched in suspense at the idea of a young baby escaping his death, we are led to an even creepier graveyard. In a turn of events Bod seeks refuge in the graveyard and is hidden by the graveyard dwellers. The ghost, specifically Mr. and Mrs. Owens, make a vow to protect and raise the boy as their own. Throughout the novel we follow Bod and his unlikely childhood; as a young baby he is given graveyard special privileges and makes friends with the ghost, witches, vampires, and even regular graveyard visitors. It isn't until Bod is confronted with an old friend and the man Jack that his life takes a turn for the unknown. 

Critical Analysis:

Neil Gaiman's creation of the innocent, lovable, and curious Bod is a special blend of supernatural ability and youthful imaginary play. Gaiman doesn't dwelling on Bod's special abilities he simply writes as though his ability to see dead people is natural, hence, the reader doesn't feel like they are reading a fantasy novel. The reader feels connected to Bod because of his sad and mysterious family's murder. The reader wants Bod to become successful despite his horrific past. Accompanying Bod, Silas is the quintessential heroic mentor. Silas is the only member of the graveyard who comes and goes to bring Bod food and other supplies. Silas finds Bod teachers and teaches him different things he needs to know about the world outside the gates. Silas's supernatural abilities are not overtly discussed only vaguely mentioned and the reader is require to put the pieces together. Silas's in his protective measures leads Bod to the life he always wanted, making the reads cherish their relationship regardless of the supernatural overtones. As of the other characters, Mr. and Mrs. Owns, and other members of the graveyard, they each offer their own special addition to Bod's life and they create this village to raise Bod. The reader forgets that these kind, and loving characters are in fact ghost.  

In addition to the uniquely classic characters, the plot is equally as creative. Gaiman does an incredible job of building suspense while not scaring the audience away. Also, Gaiman takes the reader on this classic epic journey of the unknown. With each chapter we get a new adventure with Bod; he takes us through the deepest cracks in graveyard in his innocent attempts to learn more, help the other members of the graveyard, and find answers to his past. At times the plot seems long-winded, but because the writing is so eloquent the reader does not give up on the book. 

For most of the novel the story takes place in the graveyard, which is described as a place on top of a hill that doubles as a nature preserve, located in present day England. While the novel can sometimes feel like it is taking place 100's of years ago because of the way the ghost communicate, it is clear that it is present time because one character mentions cell phones and bullies film their victims. Furthermore, the setting of the graveyard is clearly and integral part of the novel THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. 

Above all of the possible themes that are present in THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, the sense of community and responsibility takes precedence. As the old saying goes "it takes a village to raise a child" well this could not be more present in this novel. While Mr. and Mrs. Owens declare they are the guardian of Bod, the graveyard first vote on taking him in; they decide things together as a working community. The retold story of a rare childhood and upbringing is a fresh twist on a classic theme. 

Gaiman's uses a third person omniscient point of view to tell the story of Nobody Owens. The third person point of view is perfect for telling this coming of age story because it allows the reader to reveal bits and pieces of the characters thoughts and actions without coming out and saying them. Gaiman also cleverly weaves in the illustrations by Dave McKean. The pictures are black and white sketches that depict the stories most intense moments. With the additions of pictures with in the novel the mood is set to an endearing sense of spookiness. 

Review Excerpts 

• Hugo Award for Best Novel (2009), 
• Newbery Medal (2009),
•  Locus Award for Best Young Adult Novel (2009), 
• World Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2009),
•  Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Children's Literature (2009)
• Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year (2009), 
• An ALA Notable Children's Book for Middle Readers (2009),
• ALA Teens' Top Ten (2009), Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Nominee (2009),
• Indies Choice Book Award for Best Indie Young Adult Buzz Book (Fiction): (2009),
• Carnegie Medal in Literature (2010), British Fantasy Award Nominee for Best Novel (2009),
• Cybils Awards for Middle Grade Fantasy & Science Fiction (2008) .

Connections: 

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish (with illustrations by Dave McKean ISBN 1-56504-199

Coraline (with illustrations by Dave McKean, , ISBN 0-380-97778-8)

The Wolves in the Walls (with illustrations by Dave McKean ISBN 0-380-97827-X)

Melinda (with illustrations by Dagmara Matuszak ISBN 0-931771-04-8)

Genre #6(Michael Printz YA)

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Bibliography:

Green, John. The Fault in our Stars. New York: Dutton Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-0525478812

Plot Summary:

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS follows the life of Hazel Grace Lancaster a stage four cancer survivor. While she is not currently receiving chemo treatment in the book, she does lug around an oxygen machine to help her "crappy lungs" breathe. Not only is Hazel battling cancer she is also clinically depressed, and because of this her mother and doctors send her to a support group in the "Literal Heart of Jesus." It is during this support group that Hazel Grace meets the two supporting roles, Isaac and Augustus Waters both of which have their own battle with cancer. It is through these support group meetings that Augustus and Hazel make a love connection; they bond over their struggles, their love of sarcasm, and eventually a book titled An Imperial Affliction. Throughout the novel we follow this young love and their existence with cancer. 

Critical Analysis: 

John Green carefully and eloquently creates, without missing a beat, a sarcastic, witty, and an independent thinker. Because Hazel Grace is no longer enrolled in school she doesn't connect with the typical teenage girls. Hazel spends most of the novel concerned that once she passes she will be a grenade in lives of others. Throughout the novel this thought haunts Hazel and motivates her to find answers to life's biggest questions. Opposite of Hazel Grace is Augustus 'Gus' Waters; Gus is a charismatic, charming, and sensitive young adult. He whisk Hazel off her feet and becomes her "wish granting machine." Green creates two characters that grow and change throughout the course of the novel. They learn from each other and teach others the importance of living. Together their banter is delightful, nostalgic of a first true love, and an integral component of, not only to the character development, but to the plot and theme of the story.  

While Green stresses that the plot of the story is one that is fictional the reader wants to believe all of the plots scenarios, starting with the treatment courses for Hazel and Gus. Then moving into the wish granting that cancer patients receive, and finally the fake funeral. All of these plot events are written for the whimsical teenage audience. Yet they are not unbelieveable. The events are fresh and idealistic, but not cliche or stereotypical. 

Most of the novel takes place in the cloudy Indianapolis that is described as plain and typical. Hazel spends most of her time indoors due to the fact that she is sick and cannot exert to much physical activity, but also because it reflects Hazel's sense of claustrophobia with her disease. The setting of the novel is descriptive, yet it is applicable to many readers personal experience. 

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (TFIOS) has a plethora of themes therefore each reader can truly make the novel their own. A few of the most prevalent themes are the support of family, search of identity, and the coming of age through love and death. TFIOS most treasured theme is the support and honesty of Hazel's family. Her mother clearly loves and takes care of her, and both Hazel and Gus's family hover overs their every move. While they both find this quality terribly annoying, as any typical teen would, she also understands that being a kids with cancer is just as difficult as being a parent with a kids whom has cancer. The novel teaches us what it must be like for a family with a cancer patient and how truly important it is to be honest and supportive of all members. In addition, Hazel's classic search for a sense of identity is wrapped in portions of the plot. Like any other teenager she wants to find her place in this world and the meaning to her seemingly short life. She ultimately finds that everyone is placed on this earth for the purpose of "scarring" others. At first these sense of identity isn't enough for Hazel Grace, but through the plots twist and turns it becomes more than should could have imagined. Finally, the obvious themes of love and death is the novels cornerstone. TFIOS takes these classic young adult themes and gives them a twist of dark humor. Throughout the novel we know that Hazel and Gus are made for each through their honest, sweet, and innocent love for each other. They are compassionate, considerate, and thoughtful towards each other and it becomes a classic example of true love. As mentioned, there are plenty of themes that any reader could explore after reading TFIOS which makes John Green's novel a classic contemporary young adult novel. 

Reading TFIOS through Hazel's point of view makes for a conversational, cheeky-chic type of writing. She is aware of cliches and mocks their existence, but also recognizes that they're existence is necessary for others to receive comfort. Readers find her sense of humor and relaxed sense of tone comforting and raw. In addition, her internal battles and external conversations with all characters is even tempered and witty. John Green has created a timeless novel through the style and narration. 

Finally Green's gender and culture aspect of a young adult novel is spot on. He doesn't drain the reader with "important cultural conundrums" or try and remind readers of a younger time in life. He keeps the gender bias to zero, and insist on creating a strong female lead that is genuine and a role model of intelligence, strength, and love. 

Review Excerpts 

TIME Magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of the year!

#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller
#1 USA Today Bestseller
#1 International Bestseller
#1 Indie Bestseller

Michael Printz YA award

“Damn near genius . . . The Fault in Our Stars is a love story, one of the most genuine and moving ones in recent American fiction, but it’s also an existential tragedy of tremendous intelligence and courage and sadness.” —TIME Magazine

“This is a book that breaks your heart—not by wearing it down, but by making it bigger until it bursts.”
—The Atlantic

“A story about two incandescent kids who will live a long time in the minds of the readers who come to know them.”
—People

“Funny . . . Poignant . . . Luminous.”
—Entertainment Weekly

“Remarkable . . . A pitch-perfect, elegiac comedy.”
—USA Today

Connections

Other John Green Books-

Looking for Alaska- 2006 Michael L. Printz Award

The Abundance of Katherines- 2007 Michael L. Printz Honor book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Paper Towns- 2009 Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery. 

Will Grayson Will Grayson 

Genre #5 Historical Novel Choice

BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE

Bibliography:

Yelchin, Eugene. Breaking Stalin's Nose. New York: Henry Holt and Co. 2011. ISBN:978-0805092165

Plot Summary:

Yelchin brings the reader into the world the Soviet Union in the 1950's. In the beginning we learn of a little boy named Sasha Zaichik who is an aspiring member of the Young Soviet Pioneers. Sasha praises the work of the communist. It isn't until his beloved father who works for the "secret police" is sent to jail that the picture perfect world of communism comes crumbling down for the young boy. Sasha is sent to live with his aunt, but she is fearful of his presence and does not want to put her family at risk; therefore, kicking the young boy out and onto the streets. Sasha meets a nice woman and his love for his dear country slowly fades away. 

Critical Analysis:

Yelchin wrote a cast of characters that are interesting, captivating, and raw. The main character Sasha Zaichik is a naive boy whom buys into the love of communism without a second thought. While he truly loves the idea of communism and its focus on the "we" instead of the capitalistic "I", he is also sensitive to the kids at school who are constantly being bullied by those who appear more fortunate; and in one scene he feels bad for hurting a boy he hits with a snowball. So, not all is lost on this naive character, yet his love for Communism and simply believing anything his is told does make him a bit unrelatable for a young adult reader. However, throughout the novel he transforms from a simplistic young boy into a young adult whom understands that the world can be wrong and harmful. Despite the fact that Sasha worships his father, his dad is seen as the antagonist of the novel because he is opposite the innocent young son. Sasha's father is cruel and almost emotionless for most of the novel. He even turns in his own wife (Sasha's mother) and ultimately she is killed. Yelchin creates a scary yet captivating character to play the role of soviet father. 

The setting of BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE is brought to life through the detailed descriptions of the communal apartments that Sasha and his father live in. The setting is essential in telling the story of Sasha because of these cramped living conditions, created to make it easy for people to spy on others, Sasha's father is arrested which changes Sasha's life forever. While some of the thoughts that the novel creates can be painful, the information is appropriate for a young adult reader.

BREAKING STALIN'S NOSE is one of the most powerful and interesting coming of age novels I've read for young adults. The novel offers an untold perspective of a confusing time for children in the world. While Sasha is naive and innocent he is adaptable and curious. His innocence is truly refreshing, so when he has his slow realization to what is happening in his country, the authentic understanding that the world may not be as pleasant for everyone as it was for him is raw. 

Finally, Yelchin's experience with the Soviet Union in his childhood lead him to create this authentic balance of fact and fiction.  

Review Excerpts:

• 2012 Newbery Honor Book (American Library Association)

• 2012 Junior Library Guild Selection

• 2012 Distinguished Work of Historical Fiction Award (Children's Literature Council of Southern California)

• 2012 Women’s National Book Association’s Judy Lopez Memorial Award

• 2013 KS William Allen White Award 

• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by the Horn Book Magazine

• The Best Children’s Books of 2011 by Washington Post

• 2012 Capitol Choices Book, Noteworthy Books for Children     

Connections:

Use this book in conjunction with the videos avaliable on http://www.eugeneyelchinbooks.com/

Use this book to create alternate or extending endings

Read other Eugene Yelchin books: 

Summer 2011 DOG PARADE Harcourt

Summer 2011 THE NEXT DOOR BEAR Harper

Winter 2011 WON TON, A CAT TALE TOLD IN HAIKU Henry Holt

Fall 2010 THE ROOSTER PRINCE OF BRESLOV Clarion Books 

Spring 2010 SEVEN HUNGRY BABIES Simon and Schuster

Fall 2009 HEART OF A SNOWMAN HarperCollins

Genre #5: Author's Choice

WILLOW RUN

Bibliography:
Giff, Patricia Reilly. 2005. Willow Run. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 0385900961

Plot Summary:
The year is 1944 and Margaret Dillon "Meggie" and her family are on the move from New York to Michigan without her brother Eddie because he is serving in Europe. Meggie's family moves to Michigan to so that their father can work in a factory that is building  B-24 bomber planes used for World War II. Unfortunately for Meggie her grandfather does not make the trip with them; however, she does stay in contact and writes letters to him frequently. While Meggie is upset that her brother and her grandfather will not be making the trip with them she finds solace in the fact that the changes are just "for the duration". As time passes in Michigan Meggie realizes that most of the people in the town are faced with similar changes and hardships, but continues to feel safe knowing that the changes are just "for the duration". Sadly, when Meggie's brother is reported as missing her family's spirit is challenged and Meggie begins to wonder if she will ever be reunited as a family.  

Critical Analysis

Patricia Reilly Giff creates a family that is the quintessential family of 1944. They are supportive, patriotic, pragmatic family of four with an addition of a live-in grandfather. Through the third person limited omniscient point of view, the reader gets a strong sense of the honest, sensitive, hopeful  main character, Meggie. Meggie is the typical eleven year old girl whom has to deal with prejudice, bullying, and leaving her safe hometown. Meggie is a believable character which the reader can relate to. Similarly, Grandpa is a generous, loving, hard-working man that keeps the spirit of the family alive through letters he and Meggie write back and forth. Giff creates a relatable grandpa figure that many readers will be able to connect too.

The setting and plot of WILLOW RUN are brilliantly woven together. The story centers around the family move to a factory town, so the father can do his part for the war and help build B-24 bomber planes. The setting of Michigan is described by Meggie as grassless, old, and nothing that grows. The setting is ideal for this plot because it gives the reader a feeling of authenticity about wartime in America during 1944. The descriptions and integration of facts and setting are written on level for any age to enjoy.

After reading WILLOW RUN two major themes ring true throughout the novel. First, the theme of love, support, and sacrafice a family endures to create the best life for themselves. The family sticks together with all that they have in order to maintain a life. Even though Grandpa does not leave with the family the support and love still travels through letters, and in the love of brother Eddie that is so prevalent for this family creates the theme of family support and love is essential in dealing with struggle. Secondly, the theme of sacrifice and commitment made by Americans during World War II is ubiquitous throughout the novel. The novel shows how families were committed to the war efforts even though it meant tremendous sacrifice. It is through these themes that Giff creates an accurate historical novel.

Giff's style and literary elements are key to creating a historical representation through the eyes of a one family. While the edition of the book that I had did not have an author's note, it is clear on Giff's website that her love and passion for World War II inspired her to write a true historical fiction. 

Review Excerpts: 

Tough and tender, this is an excellent addition to World War II shelves. Ilene Cooper BookList

Giff's engrossing, heartwarming story will help readers understand how personally war affects people.–Renee Steinberg- School Library Journal 


Connections:

Read other award winning books by Patricia Reilly Giff 

Lily's Crossing

Awards: (Newbery Honor 1998)

Pictures of Hollis Woods

Awards: (Newbery Honor 2003)

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Edgar Award for Best Juvenile

Students could read WILLOW RUN before studying American's actions in WW2

Students could read WILLOW RUN and compare against the Henry Ford assembly line 

 

Genre #5: Scott O'Dell Award

THE GREEN GLASS SEA

Bibliography: 

Klages,Ellen. 2006. The Green Glass Sea. New York: Viking. ISBN: 0670061344

Plot Summary:

The Green Glass Sea is set in the year 1943 and Dewey Kerrigan is headed to Los Almos, New Mexico to be reunited with her scientist father. Dewey knows her father is one of a hand full of scientist who are working on what is referred to as the "gadget." The "gadget" is a military project that Dewey knows little about except that it's suppose to help the Americans win World War II. After Dewey arrives at the military base, she decides to spend most of her free time working on projects and "gadgets" of her own. Dewey even makes an artist friend all awhile not knowing that the Manhattan Project is about to change the world. 

Critical Analysis

Ellen Klages provides the reader with a strong characterization of both the protagonist, Dewey, and the antagonist Suze. Dewey is the character that the reader grows and learns with as the plot moves along. Dewey and Suze alike, are typical teenage girls dealing with changes and internal emotional turmoil trying to figure out how to be a young adult; they are easy for any girl to identify with. Like Dewey, Suze is also easy to identify but in the total opposite way of Dewey. Suze is more interested in being liked and accepted rather than showing her true self; while, Dewey comes across awkward and bookish. The friendship between Dewey and Suze is one of the most relatable qualities of this historial fiction novel; every young girl has a friendship like Dewey and Suze at some point in their young adult life, and Klages does a splendid job displaying that aspect of young adult-hood.       

The plot and setting of THE GREEN GLASS SEA are intertwined so eloquently by Klages. The setting begins 1943 and moves along till the end of World War II. Los Almos, New Mexico is the historical location of the creating and completion of the Manhattan Project; therefore, is the best choice of setting to tell this story. In other words, the plot centers around the location creating an accurate description of this historical fiction novel. Klages uses just enough descriptions of the setting to engage the reader into what the world was like at that time. The setting and plot alike were both explicit in their detail and stay true to the time period. 

In THE GREEN GLASS SEA two themes take center stage for me as I read the novel. First, was the theme of family and their role in a young child's life. Dewey moves to Los Almos in the first place because he is the only family she has left, and when he dies Dewey feels lost and alone. However, Suze has a supportive and accepting family with both parents loving and caring for her. Dewey's desire for family and support is reached once again when the Gordon's accept her into their family as their own. The theme of family and their love for each other proves to be a strong lesson of this novel. Secondly, the novel gives a platform to discuss themes of war, and ethical  use of power. The entire novel is centered about perfecting the "gadget" and the scientist including Dewey's father work endless on the "gadget" in order to win the war. However, the true effects of the "gadget" are not seen until the end. The novels theme could easily be applied to many different time periods throughout history. 

Ellen Klages style is true to the time period of the novel. She alternates between telling Dewey's story and Suze's story. The back in forth between Dewey and Suze helps build the characterization of these two young girls. Through the characters she is able to capture the worry, enthusiasm, and dedication that existed during World War II. Klages takes a unique perspective on this particular time period by creating a story that tells both the history and the story of a family during war time. In the author's note Klages acknowledges all of her nonfiction sources she used in writing an accurate telling of the historical story. 

Review Excerpts: 

“Klages makes an impressive debut with an ambitious, meticulously researched novel set during WWII. Writing from the points of view of two displaced children, she successfully recreates life at Los Alamos Camp, where scientists and mathematicians converge with their families to construct and test the first nuclear bomb.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The characters are exceptionally well drawn, and the compelling, unusual setting makes a great tie-in for history classes. John Green- Booklist

Many readers will know as little about the true nature of the project as the girls do, so the gradual revelation of facts is especially effective, while those who already know about Los Alamos's historical significance will experience the story in a different, but equally powerful, way.–Steven Engelfried- School Library Journal 


Scott O'Dell Award (2007), 

Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2009), 

The Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature Medalist (2007)

Connections:

Use this book as an extension to a World War II unit

Use this book as an extension in a Science class 

Use this book in English as a genre study

Have students research the Manhattan Project and its influence on World War II to determine the accuracy of the novel. 
  

Genre #4 Biography

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE

Bibliography:

Kerley, Barbara. What To Do About Alice. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. Scholastic Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0439922319

Plot Summary:

Barbara Kerley has created a thoughtful, interesting, and becoming biography of the precocious Alice Roosevelt. Alice is the oldest daughter of Teddy Roosevelt, and she is not limited to the refinement that one might expect as a politicians daughter. As it is mentioned Alice was a girl who played by her own rules. After overcoming physical aliments, Alice became a figure of goodwill and is described as "eating up the world." End the end we are left with an exciting look at the world for a young political figure. 

Critical Analysis:

Kerley and Fotheringham team up to create a delightful, lighthearted, yet educational biography of one of the most interesting children of the White House. The events of Alice's life are laid out in a logical order sequencing the events of her life. From time to time Kerley points out specific events that contributed to the individualism of Alice Roosevelt. For example, we learn that Alice had a physical alignment that required braces on her legs, from this point we see Alice as a resilient, strong girl who challenged social and gender norms in order to express her true self. Fotheringham's illustrations help describe the dynamic between Alice and her famous Father Teddy. In one picture we see the lower half of Teddy tapping his foot while Alice is already on her way out of the shot. The image sets the tone for the reader that Teddy had his hands full with Alice and struggled with following her bold lead. The illustrations coupled with a variety of sentence structure create a masterful biography that is easy to read, yet it does not water down the facts for the reader. At the end of the story we are awarded information about the life of Alice and her Mother who passed away shortly after her birth. Kerley's inclusion of this information allows the reader to elaborate about the history of this ingenious girl who like her father left a mark on American History.  

Accuracy:

Barbara Kerley is an accomplished nonfiction writer who has been published by National Geographic and Scholastic. Kerley has been awarded:

 Caldecott Honor Book

New York Times bestseller

ALA Notable Book

ABC Children’s Booksellers Choices Awards

Best Children’s Books -- Publisher’s Weekly

Reading Magic Award -- Parenting Magazine

Book Sense Book of the Year nominee

Borders Original Voices nominee

NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book

Best Book Award -- Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

Gold Award Winner -- The National Parenting Publications Awards

Garden State (NJ) Book Award

California Collections

Los Angeles 100 Best Books -- IRA/Los Angeles USD Library Services

Nominated for Young Reader awards in TX, KY, OK, RI, LA and CO

Nominated for the 2014 Bluestem Award, IL School Library Media Assoc

These awards alone prove that Barbara Kerley is a credible knowledgeable author of nonfiction. 

Review Excerpts:

"Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was....  Kerley's text has the same rambunctious spirit as its subject, grabbing readers from the first line....  

The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art."

    Booklist, starred review

"Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp  her style, dives fully clothed into a ship's swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father's trusted advisers.... Fascinating 

      School Library Journal, starred review

"It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt."        

     Publishers Weekly, starred review

"What to do about Alice?  Enjoy!"  Horn Book, starred review

Connections: 

Other popular nonfiction books by Barbara Kerley 

A HOME FOR MR. EMERSON (Scholastic Press, coming Feb 2014)

ISBN 978-0-545-35088-4

THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR YOU (National Geographic, 2013)

ISBN 978-1-4263-1114-7

THOSE REBELS, JOHN AND TOM (Scholastic Press, 2012)

ISBN 978-0-545-22268-6

THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN (ACCORDING TO SUSY) (Scholastic Press, 2010)

ISBN 978-0-545-12508-6

ONE WORLD, ONE DAY (National Geographic, 2009)

ISBN 978-1-4263-0460-6

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? (Scholastic Press, 2008)

ISBNs 978-0-439-92231-9; 0-439-92231-3 

GREETINGS FROM PLANET EARTH (Scholastic Press, 2007)

Hardcover ISBNs 978-0-439-80203-1; 0-439-80203-2

Paperback ISBN 978-0-439-80204-8

A LITTLE PEACE (National Geographic, 2007)

ISBN 978-1-4263-0086-8

YOU AND ME TOGETHER: MOMS, DAD, AND KIDS AROUND THE WORLD 

(National Geographic, 2005)

ISBN 0-7922-8297-3

WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA (Scholastic Press, 2004)

ISBN 0-439-35791-8

Content connections

As you can see Kerley has several titles that could be used as in an author study 

Use WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE for:

Introduction to American History in the early 1920's

Character study of women and politics