WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE ?: HOW ALICE ROOSEVELT BROKE THE RULES, CHARMED THE WORLD, AND DROVE HER FATHER TEDDY CRAZY!. Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York, NY: Scholastic Press, 2008. ISBN 978-0-439-92231-9

2.  SUMMARY

This picture book biography can be summed up in the lengthy title! The biographical story chronicles the passionate and precocious life of President Theodore Roosevelt’s first child, Alice.  In spite of early setbacks, Alice’s desire to “eat up the world” shines through clearly as the author reveals the very special place Alice held in her father’s life, to Americans, and even to the world.

3.  CRITICAL REVIEW

The stylish and vibrant illustrations grace this picture book and add to the pure joy reflected in the story of Alice Roosevelt’s life. The delightful story weaves a bit of history about President Roosevelt’s life and accomplishments, while emphasizing his relationship with his beloved daughter, Alice, who had a sense of adventure that rivaled her father’s. This text completely captures the energy, love, and passion of Alice as it chronicles her life from childhood through her marriage to a congressman. The lively illustrations are reminiscent of Bemelman’s MADELINE series. The boldness of the color and lines create excitement that complements this charming biography. Even the variations in letter print add emphasis to the character’s vibrant personality. The author’s notes and bibliography lend authenticity of the author’s research about this beloved good will ambassador.

4.  AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

Notable/Best Books (ALA), 2009

BOOKLIST starred, January 2008: “Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was.”

HORN BOOK, March/April, 2008: “This sassy biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth validates President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous quip about his oldest child...”

LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION, February 2008: “This successful melding of text and pictures showcases the life o Teddy Roosevelt’s irrepressible daughter , Alice. From her earliest years, independent-minded Alice defied convention and did what she liked.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

* Research the lives of other President's children

* Create a display highlighting books by Barbara Kerley including:

THE DINOSAURS OF WATERHOUSE HAWKINS            ISBN 978-0439114943

WALT WHITMAN: WORDS FOR AMERICA                     ISBN 978-0439357913

WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?                                            ISBN 978-0439922319

THE EXTRAORDINARY MARK TWAIN                            ISBN 978-0545125086

A LITTLE PEACE                                                                  ISBN 978-1426300868