WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? by Barbara Kerley, Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham

Bibliography
Kerley, Barbara. 2008. What To Do About Alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313

Plot Summary
What To Do About Alice? is a picture book biography of Alice Roosevelt, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt by his first wife. The story tells of the carefree nature of Alice from childhood through adulthood. As a child, Alice was known for jumping on furniture, enjoying a good piggyback ride, reading adventurous tales, home schooling herself, and playing with the boys. As an adult, Alice becomes a goodwill ambassador and a trusted political advisor to her husband and father. She also loves to party!

Critical Analysis
Kids are attracted to Alice’s sense of adventure. Although she may get into trouble with her father, she is so well loved by him that he forgives her when she creates a scandal. My children caught on to this early on in the biography and were able to relate this to their own lives. Kerley tells Alice’s story by portraying both her strengths and weaknesses. Although it is obvious that Kerley loves Alice and is passionate about her subject, she avoids too much bias by revealing the good with the bad. There are also author’s notes, which include more facts and insights about Alice and her relationship with her father. The illustrations complement the text by showing an adventurous and energetic Alice loving life. She is always seen on the go and in action, just as the text portrays her.

This book makes me eager to learn more about Alice Roosevelt. There is documentable dialogue, with a list of sources for the quotes. Carol Felsenthal, an expert biographer, checked all facts presented in the text and illustrations.

Awards Won & Review Excerpts

•  Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2009 - Honor Book

• Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, 2008

• Cybil Award, 2008 - Finalist

• Booklist: "There are a few flaws. Kids, who have a shaky sense of history, would have benefited from a time line, and quotes are barely sourced. These are small points, though, in an otherwise invigorating look at larger-than-life Alice."

• Kirkus Reviews: "It's a gleeful celebration of a fully, unapologetically led life."

• Library Media Connection: "The book does an excellent job of conveying a lot of history in an entertaining way as it illuminates the life and personality of one of America's icons."

Connections

• Other books about the children of American presidents:

          Davis, Gibbs. First Kids. ISBN 0375822186
          Coulter, Laurie. When John & Caroline Lived in the White House. ISBN            0786806249

• Have children create a poster highlighting their favorite moments in the life of Alice Roosevelt.

• Allow children to find information about the most recent children who are living or who have lived in the White House. Have them compare the life of Alice with the lives of the more recent first children.