WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kerley, Barbara. 2008. WHAT TO DO ABOUT ALICE? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 0439922313.

PLOT SUMMARY

This is a biography story book that recounts the life of Alice Roosevelt and the grief she caused her father with her unconventional behavior.  Alice lost her mother at a young age and had a hard time adjusting to the new family created when her father remarried.  As a child growing up in the White House she was known for her avant-garde behavior including frightening guest with her pet snake, Emily Spinach, and leading her younger siblings into precarious adventures.  As an adult her behavior continued to be controversial to some.  However, she was respected by many as a goodwill ambassador, advisor to the president, and a congressman’s wife.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story book biography will captivate children and encourage them to learn more about the rebellious Alice Roosevelt who dared to be independent during a time when young women were taught to be subservient and silent.  The story begins with the words “Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem,” which is followed by a full page picture of the former president looking flustered and wiping his face with a hanky.  The story goes on to describe the life of his charismatic oldest daughter, Alice, and the grief she sometimes caused him.  Throughout the biography, facts are presented about President Roosevelt and his presidency, as well as Alice and her many adventures. 

The facts are accompanied by colorful illustrations that in many cases take up the whole page or spread across two pages. Each illustration demonstrates Alice’s spontaneity whether she is jumping on her grandparents’ couch as a young girl or plunging into a cruise ship’s swimming pool as a grown woman. After explaining Alice’s successful career as an adult, the book ends with Alice walking past Mt. Rushmore as her father’ statue watches her and the last line says “But there was one problem that Theodore Roosevelt never quite solved….What to do about Alice?” bringing the story full circle, and making it a wonderful non-fiction read aloud.

At the end of the book, Kerley includes author’s notes with more interesting details of Alice’s life.  She also cites her information that is used in the books and notes validating the authenticity of the information presented.

REVIEW EXERPTS

Publishers Weekly (March 31, 2008)- “It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt.”

School Library Journal (March 01, 2008)- “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.”

CONNECTIONS

• Have students write a letter to President Roosevelt from Alice when she is in Asia
• Have students create a timeline of Alice Roosevelt’s life.
• Visit Suzy Red’s website for more activities including a quiz on the children of former Presidents:  http://suzyred.com/2009-what-to-do-about-alice.html.