What to do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography:

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What to do About Alice? Ill. Fotheringham, Edwin. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. 9780439922319

Book Summary:

Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, was always “running riot” and “eating up the world” from the very beginning of her life; Alice liked to do things her way. Alice wanted to wear pants, travel the world, dance and have a good time rather than learn how to be a proper lady. This wonderful nonfiction picture book describes the life of Alice Roosevelt and how she “broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy Crazy!”

Critical Analysis:

This carefully illustrated information book offers readers several interesting facts about the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt while also supplying facts about Mr. President himself. The book starts off by stating, “Theodore Roosevelt has a small problem” and goes on to describe the difficult problems Roosevelt faced during his lifetime such as, “leading the Rough Riders as they charged up Kettle Hill” and “herding thousands of cattle across the Dakota badlands” then finishes by stating the problem is his daughter Alice who was “hungry to go places, meet people, do things.” Readers will not even realize they are learning historical facts about one of America’s most well-known presidents as they read about the life of his daughter, Alice.

The style in which the book is written offers a fun and exciting storytelling type quality. The information within is organized in a clear and fluent fashion, beginning with Alice's younger years on up into adulthood.

At the end of the book readers can enjoy the “Author’s Note” section which further lists interesting facts about Alice Roosevelt and her father. For instance, did you know "Princess Alice" was the nickname Alice's fans gave her? Additionally, the author provides a quick summary of Alice’s life after her marriage to Nicholas Longworth, followed by a list of sources used in order to complete the book.

The illustrations are worth noting as well! Illustrator Edwin Fotheringham carefully and delicately depicted the life of Alice Roosevelt in a frolicking and fanciful manner. Each illustration of Alice rightfully depicts Alice with her head held high, smiling and clearly on a mission to enjoy life.

This book is recommended for children ages 7 and up.

Review Excerpt(s):

• Robert F. Sibert Honor Book (2009)
• Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards nominee (2008)
• Kirkus Reviews – given a blue star for remarkable merit – (2008) “It’s a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life.”
• School Library Journal (2008) “…a surefire antidote for any child who thinks that historical figures are boring.”

Connections:

• Pair this title with other great favorites such as:
         Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet
         Lincoln Tells a Joke by Kathleen Krull
         The Extraordinary Mark Twain by Barbara Kerley
• Locate music from Alice Roosevelt's youth and use it to teach the child(ren) the turkey trot or other period dance moves. 
• Supply colored paints and ask the child(ren) to create the color 'Alice Blue.' After concocting the color 'Alice Blue' work as a group to write down objects which are 'Alice Blue.'