WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to do about Alice?. Ill by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313

Summary

Kerley gives us a cleverly written biography about President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter, Alice. Alice had a mind of her own, from a very young age, and wasn’t afraid to do whatever she felt like doing. This could at times cause her father grief as her behavior wasn’t always that of a proper lady.

Critical Analysis

“Teddy Roosevelt had a small problem,” and her name was Alice! This charming biography about the life of Alice Roosevelt takes us through her life as daughter to a widowed (but later remarried) father through his presidency and as wife to a congressman, being a trusted advisor to both of them. While this reads as a picture book, facts and quotes are woven throughout the text, keeping the reader grounded in history of Alice’s story, but keen on seeing what she decides to do next.

The illustrations bring just as much energy to the book as Alice must have to the lives of those she was near. The bold color choices and movement of each page reflect Alice’s personality as we find out she “at up the world.”

Review Excerpts

2009 ALA Notable Books for Children award winner

2008 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year award winner

2009 Robert F. Sibert Informational Award nominee

School Library Journal – “This book provides a fascinating glimpse into both a bygone era and one of its more interesting denizens as well as a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.” – Grace Oliff

Publisher’s Weekly – “It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”

Connections
This would make a great connection piece to a study of President Theodore Roosevelt.

This would be a great text to use when looking at women’s roles in politics and how that has changed over the years.

The vocabulary in the book would great to study, especially the words and phrases that are highlighted through bold text and quotes.