Scanorama Books by Anna Claybourne

Silver Dolphin presents 3 new interactive books about science and animals. 

Scanorama Amazing Animals
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Slide the scanner across the page to discover what lies under the skin of the world’s most fascinating creatures! In Scanorama: Amazing Animals, readers will meet a variety of species from across the animal kingdom and learn about their astounding feats of strength, speed, and endurance. The five movable sliders transform the illustrated animals—including an anaconda, a thorny devil, and a blue whale—to reveal their skeletons, creating a virtual X-ray on the page. Captivating facts, photographs, and illustrations provide even more details on each animal, and interactive flaps to lift enhance the scan-tastic educational experience.

Scanorama Deadly Predators
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
On the pages of Scanorama: Deadly Predators, kids are treated to a virtual X-ray tour featuring some of the world's most dangerous animals. Five movable sliders transform illustrated animals into full-body scans that reveal their skeletons and show how they have come to rule their habitats. Featured animals include a tiger, a scorpion, and a great white shark; each animal is covered in detail through informative text, photographs, and illustrations. To learn about even more deadly creatures, readers can lift the flaps and discover what is hiding in wait, ready to pounce on its next victim!

Scanorama Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures
Expected publication Sept. 2017
Silver Dolphin Books
32 pages
Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Scanorama: Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures gives young readers the feel of working as a lab technician as they study dinosaurs and other amazing prehistoric animals. Five movable sliders transform illustrated creatures—such as the deadly T. rex, the armored Ankylosaurus, and the massive Argentinosaurus—into virtual X-ray scans, revealing their fossilized skeletons. Detailed text, photographs, and illustrations provide insights into how each animal survived in the prehistoric world, and even more facts can be found under the interactive flaps throughout the book.

My Thoughts

These books are packed with information! Each one is filled with facts, maps, diagrams, and amazing photographs. 
A unique table of contents shows the organization of the book.
An index helps readers navigate to find specific information. Sturdy pages will hold up after multiple readings. 

A highlight in each volume is the "scanorama" where the reader can scan a panel over an image of an animal to see its skeleton. 

Check out this video.

Listen to what this boy loves about the Scanorama books!

The Scanorama series would be great for any child who is interested in animals grades 2+.

Ouside Shot by Fred Bowen

Ouside Shot 
by Fred Bowen
Published March, 2017
Peachtree Publishers
144 Pages
Advanced readers copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Eighth-grader Richie Mallon has always known he was a shooter, but will his amazing shooting talent be enough to keep him on the team? Outside Shot tells the story of eighth-grade basketball player Richie Mallon, who is known as the shooter, the one on the team who scores most of the baskets. He has practiced every day at his driveway hoop, perfecting his technique. Richie never plays any other roles on the court; he lets his teammates do the assisting and rebounding. Richie makes the team under a tough new coach, but he's not a starter. Then when his shooting skills go into a slump, he must find a way to become a more well-rounded player. Author Fred Bowen continues his Sport Story Series with full court, play-by-play action thats sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats!

My Thoughts
Richie starts out quite sure of himself at the beginning of the book since he has a reputation of being able to make shots consistently. He and his best friend Bryce are certain that they will both be starters on the 8th grade team. But, when he tries out for a new coach, he makes the team, but he is not first string.  
Richie is stunned and sets out to prove his worth to the coach. He is very concerned about his stats, most specifically, points scored and percentage of shots made. When he hits a dry spell, Richie grows more and more stressed. He starts to befriend one of the managers who keeps the stats and she suggests that he try to also get more assists and rebounds and perhaps his shot will return. But who would he be is he weren't "the shooter"? 

Richie learns some valuable lessons in this story and many middle graders will enjoy it. It's length, font size and readability make it quite manageable for many in grades 3-5.  

Visit Fred Bowen's website 

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4th Grade Reading

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code 
by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrated by Katy Wu
Published May, 2017
Sterling Children's Books
48 Pages
Nonfiction Picture Book
Hardcover
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English,” and throughout her life succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly is “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys.

My Thoughts

Do you know where the phrase "computer bug" came from? You will after reading this book. Every time I read a nonfiction picture book, I learn that there is so much to learn. I did not know about Grace Hopper, I am so glad that I do now. This book takes her from a curious girl, who took apart household appliances to find out how they work, to computer code queen. Grace's story teaches us that STEM talent knows no gender or age. She was an invaluable resource, writing code for the navy until she was 80 years old! She is a great role model for perseverance and growth mindset. I really loved how the author captures her spirit and insatiable curiosity. One cannot help but be inspired by her tenacity. 

The author tells the story with just enough text to keep it interesting for young readers and up through middle school. Actual quotes from Grace are sprinkled throughout the book in creative ways. One of my favorites is, "If you've got a good idea, and you know it's going to work, go ahead and do it." 

The back matter consists of a timeline of Grace Hopper's life, a selected bibliography, additional reading about women in STEM and a summary of Grace's many honors. 

Not only is the book entertaining and informative, it is visually enticing as well. With a variety of interesting formats, backgrounds, fonts and bold colors, there is much to keep readers engaged. 

Grace Hopper: Queen of Code is an essential addition to every classroom, school and public library. 

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Check out this quick video.

I Am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

I Am (Not) Scared 
by Anna Kang
Illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Published March 21, 2017
Two Lions
Hardcover Picture Book
Fiction
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
Two fuzzy friends go to an amusement park. They try to convince each other that there are much scarier things than the roller coaster. Hairy spiders! Aliens! Fried ants! They soon discover that sometimes being scared isn’t as “scary” as they thought. With expressive illustrations and simple text, this giggle-inducing tale about (not) being scared features the endearing characters from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small.

My Thoughts
Which is scarier... riding a huge roller coaster or snakes? How about riding a huge roller coaster WITH a snake? This the third book in the "I Am (Not)..." series. These two adorable characters are together again to discuss being scared and scary things in general. 
The story is told with simple, sparse text. It is written in a large font and contains many high frequency words making it easier for young readers to read. The characters themselves are friendly, furry creatures of two distinctly different sizes. The backgrounds are white, making the colorful illustrations the main focus. 
This book (and series) presents feelings in a way that young children can relate to. The books open the door to lots of great dialogue possibilities. 
I would recommend I Am (Not) Scared for ages 2-7. 

About the Authors

Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of two other books featuring these characters: Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and That’s (Not) Mine. Christopher’s work can be seen regularly in The New Yorker magazine and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their Bich-Poo. Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.

Twitter: @annakang27 @chrisweyant05

Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant   

Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

For more information, and to download a free activity kit, visit annakang.com, or download at: http://bit.ly/2mKbFWi

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Enter the Giveaway

I would like to thank Two Lions and Blue Slip Media for offering a giveaway prize pack. Pack includes squeeze balls, two plush characters and a copy of the book!

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Bucky and Stu vs. The Mikanikal Man by Cornelius Van Wright

Bucky and Stu vs. The Mikanikal Man 
by Cornelius Van Wright
Published 2015
Nancy Paulsen Books
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

It’s the adventure of a lifetime when best friends—and self-proclaimed superheroes—defeat bad guys of their own invention.

It’s wonk ’em time when Bucky and Stu have to stand up to Phat Tyre, TrashMan and Hose-Nose. No matter that the bad guys are all made out of household items that Bucky and Stu have assembled themselves—these bad guys don’t stand a chance against the boys’ power moves. Still, it’s quite a surprise when their latest villain, the giant Mikanikal Man, gets zapped during a lightning storm and comes to life! The battle—and thrill—of a lifetime ensue. Full of surprises and laughs, this upbeat, action-packed story celebrates imagination, creativity, and friendship in even the most unexpected forms. Cornelius Van Wright’s hilarious illustrations are full of surprises and are perfect for portraying the high-speed antics of two enthusiastic boys.

My Thoughts
I really liked how Bucky and Stu spend their time outside playing and using their imaginations (unless they are eating). This is something kids don't do enough in my opinion. 
Kids will enjoy watching Bucky and Stu as they try to rid their hometown (or their backyard) of bad guys or "baddies" as they call them. The two have a great friendship and work together well. Bucky understands that Stu is always hungry and Stu appreciates Bucky's creativity, especially after he makes the Mikanikal Man robot.
The story feels almost like an old super hero TV show with phrases like, "Is this THE END for our fearless heroes?" The boys even have an attack phrase, "Wonk 'Em Time!" 
The illustrations are done in water color and pencil. Each page is formatted differently with some pages containing one large illustration and others are formatted with frames like in a comic book or graphic novel. I think kids will enjoy this variety.

Bucky and Stu's adventure will appeal most to students in grades K-3.

Watch the book trailer.

Visit the author's Bucky and Stu website.

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If you are interested, Cornelius Van Wright and his wife Ying-Hwa Yu are both write and illustrate children's books. Visit their website. 

Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs by Mike Lowery

Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs 
by Mike Lowery
Published May, 2016
Workman Publishing Company
112 Pages
Advanced copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary Doodle Adventures: The Search for the Slimy Space Slugs! is a lighthearted fantasy where the reader first draws him- or herself into the story, and then continues by following prompts and adding more illustrations and doodles. Set in space, the book invites the reader to join Carl, a duck and member of a super-secret international group of explorers, on a journey in search of a very important grail-like object. The book is sturdy paper over board with beautiful cream paper—perfect for defacing! And by the end, the reader will have co-written a tale to return to again and again, and show off to family and friends.


My Thoughts Fun, fun, FUN! Kids are going to love this book!  The reader is the hero and he or she adds artwork to make a one-of-a-kind adventure. This would be a great book to draw in resistant readers (pun intended) because of its graphic novel/comic format and fairly sparse text. The plotline is silly enough that young ones will find it hilarious. AND they get to write in it! 

                                                                                                                                                                                          Pages 20-21 from advanced reader's copy. 
I would recommend Doodle Adventures: The Search for Slimy Space Slugs for readers ages 5-9 and for anyone who would enjoy creating a story. 

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Whose Story is this, Anyway? by Mike Flaherty

Whose Story is this, Anyway? 
by Mike Flaherty
Illustrated by Oriol Vidal
Published May 2016
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
What’s this book about? That depends on who you ask. Our humble narrator thinks he’s got a great story for you, but he barely begins before he’s interrupted . . . by a scallywag pirate with a thrilling legend of mermaids and sea monsters! Soon an entire cast of colorful characters—including a hungry dinosaur, an alien bent on world domination, and a heroic knight—derails the boy’s saga. Everyone has a tale to tell—but if they can all get on the same page, this might turn out to be the best story ever!

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to share it with students. It reminds children that when they are writing, they are in charge of what happens on the page. 

The characters are charming and adorable from Salty Pete the pirate to Sir Knightly the gallant knight. The illustrations are playful and fun and remind me of some of Dan Santat's work. All of the dialogue is done in text bubbles with different colors for each character. I thought this was an interesting and effective way to clarify who was talking since there are many characters. 

The ending a sweet and I think it will satisfy readers. 

I plan to use this as one of my introductory texts for writer's workshop for my fourth graders. I would recommend this book for grades K-4. 

Possible Companions:

  

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Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum

Teeny Tiny Toady 
by Jill Esbaum
Published 2016
Sterling Children's Books
Fiction
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

When a giant hand scoops up her mama and puts her in a pail, a terrified tiny toad named Teeny hops faster than she ever did in her life. "Mama’s stuck inside a bucket! Help me get her out!” she begs her big, clumsy brothers. “Don’t you worry, kid. We’ll save her!” they promise, bumbling and stumbling and jumbling out the door. But as the boys rush headlong to the rescue, pushing their little sister aside, it becomes clear: brawn isn't always better than brains—and the smallest of the family may just be the smartest one of all.  Written in lilting verse.

My Thoughts

Everybody loves an underdog. Teeny is the youngest sister of a whole bunch of big brothers. When all of her brothers fall into the bucket with their mother, Teeny is left alone to save them. Stories like this one where the "little guys" prove their worth by doing heroic things are not uncommon. What I liked about Teeny's story is that she was able to use her brain to solve the problem and not her size. 

The author uses font size and color to highlight vocabulary and for emphasis. Young readers will be exposed to some words that may be unfamiliar such as: huddle, fluttered, eventually and peered. 

The toad family have adorable faces and eyes that seem to have a slight anime quality that I think kids will enjoy. Dark and light background colors are effectively used depict different moods. 

Teeny's story of determination and problem solving would be great for ages 3-7. 

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Before I Wake Up by Britta Teckentrup

Before I Wake Up 
by Britta Teckentrup
Published April, 2016
Prestel Publishing
Fiction
Hardcover
56 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Created by the world-renowned children's author and illustrator Britta Teckentrup, this dreamy, colorful nighttime journey will captivate and soothe young children

everywhere. A young girl falls asleep and travels in her dreams through the sky, down to the ocean's depths, and into a jungle. She is accompanied by a lion friend, who eases her fears, gives her confidence, and helps her explore the world around her. Along

the way she meets whales, jellyfish, grizzly bears and wolves. Then it is time for the moon balloon to take the girl home to her bed, where she awakes, snuggled safely next to the lion, who returns to being a stuffed toy. Award-winning children's illustrator Britta Teckentrup's collage-like artwork creates a magical world of captivating colors, classic shapes, and softly detailed textures. The gently told story reassures children that they are never alone, even in their dreams. Exquisitely produced, this book is certain to become a pre-bedtime favorite for children and their parents. 

My Thoughts

Before I wake up is a sweet bedtime story of a little girl who dreams of animal friends and far off lands. In her dream, the girl, who narrates the story in rhyming verse, finds her special lion friend who makes her feel safe and confident. Together they fly in a hot air balloon, glide on a boat, plays in the forest, and dive in the ocean. 

The illustrations are excellent and start off dark with many layers of muted collage. As the dawn comes, the pages get gradually lighter and brighter until the girl awakens to a bright new day. 

Before I Wake Up reassures young readers that they are safe as they sleep and that the excitement of a new day awaits them when they wake up. I would recommend it for ages 3-6.

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Visit the author's website.

The Typewriter by Bill Thomson

The Typewriter

by Bill Thomson
Expected publication March 1, 2016
Two Lions 
Fiction Picture Book
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Using just nine words, the award-winning creator of Chalk takes readers on another unforgettable journey. When three children discover a typewriter on a carousel, they are transported on an adventure of their own creation—complete with a giant beach ball and a threatening crab. Stunning, richly colored artwork is paired with limited text so children can tell their own version of the story. 

My Thoughts

What a fun book! Bill Thomson's illustrations are so incredibly detailed and filled with light and shadows that they could easily be mistaken for photographs. Each page is filled top to bottom with color. I felt as though I was right in the book playing with the kids. 

While it is not completely wordless, there are only a few words in this book, the words the kids type. When the children type a word on this magical typewriter, whatever they type magically appears. I can see many students loving this idea and having a ton of fun with it. I immediately wanted to share this book with my students and give them time to write and share about what they would type and what would happen to them. 

I would recommend The Typewriter for grades K-4. 

See what others have to say about this book. 

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The Knowing Book by Rebecca Kai Doltlich and Matthew Cordell

The Knowing Book

by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Expected Publication Feb. 23, 2016

Boyds Mills Press

Fiction

Picture Book Advanced Readers Copy

Provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Inspiring and wise, this story begins and ends with the sky that is always above you. In between, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and all the wonder that the world has to offer. Along the way he chooses a path, explores the unknown, and ventures along trails on and off the map. And at the end of the journey, braver and more confident, he returns home, the place he can always count on and will always know. This beautiful celebration of life is the perfect gift to mark any milestone in a child’s life from birth to graduation. 

My Thoughts

Add this to your inspirational "Oh the Places You Will Go" type books. It is a reminder to be open to the magic in every day events as we travel through our days. The illustrations by Matthew Cordell are done with his signature whimsy and the little bunny is adorable.

Children and adults alike will enjoy this inspirational book. I will definitely be adding The Knowing Book to my classroom collection. It would also make a great gift for many occasions.  

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Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

Little Elliot, Big Family
by Mike Curato
Published 2015
Henry Holt and Co. 
Hardcover
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

When Mouse heads off to a family reunion, Little Elliot decides go for a walk. As he explores each busy street, he sees families in all shapes and sizes. In a city of millions, Little Elliot feels very much alone-until he finds he has a family of his own!

My Thoughts

I am so in love with Little Elliot! His good friend Mouse has gone to his family reunion and Little Elliot begins to feel lonely as he travels the streets of the "big city" alone and notices different families. He then learns that family does not need to include relatives, families just made up of people who love each other. 

It is a sweet, simple story with few words and big, beautiful illustrations. Each page is filled with color and the scenes of New York are very realistic. 

Little ones ages 2-7 will LOVE Little Elliot, Big Family. 

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Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday-January 27, 2016

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Two Friends:Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass
by Dean Robbins
Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
Published Jan. 5, 2016
Orchard Books
Nonfiction Picture Book
32 Pages
Review copy (F&G) provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary
Two friends, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, get together for tea and conversation. They recount their similar stories fighting to win rights for women and African Americans. The premise of this particular exchange between the two is based on a statue in their hometown of Rochester, New York, which shows the two friends having tea.

My Thoughts

I love reading books where I learn something new. While I knew a bit about each of these two important Americans, I did not realize they were friends and worked to help each other. The text contains a bit written on present tense as the friends sit down for tea and some information written in past tense about their childhoods and what they wanted to change. I did wish the book included more specific information about each person as it seemed a bit brief. 

The illustrations are wonderful. The two illustrators included actual quotes in collage form. which I thought worked very well. 

I would recommend Two Friends for Grades 1-4. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Photo taken of the F&G

Possible Companion Text

Here is a very short video showing the sculpture of the Two friends having tea. 

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Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Raymie Nightingale
by Kate DiCamillo
Expected Release Date April 12, 2016 
Candlewick Press 
Middle Grade Fiction
272 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

I was beyond thrilled to receive this advanced copy of Raymie Nightingale and started reading it right away. I am not ordinarily a fast reader, but I devoured it. Not only that, but after I finished, I started reading it again. This never happens. I needed to spend more time with these incredible characters and within Kate DiCamillo's words. While I want to share my thoughts with others here, I have been, and expect to be, thinking about Raymie, Louisiana, and Beverly for quite some time.  

Raymie has a plan, a plan to get her father to come back home. Her mother and father have recently separated since Raymie's father "left town two days ago with a dental hygienist." She plans to enter and win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire 1975 competition. She feels that when her father sees her picture in the newspaper as the winner, then he will want to come home. 

Raymie has been told that she should learn to twirl a baton for the talent portion of the competition, so the story opens with Raymie at baton twirling lessons with two other characters, Beverly Tapinski and Louisiana Elefante. Each girl has a goal connected to the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. While Raymie wants to bring her father home, Louisiana wants to win the prize money so she and her grandmother can afford to buy food for her cat Archie, who they had to give up to a shelter recently. And Beverly wants to sabotage the entire competition so it never happens. 

The three girls could not be more different from one another, but through a series of interesting events, they slowly become friends. I loved each of them and the three of them so much! Raymie is desperate and determined, yet unsure of herself and very aware of what makes "her soul" expand or shrink. Beverly, the daughter of a NYC police officer is rougher around the edges, but has the sweetest soft side at just the right times. And Louisiana is innocent, naive, and optimistic to the extreme.

This story is filled with characters, each as interesting and real as the next. There is the quirky, unorthodox neighbor, Mrs. Borkowski who offers advice. Mrs. Sylvester is the motherly secretary at Raymie's father's insurance office who offers candy corn and gives assurances that "Most things work out right in the end." Then there is Louisiana's grandmother who is feisty and eccentric and Ida Nee, the former baton twirling champion who doesn't want to leave her glory days behind. Whether the character is present throughout the book or says three words in a brief encounter, DiCamillo made me care about each one. She masterfully circles them back throughout the book as though to remind us why each one was important. In the end the reader learns how each event and person was connected. 

Kate DiCamillo is well-known for her use of descriptive language. I was continually struck by her creative choice of words. There is a notable phrase or sentence worth quoting on nearly every page. 
I could honestly go on and on about this book. It would make a fabulous read aloud or independent read for middle graders.
Raymie Nightingale is simply the best book I have read in recent memory and has taken a spot among my very favorite books. It is certain to become a beloved favorite with many readers. 

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Treasury of Norse Mythology by Donna Jo Napoli

Treasury of Norse Mythology 
by Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrated by Christina Balit
Published September 2015
National Geographic Children's Books
Hardcover
192 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary

Animals are...surprisingly human. Finding the ways in which people and animals connect may inspire the next generation to be true caretakers of Earth. Animal Planet Animals: A Visual Encyclopedia is a comprehensive look at the major animal groups, highlighting their unique but also relatable personalities and behavior. 

Classic stories and dazzling illustrations of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters come to life in a stunning tableau of Norse myths, including those of the thunder god Thor, the one-eyed god and Allfather Odin, and the trickster god Loki. The lyrical storytelling of award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli dramatizes the timeless tales of ancient Scandinavia. This book is the third in the trilogy that includes the popular National Geographic Treasury of Greek Mythology and National Geographic Treasury of Egyptian Mythology.

My Thoughts

I have to admit, I had never heard of Norse mythology before reading this book. I was familiar with a small amount of Greek mythology, mostly from my students and reading The Lightning Thief, but Norse mythology was not something I knew existed. For those of you who are like me, Norse mythology is actually the religion of a large part of Scandinavia and Germany before the introduction of Christianity. 

I am a fan of Marvel's Avengers movies so when I read about Thor and Loki in this book, I finally realized that they came from Norse mythology. I found the timeline history and the character glossary in the back of the book to be very helpful as mythology often has many characters and can get confusing.  The author also includes little side notes with additional, helpful information, including photographs or artifacts and historical information for the reader throughout the book. 

The story is very intriguing and written so children will be able to understand the complicated events, creatures and characters. The accompanying illustrations have a definite mythological feel to them with large, exaggerated characters. 

Children love mythology and folklore and this book will help them learn about a lesser known world of mythology. 

You may also want to look at the other two books in this series:

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble by Doreen Rappaport

My Friend Alyson Beecher at Kid Lit Frenzy hosts a weekly link up to share Nonfiction Picture Books. Please visit her amazing website.

Elizabeth Started All the Trouble 

by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrated by Matt Faulkner
Expected Publication February 23, 2016
Disney Hyperion 
Nonfiction Picture Book
40 Pages
Review copy obtained by publisher

Goodreads Summary

She couldn't go to college.

She couldn't become a politician.

She couldn't even vote.

But Elizabeth Cady Stanton didn't let that stop her.

She called on women across the nation to stand together and demand to be treated as equal to men-and that included the right to vote. It took nearly seventy-five years and generations of women fighting for their rights through words, through action, and through pure determination . . . for things to slowly begin to change.

With the help of these trailblazers' own words, Doreen Rappaport's engaging text, brought to life by Matt Faulkner's vibrant illustrations, shows readers just how far this revolution has come, and inspires them to keep it going!

My Thoughts

Doreen Rappaport is the master of picture book biographies. This book chronicles the effort of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many others, in the fight to allow women the right to vote. I was ashamed that I did not realize all that these women went through and how long it took (from 1850-1920) before President Wilson granted all women the right to vote. Susan B Anthony alone gave 75 speeches a year for 45 years!!!

Rappaport includes many of the female activists of the time including: Susan B Anthony, Elizabeth Blackwell, Lucy Stone and Carrie Chapman to name a few. She shares the information in a way that will help children understand what life was like at the time. I expect (and hope) that they will be surprised and upset by how differently women were treated. 

Matthew Falkner provides the amazing illustrations. He has a gift with drawing faces and I felt as through I was looking at photographs of the actual people.  His attention to background details and deliberate use of size and space help to deliver the author's message.

Image from Doreen Rappaport's Website: http://doreenrappaport.com/elizabeth-started-all-the-trouble/

I will definitely be reading this book to my fourth graders and would recommend it for grades 3-6. 

Resources

Schoolhouse Rock Suffrage Video

Video Biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

A Mighty Girl website has a great list of books about influential women in history.

Possible Companion Texts:

   

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Visit Doreen Rappaport's website to learn more about her research.